We changed all our plans and spent the weekend on Eastern LI...
Perfect weather (70's with low humidity and a nice breeze off the water)! Great food! and good friends...
only downside... the traffic $ucked getting from NJ to LI on Friday afternoon...
The normally 3 hour trip took 5 hours! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" />
Left Monday at noon to avoid another 5 hour trip to NJ... no traffic at all!
(except a little on the LIE by the Worlds Fair Grounds because of the U.S. Open traffic)...
A 2 3/4 hour trip door to door! That's about the best you can do (it's a 140 mile trip, as the crow flies, thru Manhattan)... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

We made the Coconut Curry Chicken for our family & friends, and it was a huge hit!

TOO full! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> The coleslaw with the Vidalia onion salad dressing was a huge hit, it went great with (or on) the pulled pork sandwiches. Thanks again, Contessa!

Yes, would like to hear how everyone's menus worked out!! On LD, we had beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon, a hot potato salad with blue cheese and bacon <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thinks.gif" alt="" /> -- a theme perhaps?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />, and a green salad, with a nice Cab. Good meal!

Our menu worked out great, although the weather was iffy. We all had a fabulous time eating and visiting. I made some bubble gum ice cream for the kids at the last minute- it was a hit for young and old. The Jack Daniels baked beans were not as good as I'd hoped-maybe I did something wrong.

Long story short, we ended up with six for the Labor Day. I did make the marinated strip steak with chili, slaw and cheese. It must be a local thing, but we all enjoyed it. (sorry Carol)

We did have a bit of good luck. Some friends brought back some fresh Gulf shrimp and a few red fish on Saturday. I made some gumbo on Sunday that turned out pretty good, if I may say so myself.

Hey, glad you enjoyed your Labor Day! That's all that counts!