So this year helping friends celebrate 4th of July in the USA is going to be a no-go yet again. And yeah, the weather means a barbecue is off the list too – unless you fancy sitting outside under a golfing umbrella, chancing a thunderstorm.
Personally, I’m all about creature comforts. So this year maybe on of the best ways to celebrate is indoors at Hard Rock Cafe. No pouring rain to dilute your drink, and all the hard work, including washing up is done for you. I was sold, so headed in to Manchester to give the food a try.
Drinks wise, there are two options, a bucket full of beers, or this, the Berry Margarita. Don’t be fooled, this is no ordinary margarita, it’s a beast. 36oz – or just over 1l to you and me, filled with Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, Triple Sec, blackberry syrup, house-made margarita mix, and garnished with fresh berries and a sugar rim.
When it comes to the food, it’s an American style barbecue. Hard Rock’s signature baby back ribs are the appetiser, soft and tender they fall off the bone, with a sticky glaze that will have you licking your fingers.
Onto mains, and you have the Red White and Blue Burger, or a selection of hotdogs – two for £11.95, three for £16.95 or all four for £20.95, in case you’re really hungry!
The burger is the Hard Rock Cafe’s signature steak burger, seasoned with buffalo sauce and Cajun seasoning, then topped with blue cheese and an onion ring, with seasoned fries on the side.
When it comes to the hot dogs, you have a selection of toppings to choose from, I went for the Atlants, with spicy slaw and yellow mustard, and the NYC, with grilled onions and mustard. A small warning, the mustard isn’t the light yellow stuff you’re used to, it’s got a bit of bite to it, which works really well with the dog, but might catch those who aren’t used to heat out.
Both were delicious, though I did find myself defeated by the second bun – after all, I wanted to save some room for dessert!
Admittedly, we shared this pretty concoction, the Summertime Shortcake. Fresh strawberries and blueberries, buttermilk biscuit, vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce and whipped cream. It’s fresh and fruity, a great way to end this American feast.
If you fancy any of these, they’re available til 7 July, so you’ve still time to celebrate!