Amanda Freitag Interview

It’s finally happened, Amanda Freitag is opening a restaurant in New York City. You can count on where we’ll be spending our Saturday late nights (Did we mention it’s 24-hour?). Freitag will be re-opening the iconic Empire Diner space in Chelsea with her own locavore diner, which we’re confident will be much more than just that.

To pass the time before Freitag’s restaurant opens (set for early September), we did a little July 4th BBQ shopping at the Union Square Green Market with the talented, soon-to-be-restaurateur celebrity chef. Turns out, a BBQ with Amanda Freitag is our ideal dinner party this month, especially because Chef Freitag cooks exactly the way we like. We thought there would be some great ideas here for a July 4th BBQ of your own. Based on the action at the market, here is the menu Amanda thought up – on the spot of course (very Iron Chef)…

Assortment of Cheeses with Red Pepper Jelly

Strawberry Basil Margaritas

Side of Grilled Vegetables (Squash, Fennel, Zucchini, Poached Scallions) with a Pea Purée made from Fresh Shell Peas

Fresh Cucumber Salad with Yogurt, Dill, a little bit of Onion, Vinegar and Sugar

Burgers with Habanero Cheddar, Avocado and Tomato

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote on Ice Cream