Memorial Day

The weekend we've all been waiting for...

Even though spring can be vaguely menacing with this on again off again fantasy of warmer climes, Memorial Day weekend is this essential defining point that our wish is finally true. Summer is here. Rain or shine.

Out comes the summer frocks, wicker lawn furniture, pink lemonade, beach picnics!

Even that rusting BBQ holds astonishing new hopes.

A slider from Keller's Boucheron in New York

Here is one of the best burgers you'll ever taste, a recipe adapted from Thomas Keller of the fabled French Laundry in Napa. BTW: Keller's burgers have been known to have a list price of a $60 with no condiments included- so let's say this recipe has some meat to it. Big tip of the day. Buy the highest quality meat available and have the butcher grind it at the market. We have spared you the gory details of Keller's recommended home grinding ritual. But if you are a carnivore of the purest form, you've mostly likely got the tools.

1-1/2 lbs. beef sirloin

12 oz. beef brisket

12 oz. beef chuck

1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Divide the meat into 6 portions. Handling it gently, form it into 3/4″ to 1″ burgers. Do not squeeze, mash, or overwork the meat.

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for two-temperature cooking, with one area for medium-high heat and the other for medium heat.

Put the hamburgers over medium-high heat and cook, without moving for 2 minutes, or until they are well marked. (Do not move them too early; they need to cook long enough to prevent sticking to the grate).

Turn the hamburgers 90 degrees to make a crosshatch pattern and grill for 2 minutes. Flip the hamburgers over, move to the medium heat, and grill, without moving them, for 5 minutes.

Turn the hamburgers 90 degrees and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a platter, and let rest in a warm spot for about 10 minutes for medium-rare.

If you are looking for a BIG Cape Cod event , it's the Figawi Regatta, May 27 - May 30, when 250 boats set sail from Hyannis to Nantucket in this internationally recognized sailing competition. http://www.figawi.com/page/race

Or if the mood is a good old fashion parade there are plenty of those around, too. The annual Sandwich Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday at 10 a.m.

This is a huge shopping weekend on the Cape. IRRESISTIBLES, 25 Wianno Ave. in Osterville has alot of beautiful clothing along the lines of Trina Turk and sparkling assessories.

Besides having gorgeous clothes, MIDSUMMER in Chatham has its new line of Verellen furniture which just came in today and is absolutely to die for.

Seriously....have a great weekend. It's summer whoopie time.