Peak Summer

Summer must have peaked last week. It’s impossible to ever truly know when you’re in the peak until it’s gone. I think it has something to do with the boundless optimism of the human spirit. We tell ourselves, this is great now, but it may still get even better.

Which isn’t to say that the period after the peak is a disappointment. It’s not. This is an amazing time to be out and about in the Capital Region. However, I’m starting to face the inevitable. Fall isn’t the problem. Fall is awesome.

The problem is that once summer peaks it’s challenging to not get consumed with thoughts of winter. I know, I’m probably jumping the gun. Let’s focus on the positives for a moment, at least.

Corn and tomatoes are absolutely incredible right now. If you don’t belong to a CSA, you find yourself a farmer’s market and grab a bite of the good stuff. I swear, you’ll have no patience for crap tomatoes after taking a bite of something ripened in the late summer sun, and remembering why these things go on sandwiches in the first place.

Steve N. already wrote up the glories of corn. But I recently saw a corn creme brulee recipe which I’m hoping will soon make the menu at Peck’s Arcade. And just last night I couldn’t help but notice that Moxie’s had a sweet corn flavor on the menu too. I would have tried it, but the line was huge and the blueberry lavender was calling my name.

Sweet peppers, eggplant, tender lettuces, arugula, cantaloupe, it’s all incredible right now.

You also still have a couple more weeks to get out and hit those seasonal businesses. Last night was the first time I’d ever been to Jack’s Drive-in. Don’t miss out. Those onions are the burger stand’s raison d’être.

I’ve still never been to Kay’s Pizza on Burden Lake, and I’m not sure if it’s in the cards for this season. I have yet to make my annual pilgrimages to Pirates Lakeside Grill (which I love), Gene’s Fish Fry (which I also love), or On the Farm (which I love too).

The killer part about summer is that no matter how much you get done, I think you just always want a little bit more. Even knowing that cider donuts are right around the corner fails to sweeten the slow creep of winter back into our lives.

So here’s my advice to you. Grab the rest of summer by the balls, and drink it to the lees.