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Beyond Burgers and Hot Dogs: Throwing a Patio Party for Grownups

June 4th, 2018

Are you thinking about having your friends over for a patio party but want something beyond traditional burgers and hot dogs on the menu? If you’d like to keep the quintessential patio party vibe going but with food more suitable for adults, you’re in luck—plenty of options exist for beverages, burgers and hot dogs that won’t remind you and your guests of a child’s party. Following are several suggestions designed to provide residents of apartments in Foster City, California, with inspiration for fare that tastes like summer but doesn’t resemble kid’s food.

Adult Beverages

Ice cold lemonade brings to mind lazy summer days and balmy evening breezes perfumed with the scent of garden flowers, and it’s even better when used as the base for adult beverages. Mixing it with your favorite fruit-flavored vodka in a tall glass with shaved ice takes standard lemonade to a whole new level. You can also mix it with Champagne and a splash of peach brandy, strain it through shaved ice and serve it in an oversized martini glass.

Burger Alternatives

If you want the ease of grilling burgers but without the beef, consider making grilled salmon patties. Simply combine canned salmon with bread crumbs and eggs, shape the mixture into patties, and grill them over medium heat for three minutes on each side. These burgers are excellent topped with blueberry salsa and lettuce.

Lamb burgers are another mouthwatering alternative to traditional beef burgers. Season ground lamb with cumin, allspice, red pepper, coarse salt and cracked black pepper. Cook the patties five minutes on either side if you like them medium rare, and six-to-seven minutes for medium and well-done burgers. Serve them with feta cheese for a Greek accent and a side of spinach salad with hot bacon dressing.

Other options for burgers-without-beef include emu, turkey and chicken.

Adult Hot Dogs

Bratwurst provides a delicious alternative to traditional hot dogs. Beer brats are excellent choices for al fresco feasts fit for adults. To make sure everyone gets a brat that hits their sweet spot, set up a condiment bar and let your guests create their own culinary masterpieces.

Adult Desserts

Instead of paper plates full of strawberry shortcake, consider a slice of angel food cake drizzled with lemon or raspberry sauce and topped with a bit of chilled whipped cream.

The Plaza is a brand new apartment community offering resort-style living. Call us today to find out more about amenities such as our gourmet kitchens, peaceful Zen garden, outdoor pool with cabanas, spa and much more.