I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend. My whole week and weekend seemed to be filled with festivities celebrating the red, white and blue but also with an international flair. The week kicked off with the Second Annual Saveur Magazine Barbecue. It was held on Pier 66 on the west side of Manhattan, a great venue in which to sample food from many of the top chefs in the United States. I was surrounded by celebrity chefs from the Food Network and didn’t know where to begin! I took a little detour to India and sampled the Indian BBQ of the Taj Boston. I will be sure to make a trip there for a full meal when I am back in Boston. The weekend continued with an Italian flair through the opening of a new art show, curated by Kristen Lorello, at the Greenberg Van Doren Gallery. It was fun to see the works of the featured Italian artists in the gallery, located in the gorgeous Crown Building. The weekend ended with a true American bang, watching Macy’s Annual Fourth of July Fireworks on the Hudson River in New York City. I know there have been many great fireworks shows held around the world, and having seen some of them myself, I still believe nothing comes close to the consistency each year of the incredible display from Macy’s. Six barges are placed in the middle of the river, with synchronized fireworks displayed against the New York City skyline. It’s a spectacular setting that shouldn’t be missed. Watching the fireworks was a great way to end the weekend and celebrate our country’s Independence. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the men and women in the military who served and continue to serve this country to keep us safe and sound to enjoy weekends like we just experienced. — Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher