last taste of summer

I've never been one to mourn the end of summer, but this year I feel it slipping quickly away. I won't miss the heat, the humidity, the stickiness of skin on leather car seats. I'll miss the light. The extra hours of sun that afford so many more activities and adventures. The tasks that sunlight turns into accomplishments and still leaves time to drive home before the dark sets in. Sunlight makes me super-human.

Last night was the very last Pickin' in the Plaza concert of the season in downtown Raleigh. I may not be able to appreciate country music, but I can get something out of bluegrass... the folkiness. It's raw. Food and beer trucks and street vendors lined Fayetteville Street and got no shortage of traffic from the hoards of grandmas and grandpas toting folding chairs, parents hand-in-hand with ice cream cone-carrying toddlers, and young professionals in work-wear and Jack Rodgers sandals. Everyone was soaking up the last little bits of summer left.

Having heard the hype surrounding downtown Raleigh's newest fast-casual eatery, we dined at Tasty 8's. It's a funky little hot dog joint with a takeout window perfect for its late-night hours... they are open til 3 AM Thursday through Saturday. The dogs aren't cheap, but they are adventurous and flavorful. If beef hot dogs don't thrill you, you can get falafel or chicken sausage. A combo will get you a dog, Belgian frites or sweet potato fries, and a dipping sauce of your choice. We tried the Tree Hugger and the Rising Sun with Chipotle Crema Mexicana and Honey Mustard dipping sauces. It did not disappoint.

I know it's only a matter of time before summer is done and Tasty 8's lines are so long I'll have to line up down the street with
the bar-closing crowd. But for now I'll soak it up -- the light, the warmth, the french fries.