Mix 1 part sand with 2 parts crystal blue water. Heat to approximately 85 degrees with constant sunshine. Gently cool with pleasant breezes. Blend in days of snorkeling, windsurfing, and sun bathing, and a generous helping of napping in the middle of the day. Shake with amazing food and constant laughter and serve in a frosted glass. Garnish with pineapple slice and tiny umbrella. Serve immediately, before I have to spend another day freezing my butt off in New york!

As you may have guessed, the East Village Kitchen of NYC will be temporarily closed as I take the week off from the grind to go lie on a beautiful beach and sip upon the kinds of drinks that come with tiny umbrellas. There will be a bit of cooking and a lot of eating on this trip, and I plan to document my favorites, poolside (perhaps even a recipe or two, after all, Aruba was the birthplace of the Garden Crabcakes). Bon voyage!