Cover image: BBQ dinner at Democrats Abroad Independence Day celebration
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It has long been said that "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

Though this idiom refers to women vying for men's affection by feeding them well (and setting aside the gender stereotypes at the root of this phrase), the same can be said of politicians who wish to woo voters at election time.

Democrats Abroad decided to celebrate this year's U.S. Independence Day with an outdoor barbecue, not only to commemorate the ratification of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, but also to encourage attendees to register to vote.

Democrats Abroad invitation

The event was held at Café A, which is part of the Couvent des Récollets.  It is across the street from the Gare de l'Est, making it quite easy to find.

Tom and I showed up at about 3 PM.

Café A entrance
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Democrats Abroad guest check-in and voter registration table
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Seattle native Randy Garrett was in command of the grills that day.  He and his pit crew turned out pork ribs, chicken, salmon, and hot dogs along with corn on the cob throughout the day.

Pitmaster Randy Garrett grilling salmon steaks
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Placing chicken on the grill
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Serving ribs
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Randy Garrett serving corn on the cob
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Randy Garrett and the pit crew
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Guests were asked to select their sides (potato salad, cole slaw, and mixed veggies) before passing in front of the grill.  

Selecting sides
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You had to go through the line a second time to get dessert.

Carrot cake
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Apple tart
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Beer, wine, and soft drinks were available at the bar.

Serving drinks at the bar
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Garrett's wife, Nicole, arrived shortly after Tom and I did.  She happily agreed to pose for a photo.

Randy and Nicole
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Tom and I sampled everything except the hot dogs and salmon.  We thoroughly enjoyed our meal.

Dinner
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We loved the carrot cake as well.  Tom was so impressed by it that he got a second piece and searched out the man who baked it!

Slice of carrot cake
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José - carrot cake baker
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The venue became more crowded as the afternoon progressed.  Thankfully, it was a beautiful day!

Garrett took a break from the grills during a lull and enjoyed conversing with guests.

Diners enjoying their meals
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Randy Garrett conversing with diner
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As the afternoon wore on, more and more people that Tom and I know showed up.  I was thrilled to reunite with Kiratiara Freelon, an executive recruiter and freelance journalist based in Rio, who is in town to cover the Summer Olympic Games.

 Monique and Kiratiana Freelon
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After a few hours of food and conversation, Tom and I departed for home.

While we are both already registered to vote, the purpose of the event was not lost on us. 

If you live overseas and have not yet registered to vote, visit the VOTE FROM ABROAD Website and sign up!