Have you been named this year’s Memorial Day barbecue grill master? Is it your responsibility to ensure that the chicken is tender, the steaks are medium well and the vegetables have that tangy hot-off-the-grill flavor? Then get ready to head out for a little shopping spree. Having the right hardware makes grilling fun and the gathering successful.
1. Gas Grill
The purists may revolt over the notion that a gas grill rather than a charcoal appliance will do the cooking this Memorial Day. Get over it! When you cook a wide variety of foods, the easy heat control that propane offers cannot be mimicked with coals. When volume and variety beckon, Lowe’s offers a basic but highly functional four-burner, 40,000 BTU stainless steel grill that lets you switch over to natural gas in a jiffy. This nifty little unit sets you back about $250, which is not too bad. Could you spend more? Sure! But then how would you pay for the barbecue tools?
2. Barbecue Tools
Williams-Sonoma has a set of four barbecuing tools that any self-respecting grill master needs this Memorial Day. A basting mop spreads the taste around; a slotted spatula moves the burgers with ease while tongs pick up the hot dogs for the kids. The fork turns the steaks. For about $100, this is a long-lasting set that even stores in its own case. Nice!
3. Meat
Vegans and vegetarians might want to skip this point. The truth of the matter is simply that you cannot have a successful backyard barbecue for Memorial Day without investing in some quality meat. Depending on where you are located, pay a visit to your nearest health food store or farmer’s market. Sprouts, in sunny Southern California, has an amazing meat counter that features ready-made carne or pollo asada, organic meats and plenty of vegetarian-fed beef products.
4. Memorial Day Decorations
Did someone say Oriental Trading? Sure, you could visit the local party supply store and spend a small fortune. But why? Oriental trading has themed décor packs that cover everything from stars and stripes pennant banners to bunting. Background banners set the mood while Mylar balloons finish off the look.
5. Outdoor Furniture
When you need attractive outdoor furniture in a flash, IKEA is there. Yes, you assemble it yourself, but how hard is that? ÄNGSÖ makes an attractive table and two-bench combo that retails for about $350 but is sturdy and will still be there for the Labor Day barbecue and any cookout in between.
Now, all you need are the guests and the side dishes that they will bring. You did remember to assign side dishes, drinks and desserts to friends and family members, right?
