Summer's almost here. You've got the grill (even if it’s a teeny-tiny Weber on the fire escape, no judgment). You've got tools. If you're in the South, you've probably got the pork. California, salmon or swordfish. Here in Brooklyn, as it happens, we've got beef, turkey and tofu, in addition to free-range, quinoa-fed heritage ostrich, natch. But you're not truly ready for the season until you stockpile our indie grilling essentials.
Start with superlative sauces and marinades, like Lillie’s Q Carolina Barbecue Sauce. The not-so-secret addition of apple and lime juice keeps it tangy, while spices like cayenne, garlic and paprika ground it firmly in savory territory.
Season tofu skewers, chicken thighs or salmon steaks with easy rubs made with ingredients you can actually recognize. Our newest favorite? Meyer Lemon Salt, combining finely flaked Kosher salt with zesty citrus peel. Whatever you don’t use at the grill can rim a few icy cocktail glasses (margaritas, anyone?).
Now, we trust you to be smart. But please remember to practice safe grilling, and always use condiments! Bacon-laced mayonnaise made with cage-free eggs, bright and crunchy whole grain mustard and spicy sriracha ketchup will protect your hamburgers and hot dogs from sugar overload.
Or maybe you know a grilling guru who’d totally appreciate our awesome gift kits, like the Grill Scout taster overflowing with so-good barbecue loot. (Think: Send to Dad for Father’s Day, and his friends’ll grill him about his secret recipe.)
Ladies and gentlemen, start your fires!