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Now that the weather finally matches the season, I thought I’d write about nothing but barbeque this week. If you’re thinking about upgrading your BBQ, how about a griddle? That’s what’s on my summer wish list. Phil Squarie at Luxe BBQ in Winnipeg says these flat tops are the latest “gotta have it!” item for people who like to cook outdoors. Some foods just can’t be cooked outside on a barbeque but now anything goes. Like stir-fries, rice or even bacon and eggs with hash browns for breakfast. And if you don’t want to take up more space on your deck with a whole second unit, the maker of your current BBQ might sell a griddle top that fits on what you have now. Phil also tells me wood pellet smokers continue to be as popular as ever.
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NEW MOBILE BBQ
Tortuga’s Smokehouse is a new catering service out of Niverville that brings the barbeque to you. Owner Adrian Bruce is an award-winning pitmaster and past board member of Red River BBQ. He and his mobile operation specialize in traditional wood-fired southern barbeque. There really isn’t enough good barbeque around here so I’m excited to give Adrian’s BBQ a try. Tortuga’s will be at the Carman Country Fair next weekend.
BEST BBQ IN AMERICA
Who has the best barbeque in America? A LawnStarter analysis of the biggest cities in the US found Kansas City, Mo., is number one. That shouldn’t be surprising because KC is the self-proclaimed BBQ Capital of the World with a number of award-winning cooks and the most barbeque festivals every year. Memphis, Tenn., is second, with Houston, Texas rounding out the top three.
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NON-STICK MEAT
To keep your meat from sticking to the barbeque, preheat the grill, cut a potato in half, skewer it to protect your hand and then rub the cut side over the grates. The starch creates a protective barrier, similar to how oil works when you use a pan on the stove. This hack works better on a clean grill.
GIRLS ON GRILLS
The barbeque is no longer the exclusive domain of the dude, if it ever was. According to a new survey, women are the unsung heroes of the BBQ. 53% of 2,000 men and women say the ladies don’t get enough credit or praise for their barbequing skills. 77% think it should be just as common for women to BBQ as men. 84% agree there’s nothing better than a summertime meal hot off the barbeque .
— Hal has written columns for years. He’s also the host of Connecting Winnipeg weekday mornings from 10 to noon on 680 CJOB. You can email him at Hal@HalAnderson.ca.
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