Grill Time 2012

Grilling is one of America's favorite pastimes, and what's not to love? The mood is relaxed, the weather is perfect, and men take over cooking. And by cooking I mean experimenting and showing off their insane creative abilities. Nothing is too far out or off limits when the grill becomes center stage.

Ribs are slathered in secret sauces, special lemonade is poured into old, glass canning jars and watermelon is sliced. What makes men come alive for this open air eat fest? Studies may hint that it is from the forefathers, getting to play with fire and the hunter within each of the male persuasion. Whatever the reason, I sit back, relax while sipping on an adult beverage and allow them to share, show off and shine in their passion.

Do you call it "grilling," "barbecuing" or "cooking out" when lighting up the grill? And, is gas or charcoal better? What are your favorite recipes, and what makes yours better than everyone else? Is it the sauce, the style of cooking or perhaps the cut of meat? Whatever makes your food taste that much better is what I would like to hear about.

Growing up, no outdoor meal was complete without my mother's potato salad. Made with a few sprigs of dandelion greens, I still hanker for it whenever the weather becomes kind, freshly cut grass scents the air and stores display the latest in man aprons.

Below are a few links to festivals devoted to the culinary tradition and related events. If you know of others, please let me know and I will add it to the list. Until then, enjoy outdoor dining!

• Kokomo Ribfest: June 9, Kokomo w: CityofKokomo.org 
• BBQ Ribfest: June 14-17, Ft. Wayne w: BBQRibFest.com
• Indy Wine Trail-BBQ: July 14-15, Indianapolis w: IndyWineTrail.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her new column, Infused, at FoodandDrinkDigital.com, as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on BroadwayWorld.com and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Barbecue Time!

It’s Barbecue Time and I am ready for it. Chops, burgers, chicken, kabobs, seafood, vegetables and steaks; they are all good. Easter is near and Spring has arrived. The only problem is, I want new recipes every year when it’s time for barbecues and lazy Sundays on the deck.

Who has the best BBQ sauce out there? I want a family members-begging-for-the-recipe good sauce. I like it a little sweet, a tad smoky and plenty of it dripping off my chin. 

I was tipped off years ago to soak ribs overnight in cold, salty water in the refrigerator. That hint has aided me in tenderizing those favorites. Add a little smoke seasoning into the baked beans and keep the husks on the cob and soak them for at least one hour before pushing them under the coals.

I like all the advice on these important matters that I can get.

What type of a grill is best? I am on the mission of finding, and purchasing, a new one this year and hope to get lots of opinions on this issue. It is important. After all, I will use it for many years to come. It is replacing a 7-year-old grill, which has served me well and deserves its retirement, I assure you.

So, I am ready...smoker? Gas? Charcoal? What is best and why? Round, rectangular, black, red, stainless steel? Tabletop or self-standing? How big? So many choices, and so little time.

If you have any hints, suggestions or warnings about grills, cooking techniques or recipes, drop me a message. If you are a grill chef, or just like to experiment on the grill, I would enjoy hearing about it.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.