Putting the Bar in Bar-B-Q

Is it possible to have a true outdoor barbecue without alcohol?

I'm not sure, but if any of you out there try it, let me know how it goes, because I fear the results will be less than stellar. My friends and I cook out a lot, no seriously, A LOT, so you'll be hearing much about my cookout philosophies, but here's a taste.

Grilling and drinking go hand in hand, literally. For me, while I grill, I virtually always have the spatula or food utensil in my left hand and a frosty mug in my right. (NT3: Interesting, because I always go with the beer in left hand, spatula in right hand approach.) It's a right of passage when you become the resident "Grill Master" and work the grill while everyone else is hanging out, drinking, socializing, etc. It's a unique feeling because although you may be removed from all the action physically, you're actually the center of the magic, everything relies on you. The fate of the party's appetite lies in your hands.

That's a pretty big responsibility, and it's not something that anyone can or should do. Oh no, quite the contrary, a true Grill Master is able to balance the responsibility of the cooking with the other aspects of the party. Earlier tonight as I was grilling for some friends, I had the pleasure of having someone constantly fill up my beer as I was working the grill. This role is vital to the Grill Master because it allows us to focus on the food and not have to worry about filling up our glasses. Next time you're at a cookout, do everyone a favor, and make sure the person manning the grill doesn't have to get his/her own drink. Remember, keep the cook happy; some good advice for ya.

Now, during cookouts, variety in your beverages can make or break the party. Sure, everyone knows what I'll be drinking, but if you're hosting, you better bring the good stuff and not phone in the choices. If you're going to do something then do it right. That's not just a cookout philosophy of mine, that's a life philosophy of mine.

A summer time fan favorite at my cookouts are Mudslides. They're delicious, they're creamy, they're refreshing, they're pretty strong, they're cold-I see no downside here. Plus they sorta act like a dessert, how can you go wrong? Next time you're hosting a cookout in the summer, throw in a frozen concoction like a Mudslide and see what people think, especially the women out there. My guess, it'll be a big hit.


See ya at the next cook out-I'll be the one with the beer and spatula in my hands

Swallow Your Pride(and Drink)

Alright friends, the little write-up to the side of the blog does not kid...I am a Bud Light fan through and through. I drink it all the time, I promote it, it is the proverbial life blood that fuels my social life. I am pretty much a Bud Light poster boy for The Northeast, along with some of my friends. I drink others beers from time to time, but no other light beers...sorry Coors and Milller. NT3, on the other hand has a more welcoming and far less ignorant palate than me....poor guy.

Having said that, something happened the other night that challenged my very principles as a person, nevertheless as a loyal Bud Light drinker. I was at the bar with some people Thursday night when a friend of a friend sent over a pitcher of beer to the table...




it was MILLER LITE....
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/30/65975072_431772a43a.jpg?v=0See full size imageSee full size image





I didn't even need to hear him order the pitcher or taste it, we knew it was Miller Lite. Sure enough, upon further examination, it was indeed that other "lite" beer, and I was faced with a situation I never want to be in again.

Now, I had just finished my beer, and stared at the full pitcher cautiously studying the non-Bud Light contents. My beer was empty, there was a full pitcher, and the guy was right next to us...I couldn't possibly insult the guy by not drinking the beer he bought us, right? on the other hand, I couldn't possibly compromise my beer beliefs, right?

The others at the table looked at me, wondering what I would do, if I would place etiquette and courtesy over taste and loyalty, or if my beer instincts would take over and displace my sense of graciousness and gratitude.

Then I did it. I poured myself a glass of Miller Lite, thanked the guy, and choked down the beer like I was 6 years old and my mom was sticking a spoonful of medicine in my mouth. It's also possible I shed a tear, just like I probably would have nearly 20 years ago.

Lesson to be learned:

Though we may all have favorite beers or ignorant taste buds, there are few things more sacred and honored than when someone buys you a beer. You drink it, pretend to like it, be grateful for it....don't do it for yourself, do it for the person who bought you it. This is obviously a small metaphor for life as well, and I'm all about life lessons. It's better to swallow your pride for an instant, then breach etiquette and insult. (Pun very much intended, expect way more of those in the future)


Keep drinkin'