Eat: Just Grill It!

The first in a sporadic series on the virtues of the open flame.

OK, I know there are some pretty fancy gas grills and backyard cooking “systems” out there, and that’s great if you are looking for “pretty” and “fancy.” But I would like you, for just a minute, to (re)consider the basic charcoal grill - because you just can’t beat a brontosaurus burger cooked to perfection over a charcoal flame (more on that later).

I know all of your excuses: too much work to start, don’t want to lug around that bag of charcoal and I hate cleaning that *#%@% thing out! Well, I have the answer to these concerns: the Weber Performer. It is a traditional Weber kettle grill on steroids: gas-starting system with push-button ignition, convenient charcoal storage bin under the stainless steel work surface and easy ash removal. (Not to mention robot welding! Check the link! And no, I do not work for Weber, but it is my dream job.)

So if the Super Bowl weekend can make you replace that 27-inch tube with a 60-inch HD plasma screen, why can’t the Fourth of July weekend motivate you to roll that rusty old propane burner out to the curb and get a nice new charcoal grill. Do it for your country (propane comes from the Middle East, doesn’t it?). You’ll enjoy it for years to come – just keep the grate clean.

Salute.

- UTalkinToMe?, Senior Food and Wine Editor