Memorial Day Barbeque Chefs

The advent of so much information and cooking shows every where you watch, today's novice backyard BBQ chefs are turning their family outings into an actual dining experience for friends, family and guests. Even the equipment once thought to be simple and practical now gives way to built in patio "nooks" that most houses don't contain, and some restaurants wished they had. From Hickory Smokers to Sub-Zero refrigeration, today's BBQ standards have been elevated to a level that most guys like me just stand and drool on ourselves ... lol!

The food though, in any BBQ setting, has become the new attraction to attending many BBQs today. People are achieving their Andy Warhol-like 15 minutes of fame by having friends mark their calendar months in advance when the announcement of a summer BBQ comes up. Whether it is Yellowfin Tuna to the Marinated Lamb Chops today's backyard BBQ chefs are showing their prowess by pushing the envelope from the old faithful of hotdogs and hamburgers. There are even "themes" for BBQs that helps turn these outings into real events other than the dog stealing a bun off the table!

Besides this past season Super Bowl BBQ, I recently attended a BBQ with a "Cajun Pot Luck" theme where the guests all brought a dish with a Cajun flair to it. My graceful, hospitable host gave the parameters,everyone responded ambitiously, and what a meal it turned out to be. There were dishes and food I did not know could be accomplished through some of our friends and guests. The old girlfriend, known for burning water, looked even a little more cute with the amazing Jambalaya she made...just saying.

So now with the Memorial Day Weekend upon me, I look forward to attending some of these BBQs and not have to end up cooking at them just because I am a chef...lol!

 ...and that's "The Last Bite"...