Schwag for the Grill Man
June 15, 2006

I recently attended a mountain bike clinic at Catamount presented by local pros Lea and Sabra Davison. These super–charged gals, Jericho natives and Middlebury alumni, are nationally sponsored by Trek and Devo. They taught us some smooth moves and gave us free Trek booty like water bottles and bike tools, but more importantly, they taught us some cool mountain biker slang.

The first word we learned was ‘chicked’ as in a female rider who outmaneuvers or out performs a male rider. This instantly got me thinking about Father’s Day and BBQing. Why? Well, let’s face it: women are most likely to over perform on 95% of the prep, execution, service and clean–up of a typical BBQ. This includes planning the menu, purchasing food, prepping salads, and setting up plates, utensils and beverages. Also, they think ahead about marinades, timing, and any other necessary sauces, side dishes, and condiments. Big Daddy arrives at the fired up grill with a beer and tongs and Viola– he lays the meat on the grill!  Expertly turning it, using one beer per side as a timing guide, dinner's on the platter and headed for the table before you know it.

Ladies, here’s where we want to be careful. Under no circumstances should you ever chick your mate on Father’s Day. Resist the urge to monitor tongs, timing, or take any credit whatsoever for the food or festivities. Allow Dad to bask in the glory of a fabulous meal; let him do the victory lap as everyone cheers the world’s greatest BBQer. That’s what Father’s Day is all about– making a great guy look good.

The second word we learned was schwag. This means prizes, free stuff and any other superfluous booty that makes a basic event extra special. In the case of Father’s Day, grill schwag would be a fine idea for bolstering the grill performance. Every grill master requires a sauce mop and bucket; or, how about a set of 20” locking tongs with a flashlight built in? Wine barrel wood chips are sure to enhance flavor while double prong bamboo skewers are the latest in BBQ chic. I found these items and several more schwag–filled pages on Amazon.com.

For local last minute gifts truffle oil, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, premium olive oil, prime beef, and wet and dry rubs are all grill master essentials that would look great in a gift basket. How about a trip to the hardware store with the kids? Let them pick out a variety of paint brushes and a small pail to hold Daddy’s new basting brushes. Every grill master needs a pro to learn from. Stop by the bookstore and pick up any one of Steve Raichlen’s six books on the art of BBQ. I'll bet my mountain bike he's never been chicked on this subject.

For an instant celebration menu featuring grilled beef, lamb, or chicken select these recipes from my archives. Rum & Salsa Marinade/March 2004, BBQ Marriage Sauce/July 2004, 7 layer Salad/ June 2005, Grilled Veggie Platter/ September 2005, Red Potato Salad/May 2003.

Kim Dannies is a graduate of La Varenne Cooking School in France. She lives in Williston, VT with her husband, Jeff, and three college–aged daughters who come and go. ©2008