Signs of Summer: Get out the grill

Despite the agonizing fact that the official start date of summer isn’t until June 23, we’ve already had a few waves of summer-like weather in my neck of the woods. It’s days like these that energize and invigorate the lion’s share of us who live in areas with over 225 days a year of “gray” weather a year, and these days deserve their due.

With that said, here is a recurring list of odes to the signs of summer, one marvelous item at a time. And PS - we would love it if you would pepper in your thoughts as well.

Today we pay homage to cooking on the grill.

In terms of flavor, ease of cleanup and looking totally bad-ass, is there anything better than cooking out on the grill? I would argue no way. My preference is propane and a cooking rack that is cleaned only sparingly (don’t judge me - I feel it adds to the meal). Sorry charcoal purists, while I admire you greatly, the briquettes are just too hit or miss for me, although the flavors and aromas are to die for. All food must be mixed and prepared by hand to ensure that the love of the act is transferred from my heart, through my fingers to whatever delicious protein is on the menu that day.

Speaking of protein, my top 5 grilling foods: 1) A unique hamburger I found on allrecipes.com called “Good Burger,” which I modified slightly to fit my tastes. Unusual ingredients include brown sugar and Cajun spice. Out of this world. 2) Porterhouse steak with a simple olive oil, Worcestershire and garlic marinade. 3) All beef hot dogs. Classic. 4) Honey mustard chicken with a homemade honey mustard glaze/sauce - yellow mustard, honey, mayo and steak sauce. 5) Fatty, delicious sweet sausage.

And the deluge of side dishes to compliment the grilled delicacies are awesome as well. Pasta, potato and macaroni salads are top of mind, but don’t forget about the grilled zucchini, cucumber salad, baked potatoes and cole slaw.

Salivating profusely right now.

And one final question for you: In what other activity can a man justifiably hold his head high while wearing apron?

Come on back for the Ride at 4 p.m. ya’ll… and then go get grillin’.