Spark up the grill and let's celebrate Dad! It's never been hard to find things to grill for father's day, but let’s break out some new ideas for this special occasion that honors Dad. You can’t go wrong with classics such as gourmet burgers, New York strips and Churrasco, however you can spice up this holiday with marinades and sauces paired with extra special cuts.
Photo: Eric Monteiro
We tend to prefer items that may need a little more preparation, but burst with extra savor. Preparing marinades and sauces ahead of time not only affords precious time with family on the big day, but also allows for a beautiful balance of flavors to settle in, for recipes such as Chermoula, Caribbean Jerk rubs and Thai Green Curry Coconut.
Another way to mark the occasion is to go for something a cut above the rest and go for the Gaucho Style Grilled Sliced Beef Picanha, also known as Tri Tip. For exceptional Picanha, perp it sous vide, low and slow (65C for 2.5 hrs) in a circulator for added tenderness.
If you opt for chicken, make sure it stands out from your regular week-day meals, and for this we suggest Moroccan glazed, grilled organic chicken. If you still need that burger, why not stuff it? Foie gras burger, short rib burger or even truffle burgers. Other great barbecue nibbles that are a must have on the grill are grilled, double-cut artisan Miami Smokers, bacon or pork tenders wrapped with sage and speck.
Photo: Eric Monteiro
Tip of the day for the grill is to ditch the brush; try gathering some garden-grown rosemary or thyme, bundle it all up with twine and dip the herbal bouquet in garlic oil to brush your meats.
Photo: Eric Monteiro
Perhaps you want to prepare something light for diners who don’t want meat, go for grilled local fish and pair it with a light salsa made with local mangos, papaya and cilantro.
Mango Papaya Salsa
1 Mango, cubed - 1/2″ chunks
1 Papaya, seeded & cubed - 1/2″ chunks
1/2 Medium red onion - finely chopped
1 Medium jalapeno, seeds removed & chopped
1 Bunch of cilantro - leaves only - finely chopped
1 lime - Juiced
salt & pepper to taste
Simply stir ingredients in a medium bowl and serve with grilled fish (or use as a dip.)
Don’t forget your sides. Pick some fun salads to prepare in the morning, this will allow you more time to tend to the grill later on. Curried quinoa salad, roasted brussel sprouts salad with pomegranate and cashews or Tuscan cannellini bean salad are all great options to complement the taste of the summer char barbecue.
Add some barbecue brews with a whole lot of family bonding and father’s day will be a BLAST!
Happy Father's day!
