San Diego BBQ at the Q.
It’s an early Monday morning in Ocean Beach, the fog is yet to burn off and fall temperatures are creeping in, adding a crispness to the air. There are three things that come to mind on a day like today.
1. Prepping for the boardroom lunch that is planned to serve at 12:30.
2. Setting up for an fall inspired BBQ
3. Monday night football: The Broncos and The Chargers collide tonight at the Q in mission valley.
Luckily Convivial has invited it’s staff to tailgate at the Q and celebrate a successful Summer catering season. The days work will end early and leave time for festivities. Having a top NFL team play 15 minutes away is one of the benefits of being a San Diegan and I would like to offer a few helpful tips that convivial uses when providing BBQ catering that will make your tailgate party a hit tonight.
1. Using the best cooking medium:
- Charcoal: This is the preferred heat source for our bbq catering events. allow charcoal to burn until white on the outside. This will burn off all contaminants such as lingering lighter fluids or carbon from altering the taste of your meal.
- Gas: this is certainly an upgrade in ease of use, and while the taste is similar many guests will prefer the char and smokiness gained from charcoal.
- Electric Grill: not here not now. this is not the time to plug in your favorite boxers genius infomercial product.
- Mesquite and hickory smoke: whether your using charcoal or gas you can add a hickory mesquite or fruity smokiness to your meats with wood chips. If you take advantage of this be sure to let the wood sit in water for while before adding them to a smoker box (for Gas) or directly on top of the charcoal.
2. Finding your camp:
- Getting your spot: Make sure to get in early. You’ll avoid entrance lines, have time to prepare properly and get ready for the game.
- Top tailgate areas: The Q has a great bunch of fans and plenty of potential to meet neighbors when tailgating. If you find one you can easily post up behind your car/ truck.
- Check the wind: This is obvious. check to make sure that your tailgate party can breathe easy.
3. Cuisine Tips:
- Meats: I prefer using rubs for chicken, marinades for steak, and glazes or marinades for pork. Try experimenting with a bit of cola, or a bit of beer on steaks, this will tenderize you BBQ and add flavor.
- Warm drinks: The cool weather is the perfect reason to mix your guests some drinks using hot cider, cocoa or coffee. Your designated driver will appreciate the alternative when you offer them a non-alcoholic alternative.
- Think of your guests: Do you have vegetarians in the group? Do you have dieters or picky eaters? Be sure to have options for anyone who has particular tastes or unique eating habits. Leave no guests tastes unattended.
- Invite your neighbors: You’ll pick up the best tailgating tips from the people next door.
4. Leave it as you came:
- 1 gallon of water to put out your bbq and avoid any fire hazards.
- 1 garbage bag for any waste (paper plates, bottles, cans)
Our goal is to entertain and create a fun event with food that everyone remembers. Hopefully a few of these tips will raise the bar at your next tailgating event. Hope to see you in the lot and learn from your bbq experiences as well. For more ideas and tips check back frequently. To experience convivial catering first hand request a catering quote
Enjoy the game!