Planning the Perfect Memorial Day Barbecue

This upcoming Memorial Day weekend marks both the start of summer as well as the beginning of barbecue season. Hopefully the rain will hold back just long enough to have an outdoor gathering around the grill. Here’s where you can find everything you need to get your Memorial Day barbecue started.

1. For absolute starters, you’ll have to have a grill, as well as grilling accessories. Barbecues come in all shapes and sizes from the very traditional to the creative and unique - but no matter what, they all have grilling in common. Sears, located at 495 Prospect Avenue in the Essex Green Shopping Center, has you covered with a variety of grills in a range of prices. They also have a propane exchange, for propane-powered grills.

2. While good company is probably the most important factor for a successful barbecue, good food is a close contender. Through Saturday the 26th, Shoprite, at 1 Rooney Circle, is having sales on meat that is perfect for grilling.  You can find 80% lean ground beef for $2.99 a pound to make burgers, baby back ribs for $4.49 a pound, and hot dogs for $1.88 per package. While you’re there, you can also pick up seasonings for the meat and ingredients to make side dishes, as well as chicken, fish, and veggie burgers to please all of your guests.

3. You’ll probably want to have some desserts for a sweet end to your barbecue. Whole Foods, at 235 Prospect Avenue, has many special desserts for Memorial Day weekend. In the bakery department you’ll find various cakes adorned with red white and blue stars, custom cupcakes with American flags, as well as fruit tarts, strawberry short cakes, and whoopee pies.

4. Want to serve a refreshing, summery cocktail while your guests mingle outdoors? Total Wine & More, located in the Essex Green Shopping Center, is stocked with all of the ingredients you need to make fun holiday drinks. Maybe try a strawberry cocktail: combine strawberry schnapps, club soda, and vodka, and serve over ice. To add to the patriotic theme, you can even serve the red drink in white and blue glasses.

5. Don’t have time to cook but still want to host a barbecue? Suzy Que’s Barbecue, located at 34 South Valley Road, will be open all weekend long taking barbecue orders. Their regular menu always offers ribs, wings, burgers, traditional southern side dishes, and also a BBQ combo platter. To see the whole menu, click here.