Gadgets for great grilling, and then some
Memorial Day waits just around the corner and I'm crossing my fingers that May will stick with these sunny, warm days - the kind of days a fair-weather griller like me prefers.
I braved some cool, drizzly days earlier this month at my Weber so I could test some new gadgets that have come my way. Here are a few that impressed me:
Clean it: If you've seen the infomercial for Grill Daddy and been tempted to dial the 800-number, give into temptation next time.
I was skeptical that this water-filled device would really clean the grates, but it worked. Fill the cavity with water and then once the grill is hot, open the valve and brush. The water steams when it hits the grates and loosens the cooked-on grit. The heavy-duty steel bristles brush it all away.
The Grill Daddy costs $14.95, plus shipping and handling if you order via phone or online. Or, pick one up at Target, Ace Hardware or other spots where "as-seen-on-TV" products are sold.
Stick it: If you thought a skewer was a skewer was a skewer, think again.
The new stainless steel Pyrex Roasting Skewers (14.99) have dimpled flat surfaces that deliver spices and marinades from within and keep the meat and veggies from rotating around the skewer when you try to turn them. The easy-hold thumb grips also make them easy to flip. They even clean up easily and can go in the dishwasher. Look for them where kitchen and grilling supplies are sold.
Stepping up to the plate: Sean Marshall, left-handed pitcher for the Cubs, will create his signature brat burgers during a demonstration from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at Meijer, 9000 W. Golf Road, Niles.
On the mound with Marshall will be personal chef and culinary adviser Sue "Sue Chef" Dow who brings her PBS show to Chicago later this year.
After the demo, Marshall will stick around and sign autographs until 8:30 p.m. Fans who arrive at 5:30 p.m. will receive a wristband that ensures them an autograph from Marshall.
Great grapes: Sip wine, nibble on great food; listen to live music and stroll along the Fox River at the Elgin Wine Festival, 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 29.
Set under an enormous tent (in case it rains) at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., the festival offers an opportunity for novices and connoisseurs to try more than 150 wine varieties from across the globe.
Wine not your thing? Check out the Belgian Cafe, a beer garden experience within the festival.
Tickets cost $25 in advance; $35 at the door. Designated drivers get in for $10. Order at (877) 772-5425 or at elginwinefestival.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association's (NISRA) Special Olympics training and cultural arts programs.
Giving guys their due: OK fellas, I heard you. Last week's "Sex and The City" cocktails were too froufrou, so here are a few macho quaffs concocted by the mixologists with Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila to honor the men of SATC.
For Charlotte's hubby Harry Goldenblatt, The Perfect Paloma (pictured): In a rocks glass filled with ice mix 2 parts tequila, 4 parts grapefruit soda and a splash of lime juice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
And for the always-neat Mr. Big, The Dobel Neat: 2 parts tequila in a crystal snifter.
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at food@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4524. Listen to her discuss food and restaurant trends on Restaurant Radio Chicago, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays on WIND 560 AM.