BBQ Time Once Again

Ever since we threw out our old BBQ grill because it became home to a family of chipmunks (I can still picture those little chipmunks nestling inside the grill... urgh!), our only way of having BBQ food is for me to use my grill pan on the gas stove or the Cuisinart electric grill.  These methods are fine by me, but I guess men just find outdoor BBQ grills irresistible.  And so Kenneth had been itching to buy one to replace his old "friend".  He finally found one that he likes, portable (so can store in the garage when not in use) and powerful enough to grill his steaks!  He was torn between two models, which were Cdn$100 in difference.  The pricier one has a built in thermometer, electronic ignition and two side tables to hold plates and tools.  I saw him reluctantly talk himself into buying the cheaper one, and so I told him to treat it as a reward for his promotion at work.  And with that, he immediately made the choice to get the higher end model.  Sigh!  Men.  They're really like kids... doesn't take much to persuade them on things they love.

As this is a portable grill, he had to "borrow" the patio table in order to cook.  

I think this is a very cool looking grill, very modern for it's size and price.  He grilled in the drive way because the girls' jumping castle was still out in the backyard at the time.  He kept coming in and out of the house to get things, and he was worried that someone will just come and take his meat and grill while he was gone.  So funny!

Close up on the grill.  I wonder how useful the thermometer is though, because he still managed to overcook his sirloin today... oops, should I have said that?

Checking out his "babies".  He said it's necessary to close the lid for even cooking, but frankly, I think when I cooked the burgers on the open grill on my stove top, I was able to get a better looking, better tasting caramelized result.

Here's Kenneth flipping his patties.  The girls loved the burgers, so I guess that's all that matters.  I liked the salmon too; it was grilled to probably medium rare, so it was very moist.  We didn't forget to grill it on top of a piece of aluminum foil over the grill plate, so clean up wasn't bad in terms of the salmon portion of the meal.

And so with new toys in hand, we had our first BBQ dinner in one and half year.  He grilled some sirloin for himself, burger patties and sausages for the girls, and salmon for me.  It was delicious, but I still think that it's not worth all that preparation and clean-up (I also made grilled veggies in our oven, and pasta for the girls... so it's not like I don't have to do anything.).  Next time though, he said he wants to try grilling Galbi instead of steaks.  I think that is a mighty fine idea.