BBQ etiquette - Coping with the changing face of BBQ in the current Economic Climate.

trout · 07-06-2008 11:25AM #1

We all know that BBQ is like sex, even when it's bad, it can be pretty good.

Still ... as the BBQ season swings into full effect, I thought I'd fire up this thread* to stimulate discussion on BBQ etiquette.
Personally, I fear that BBQ as we know it will change, what with the credit crunch and all.

For example, I recently attended a BBQ where guests had to bring their own food, dessert and fuel. :eek:

Share your BBQ horror story ... we're here to help.

*didja see what I did there ? BBQ / Fire it up! ... hehehe

Tom Dunne · 07-06-2008 12:01PM

I think there are a few essential points for a successful BBQ.

The first is probably turning up on time. No point in arriving when the food has been eaten and they other guests are getting into the swing of things.

Never turn up with what can be perceived as better food than the host has provided. Not everybody is into those namby-pamby skewers and stuff. Most people just like a good bit of meat, possibly a sausage and a cuddle afterwards.

Fuel, you say? Now that is an odd one. Then again, if a host is any good, they would have ensured they had enough fuel for cooking. If, however, they had to fire the BBQ up at a later stage and then ran out of fuel, well that can't be helped.

Another point is when you staying over after a BBQ, if indulging in early morning amorous activities, at least have the decency to keep it to a level that those in the next village cannot hear.

trout · 07-06-2008 12:05PM

Should vegetarians be welcome at a BBQ ?

Tom Dunne · 07-06-2008 12:08PM

trout wrote: »

Should vegetarians be welcome at a BBQ ?

Absolutely.

If nothing else, for amusement. Though I believe cooking those veggie burgers is an art in itself.

trout · 07-06-2008 12:09PM

Tom Dunne wrote: »

Another point is when you staying over after a BBQ, if indulging in early morning amorous activities, at least have the decency to keep it to a level that those in the next village cannot hear.

Ummmm ... therein lies a tale, I'm thinking. :cool:

Will · 07-06-2008 12:31PM

With the current economic turn down, the state of america and raising fuel prices it is leading people into being tight asses... If I was invited to a BBQ and expected to bring everything bar the kitchen sink why bother myself? I would stay at home and do it myself.

General etiquette would decree that when attending a BBQ you bring something for the generous hosts whether it be in the form of alcohol, munchies or even more meat. The most recent BBQ I attended I brought with me alcohol and a nice supply of marinade for the hosts to encourage them to have another BBQ sometime soon

trout · 07-06-2008 12:33PM

Ah ... Marinade.

The gift that keeps on giving.

Will · 07-06-2008 12:35PM

Home made also

I was fearing some people would think I'm cheap so as I said I brought with me the gift of wine and beer.

DenMan · 07-06-2008 01:54PM

Ah yes BBQ season is indeed in full swing. We don't need a reason, it's the summer and even with the tiniest bit of sun it's time to get that BBQ going. Lidl is a great place to stock up on supplies. Burgers are awesome, the frankfurters taste great and the beer selection totally rocks.

I prefer to to boil the chicken and ribs before I marinade them as when they are cooked fully the marinade easily absorbs right through the meat. Soft and tasty when applied to the BBQ. And a nice cold one while you order people about.....:D

Galvasean · 07-06-2008 03:09PM

Wilburt wrote: »

General etiquette would decree that when attending a BBQ you bring something for the generous hosts whether it be in the form of alcohol, munchies or even more meat.

Agreed. I always bring something to the table out of courtesy. If i am not in the position to bring anything i'll lend a hand either constructing the BBQ or doing some of the grilling.

Tom Dunne · 07-06-2008 03:41PM

At this point I would like to turn the debate to the topic of charcoal. Not the fuel suggested above, but the art of cremating every morsel of food into slivers of carbon.

Observe the attached photos, Brother Trout. These were taken this morning by me as I was feeding the masses amassed in my back garden. Notice how most of the food actually bares a passing resemblance to it's original form. Take the sausages, for example, notice how they are nicely browned and would not double as some sort of projectile for a terrorist weapon of mass destruction.

I believe the art of not cremating food, with or without flames, is one that only a select few can master.

trout · 07-06-2008 03:44PM

It always helps when you have ample quantities of fuel :cool:

Yes, it is hard to cook sausages three times, over 50 minutes, without cremating them.
Having said that ... what else are you going lob at hitlercat in the wee small hours of the morning ?

/Edit - Second picture, top right ... is that evidence of a BBQ egg ? Impressive.

Tom Dunne · 07-06-2008 04:03PM

trout wrote: »

/Edit - Second picture, top right ... is that evidence of a BBQ egg ? Impressive.

Yes, the vegetarian amongst us obviously wasn't interested in meat, at least not the meat on the BBQ, so I had to provide something for her.

I'm an equal-opportunities host.

trout · 07-06-2008 04:07PM

I'm hungry now so I am ... :cool:

Karl Hungus · 07-06-2008 04:14PM

My most recent BBQ was just a few friends, and we used one of those disposable BBQs from Aldi. Tasty foods though, tasty foods.

Nevyn · 07-06-2008 04:21PM

trout wrote: »

Should vegetarians be welcome at a BBQ ?

The more vegetarians the more meat for me and the other meat eaters,
as long as they are not the prissy kind who cry or talk about the poor animals
and start trying to kill the mood with their disapproval.

when it come to BBQ vegetarians know your place...

trout · 07-06-2008 04:22PM

Karl Hungus wrote: »

My most recent BBQ was just a few friends...

Just to clarify, did you BBQ and then eat your friends, or eat WITH your friends ?

It's a small point, but one that's important to me.

Karl Hungus · 07-06-2008 04:36PM

trout wrote: »

Just to clarify, did you BBQ and then eat your friends, or eat WITH your friends ?

It's a small point, but one that's important to me.

With them. My friends aren't very tasty looking, I don't imagine they'd make a good meal.

trout · 07-06-2008 04:57PM

Thanks for clearing that up.

Loopy · 07-06-2008 09:27PM

We were invited to a BBQ last year and weren't told it was BYO so we just arrived with the booze.

I was mortified, and had to leg it down to the local centra and buy some shitty chops that had been probably lying there for days.. They tasted rank and while we munched on those rotten chops (for about an hour, they were so tough) everyone around us was eating succulent steak and chicken.

They aint getting invited to any of my BBQ's this summer..

trout · 07-06-2008 09:36PM

You could always invite them to yore BBQ, and tell them not to worry about food.

Then when they arrive, tell them it's BYO ... sure everyone knows that.
For a moment or two, they will think yore joking ... then, as the penny drops, you can tell them to fcuk off.*

That will learn them :mad:

Poor show. For shame.

*this may not actually be good advice, yore mileage may vary.

LostinBlanch · 07-06-2008 10:29PM

looptheloop wrote: »

We were invited to a BBQ last year and weren't told it was BYO so we just arrived with the booze.

I was mortified, and had to leg it down to the local centra and buy some shitty chops that had been probably lying there for days.. They tasted rank and while we munched on those rotten chops (for about an hour, they were so tough) everyone around us was eating succulent steak and chicken.

They aint getting invited to any of my BBQ's this summer..

Now that is just not funny. What kind of eeeejits don't bring their own meat to a barbie? :cool:

Seriously they sound like a grand people altogether, a wonderful addition to any party. BY Feckin O? Feck off the lot of them. Or you could try Trouts idea but have a gang of people there in on the whole thing, just to add extra authenticity like.

fred funk }{ · 08-06-2008 12:55PM

I'll add a question. Are Gas BBQ's real BBQ's?
You can't call yourself a through master of the BBQ unless you can cook a dozen sausages over the coals without cremating them.

Nevyn · 08-06-2008 12:57PM

I would say that a gas bbq with out any coals what so ever is just a cooker on wheels.

trout · 08-06-2008 12:59PM

fred funk }{ wrote: »

I'll add a question. Are Gas BBQ's real BBQ's?
You can't call yourself a through master of the BBQ unless you can cook a dozen sausages over the coals without cremating them.

I'm going to go out on a limb here, and say that Gas BBQ's are perfectly acceptable.

Charcoal is for purists with loads of time on their hands ... and reeks of effort.

Gas is quicker & easier.

This opinion is in no way biased by the fact that I fail at charcoal BBQs ... no sir. :cool:

John Mason · 08-06-2008 01:35PM

If you are the host of a BBQ and you have people staying over you should use the utmost discretion in relation to any out of character behaviour or sounds which may occur. this is due to the amount of alcohol consumed.

you should also make sure there is actual hot water for showers in the morning especially if there has been night time games.

Zaph · 08-06-2008 01:38PM

irishbird wrote: »

you should also make sure there is actual hot water for showers in the morning especially if there has been night time games.

If said night time games actually take place during daylight hours is there a dispensation for the hot water requirement?

trout · 08-06-2008 01:56PM

Zaph wrote: »

If said night time games actually take place during daylight hours is there a dispensation for the hot water requirement?

The nudie-prod game can be quite messy any time of the day or night, so showers are pretty much compulsory, in polite company.

Loopy · 08-06-2008 07:29PM

trout wrote: »

You could always invite them to yore BBQ, and tell them not to worry about food.

Then when they arrive, tell them it's BYO ... sure everyone knows that.
For a moment or two, they will think yore joking ... then, as the penny drops, you can tell them to fcuk off.*

That will learn them :mad:

Poor show. For shame.

*this may not actually be good advice, yore mileage may vary.

Yeh good idea, I am going to invite them to one this year and say we heaps of grub, then while the rest of us are milling the juicy steaks I'l throw a few manky old sausages on for them..

Galvasean · 08-06-2008 09:29PM

Last BBQ I was at we had a gas BBQ. We smashed it up good an fashioned it into a makeshift coal BBQ. It wreaked of manly awesomeness.

Blitzkrieger · 08-06-2008 10:06PM

looptheloop wrote: »

We were invited to a BBQ last year and weren't told it was BYO so we just arrived with the booze.

BYO? I have to say I've never heard of that before. Who the **** invites people to their house for a meal then expects them to bring their own food?

The BBQs I get invited to, the host always lays *everything on - including the booze.

*Out of politeness I always ask if I should bring anything and for some reason I'm always asked to bring some coleslaw. Suits me - I bring something I don't eat anyway and get food and beer in exchange....

Talliesin · 09-06-2008 12:30AM

Thaedydal wrote: »

The more vegetarians the more meat for me and the other meat eaters,

They also do something with that strange green leafy stuff that some people put in bowls. Saves putting it in the bin.

Slow Motion · 09-06-2008 09:12AM

Lets clear something up RIGHT NOW! It's a BBQ! They're your friends (supposedly). If you are such a fcuking tightwad to make them bring their own anything (other than partners), they won't be your friends for much longer nor do you deserve them! It's a BBQ, you are not only showing off the fact that you can cook bit's of dead animal while drinking a beer and farting, you are also showing you are enough of a provider that those who are invited can be sure of a warm welcome, good food and a decent beer! If they want to bring their own offerings well and good, but it should NEVER, EVER be required! If you don't agree with the above, well, there is a cocktail and a frilly dress for you in tLL.

jester77 · 09-06-2008 11:24AM

We have disposable BBQ's here that are the business. They only cost €2 and are ready to go, throw in a match and throw on your steaks, burgers and sausages. There is then an area in the park for dumping the remains, very efficient!! For €10 you can have a great meal and get well drunk while laying out in the park admiring the wimmin

.... and everyone brings their own as the BBQ are too small for feeding more than 1!!

Xavi6 · 09-06-2008 01:14PM

I did a bbq at least once a week in my first house over here. Massive yoke out the back.

It's essential to cook all your meat in beer. When the steaks, chicken, sausages etc are half cooked throw about half a can of beer across the top. It gives the meat extra flavour and makes them far juicier. It's an old Aussie tradition apparently and one that I'll definitely be taking back to Ireland with me.

Tom Dunne · 09-06-2008 01:15PM

Xavi6 wrote: »

It's essential to cook all your meat in beer. When the steaks, chicken, sausages etc are half cooked throw about half a can of beer across the top. It gives the meat extra flavour and makes them far juicier.

Interesting.

Duly noted for next time.

_blank_ · 09-06-2008 01:15PM

Tom Dunne wrote: »

Interesting.

Duly noted for next time.

Throwing beer on a gas BBQ mightn't be the best idea in the world Tom.

John Mason · 09-06-2008 01:17PM

might not be too bad, if he doesnt add the coals as wells :cool:

The Bollox · 09-06-2008 01:18PM

Slow Motion wrote: »

Lets clear something up RIGHT NOW! It's a BBQ! They're your friends (supposedly). If you are such a fcuking tightwad to make them bring their own anything (other than partners), they won't be your friends for much longer nor do you deserve them! It's a BBQ, you are not only showing off the fact that you can cook bit's of dead animal while drinking a beer and farting, you are also showing you are enough of a provider that those who are invited can be sure of a warm welcome, good food and a decent beer! If they want to bring their own offerings well and good, but it should NEVER, EVER be required! If you don't agree with the above, well, there is a cocktail and a frilly dress for you in tLL.

that's fine if you have a well paying job, but I'm in my early 20's, I am in a fairly shítty paying job, but it has good prospects. When the money gets better I'll have no problem providing the food, but until then I supply some meat, and the others bring some aswell. at least this way there will be no shortages

Xavi6 · 09-06-2008 01:19PM

DesF wrote: »

Throwing beer on a gas BBQ mightn't be the best idea in the world Tom.

My barbie was gas and I lashed the beer on. It does kick up a monster flame if you douse the meat in one go but do it gradually and there's no problems. I've done it in the kitchen with my steaks on the pan.

_blank_ · 09-06-2008 01:20PM

You've never seen Brother Tom trying to operate a gas BBQ.

He was trying to add coals at one stage ffs.

Victor · 09-06-2008 01:35PM

trout wrote: »

Should vegetarians be welcome at a BBQ ?

Only to other people's barbeques. More meat to go around then.

John Mason · 09-06-2008 02:07PM

Victor wrote: »

Only to other people's barbeques. More meat to go around then.

what if the vegetarian brings banoffe?

_blank_ · 09-06-2008 02:08PM

irishbird wrote: »

what if the vegetarian brings banoffe?

Vegetarians are obliged to bring banoffee to BBQs

It's the law.

Tom Dunne · 09-06-2008 02:36PM

irishbird wrote: »

what if the vegetarian brings banoffe?

The ground they walk on will be worshipped.

Which reminds me, what is the shelf-life of banoffe?

_blank_ · 09-06-2008 02:37PM

Tom Dunne wrote: »

The ground they walk on will be worshipped.

Which reminds me, what is the shelf-life of banoffe?

Should be ok this evening I'd say.

Tom Dunne · 09-06-2008 02:39PM

DesF wrote: »

Should be ok this evening I'd say.

Looks like it's banoffe for dinner so.

Nevyn · 09-06-2008 02:40PM

Tom Dunne wrote: »

Which reminds me, what is the shelf-life of banoffe?

The same as the shelf life of the cream in it.
If the cream is ok then your grand.

i71jskz5xu42pb · 09-06-2008 02:50PM

trout wrote: »

Personally, I fear that BBQ as we know it will change, what with the credit crunch and all.

Yes I was going to have a BBQ recently but was unable able to raise the leveraged mezzanine finance required, my brokers were only prepared to offer convertible bond secured against assets. I had the option of offloading some private equity secondary market but what with the credit crunch and all that was never going to happen. I had a pizza instead.

Lucy Lu · 09-06-2008 02:51PM

Tom Dunne wrote: »

Looks like it's banoffe for dinner so.

Thats if there is any left when you get home

John Mason · 09-06-2008 02:52PM

Tom Dunne wrote: »

The ground they walk on will be worshipped.

right you all heard him - down on the ground and worship me, you lot

BBQ etiquette - Coping with the changing face of BBQ in the current Economic Climate.

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