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JUNE 2014 HOMES PLUS 5 237050006 Ask friends, neighbors for grilling tips By Kevin Passon HOMES PLUS CORRESPONDENT OCONOMOWOC – An Internet search for grilling tips will literally bring up thou- sands of hits with just as many suggestions on how to improve the food. Still, one of the best ways to get good tips is to listen to your friends and neighbors, and in the case of David Dominguez, meat department man- ager at Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly in Oconomowoc, he and his co-workers listen to their customers. "If our customers ask, we offer tips all the time," he said. "But we also listen to their suggestions and then we share those with other customers." Those tips cover a range of topics, includ- ing preheating times, marinades, creative ways to prepare foods, variations to recipes and more. Adam Hahn, owner of the Ace Hardware store in Delafield, suggests using a larger gas grill as a smoker. "Put the chips on one side, and the meat on the other," he said. "Smoked turkey is great this way. It's how we do our Thanks- giving turkey." For Tom Metsa of Delafield, it's all about trying new foods. "While my favorite is still the classic T- bone slow grilled to perfection, my newest fascination has been pizza – and all types," he said. "If you've never warmed up last night's cold pizza on your grill, you are missing a tasty treat." Dave Bauer of Delafield, who has a gas grill and a charcoal grill, said there's a rea- son behind his dual ownership. "My preferred method of grilling is using the charcoal grill and will typically see more action on the weekends, when time is less of a factor. In my opinion, char- coal grills are more flexible, allowing you to use different types of charcoal and wood chips enhancing the flavor of whatever is on the grill. You can cook direct, indirect and smoke using the charcoal grill," he said. "There are certain items I will only grill on the charcoal grill: good steaks, turkeys, whole and cut-up fryers and ribs." For Bauer, there is something else to con- sider when grilling. "A grill master must always have a bev- erage of choice in hand while manning the grill," he said. "It is important to enjoy all aspects of the grilling experience. A craft beer or glass of wine are a couple of rec- ommendations." "Yet the food is always secondary to the experience of listening to the birds chirp- ing, kids laughing, activity happening, all while embracing the smell – the legendary smell," Metsa said. Submitted photos Barbecue ribs is a traditional grilling favorite any time during the year. Pizza has become a popular grill item.

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