Grillin in the Park

So, it seems as if I’ve been tasked with manning the grill at my wife’s company picnic tomorrow, and could use some tips/encouragement. Haven’t cooked on charcoal in awhile, let alone for 50-150 people for a couple years.

Most things out of my control - someone else is getting the meat (burgers and brats). I’m expecting frozen patties but have requested otherwise. I’ll be grilling on those standard community grills they put in parks. Can’t bring our own.

Now the bar has been set pretty low - previous years, everything tasted like lighter fluid and was either burnt, raw or both.

I’ll bring my own tools and seasonings, so I can at least control that. Will have my pen thermometer to double check until I get the hang of the grill. Im bringing lump and briquette charcoal and my chimney to start the fires. Im thinking about a beer bath for the brats too, but to be determined tonight.

Any thoughts, tips or pitfalls that I should know - especially on a community style grill with no lid??

Oh man. Thank you all.

I really love having something to do in these situations. Saves me from some awkward small talk where at least I have a task to focus on. I’m looking forward to it.

I believe there are two grills right next to each other so we’ll probably load both of them up and be ready to replenish fuel as needed too.

Let’s see how it goes!

Oh I’m expecting a lot of looky-loo’s. lol.

At this point, I’ve got good beer chilling and I’m ready to have some fun. This is probably the first big thing we’ve done in 18 months.

So far, so good I guess! Beer is good.

(And now realizing I don’t know how to post pics from the phone. To be continued!)

blazinfire said:

Sounds like a job that someone other than yourself volunteered you for because your a BBQ guy LOL! I don't have any advice.. other than take cleaning tools and FOIL.. I have no clue how many times I've actually had to cover those park grills with foil cuz they were disgusting.

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LOL. Absolutely. Wife volunteered. It’s her company. And I’m definitely a bbq guy. BUT it turned out great. Learned a few things to bring back next year. Got tons of great feedback. Beer brat hot tub was the star of the show and people were impressed that I was checking temps. Said I didn’t want to poison a group of attorneys! Lol.

Thanks for the replies all. Will see if I can get some pics uploaded, though didn’t get great finishing shots because I could barely keep up with demand and had very little leftover!