Summer BBQ Season Begins

The first couple of days of this week were pretty brutal from a weather perspective - wicked hot and humid. We were spoiled last summer with mild, mild temps and milder humidity and it appeared that now Mother Nature was going to exercise some justice. Mercifully, it would seem that She's eased up a bit. The past couple of days have been gorgeous and today was stunning. Stunning.

I had to grab a train into the city for some meetings at the sublime and wonderfully understated Peninsula Hotel Chicago and I relished the opportunity to walk from Union Station up to the hotel. Not a cloud in the blue, blue sky, temps in the low 70's and the sun shimmering off Lake Michigan - perfect day for walking the city. Made me once again declare how much I dig living here. I also was able to ride back and forth on the train with a good friend - it was good to catch up and served as a further reminder about how good it is to live here.

Our offices closed early today and the weather was crying out, no, demanding, a barbecue. I was more than happy to acquiesce. But it wasn't going to be the usual burgers, ribs, or chicken. Instead it was this:
Pizzas on the grill

These really could not be simpler. Just throw together a pizza dough, although I wouldn't go with one that requires a dusting of cornmeal, and toss it on the grill. Make sure you oil the grill. Many thanks to Steve Raichlen of the Barbecue Bible fame for this cool tip - use half an onion to oil the grill. I just dip it in olive oil, stab it, and oil up the grates:
Stabbed Oiling Onion

So we each prepared what we wanted on our pizzas, topped them, and tossed them back on the grill. The stunningly patient and mighty fine SML created this traditional one:
Pepperoni and Pineapple

CAL did a very traditional BBQ Chicken and I had to spice mine up:
Chorizo and Orange Pepper

It was two steps to the table since we ate outside. As far as outdoor dinners go, it rocked. Gorgeous evening. The long Memorial Day weekend looks to be a great one. I'm looking forward to it. Life is good.