tintedpane.com

For someone who eats because they love food, it’s strange that I didn’t have a food category (or perhaps entry?) until today.

Recently got my first grill, a Weber Genesis with uncoated cast iron grates. I hope this thing will last me the next decade at least. I was at Home Depot looking for work items as I do almost every week and the grill was on display. I walked up to get a closer look as I’ve been contemplating a gas grill for a few weeks now. It’s discounted by $180 so I decide to jump on it. I bring it back and get it assembled that night and then a friend tells me he has a 10% off coupon from Lowes. Home Depot honors competitor coupons, so I gave it a try to get another 10% off. I was pleasant and amicable with the returns manager and she said “You know I’m not supposed to do this but I’ll let it slide this time”, and I told her “thanks!” And walked away with another $55 in my pocket. Nice friend eh? I owe him some grilled ribeye in the future.

So last Sunday, I fired it up for the first time and cooked the following:

• 2 ribeyes, one marinated (a la Houston’s Hawaiian ribeye, thanks to the girlfriend’s marinating skills) and one with salt and pepper.
• 12 80/20 ground chuck hamburger patties
• 4 boudin links, most likely boudin blanc
• 48 ounces of marinated flank steak
• 6 fresh bratuwurst links (Central Market)

A lot for a first grilling. The grill’s ability to heat evenly and the built in thermometer helped immensely. After grilling on several other gas grills through the years where it was difficult to maintain the heat, encountering hot/cool-spot problems, having the burner not stay lit, this was great! Granted, it is the first time it’s been fired up, but from what I’ve read about Weber’s — their longevity and great customer support, I’m expecting it to continue down this path.

I’ve been trying to read up on grilling and Webers and came across a few forums and weblogs. You can see the weblog links in the food reference entry. Following in the style that one of them uses, I’m going to not so discretely copy the numerical format. I hope to improve my food (and general) photography skills as well. There are some really nice photos there.