Sunday, September 6, 2009

Grillfest 2009, What's Serving Up Next and Beer!

Today I entered my version of Bobby Flay's Grilled Open Face Cheesesteaks into our street's annual Grillfest competition, adding some caramelized onions as a finishing touch. While I was very happy with the way that my entry turned out (even though the onions still have my house smelling like the corner of 9th and Passyunk), the coveted 'Golden Spatula' award went to our neighbor, Brian, for his incredible Pulled Pork, and rightfully so. However, everyone stepped up to the challenge and brought some amazing dishes. All entries had to be prepared on the grill, and they were all fantastic: Sesame Chicken, Salmon with Watermelon Salsa, Cheesesteak Stromboli, Peppers and Sausage, and Pork with Grilled Peaches. My neighbors really know how to cook, and it made for a great, fun day with lots of excellent food, screaming kids, and plenty of beer. A perfect way to end the summer!

With the grilling season coming to an unofficial close, I've been putting together a bunch of recipes to post on the blog over the next few months that I look forward to sharing with you. Along with Calamari and Peas, Lasagna Roll-Ups, Marinated Eggplant, Empanadas, and Steamed Dumplings I'm also planning to try out some recipes using some of my favorite fall spices and ingredients (pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc). So be sure to check back often!

Another sign for me that autumn is in the air is the arrival of the fall seasonal beers. I've really grown to enjoy the Oktoberfests, Pumpkin beers and various other harvest brews that make their way onto the shelves (and into my refrigerator) this time of year. In fact, I just stocked up on a nice variety of seasonals just the other day to hold me through the season. While I do not consider myself a connoisseur of beer in any way, I will attempt to post a quick recap on whatever new brews I get to try out this season. If you are interested in reading up on some good beer talk, be sure to visit Joe Sixpack's or the Philadelphia Exbeeriment's website. Great sites, great info, great beer.

Happy fall, y'all!

4 comments:

Elisa said...

Sad to see the "grilling season" come to an end but you are making fall sound so delicious... Especially looking forward to the beer talk!

Alicia said...

Congratulations on a successful recipe! Can't wait to see the photos!

Jackie said...

I saw the picture from Daria...oh my, that looks amazing! I have to try it!

Jackie said...

But Don, grilling doesn't have to end with summer! Dan grills all year long - particularly when a good snowstorm hits (I guess it's his Boston blood). He shovels a path out to the grill and cooks up a feast - it's become tradition. (I'll have to show you some pics.) Come over this winter and hunker down with us!