This time of year brings a slight breeze, football season and perfect opportunities to spend an evening outside. Whether you are planning a party with friends or just eating dinner with the family, make sure your outdoor patio area is equipped with these four essentials for the ultimate grill and chill time.
One of the great things about this time of year in South Louisiana is that it is perfect for outdoor entertaining. The temperature dips a bit, and the sun sets a little earlier, creating the perfect atmosphere to move the party outside. But, your outdoor space needs to be equipped to host that party. When it comes to lighting and ambience, a fire pit is a great mood setter for outdoor entertaining. But, for those that want to take it to the next level, a fire pit plus music escalates your outdoor entertaining.
There’s something magical about the courtyards in the French Quarter of New Orleans. In spite of the bustling Central Business District just blocks away, and the wild partying tourists down the street, you can dial down the noise, dial down the stress, relax, and enjoy the elements of a summer evening that seems captured in time. But, the look and feel of a French Quarter courtyard doesn’t have to remain in the Big Easy. With just a few strategic choices, you can bring the French Quarter to your backyard.
Here in South Louisiana, especially Baton Rouge, we take tailgating to a level that leaves the rest of the country envious. It is an all-day affair, that leads up to a glorious Saturday Night in Death Valley. But, with such a great tailgating reputation, comes an even greater responsibility. That responsibility is having your tailgate live up to the hype. What you serve is every bit as important as any other facet of the gameday experience. This means you need a grill that provides you with the versatility to get creative with your menu. Fortunately, we have that grill. Even better, it is portable. The Big Green Egg allows you to grill, smoke, roast, and even bake. In other words, the Big Green Egg means tailgating excellence in Baton Rouge.
Grilling is one of the most enjoyable ways to entertain, and is a way of life in south Louisiana. Cookouts are a staple, but doing them right is an investment. When you invest in a good charcoal grill, like a Big Green Egg or a grill from Fire Magic, you want to make sure you get the most out of it. Not just in terms of having great cook-outs, but in extending the life of your grill for as long as possible. While it may seem like a hassle to do anything more than just lighting a fire and throwing on some meat, taking a few simple steps can go a long way toward maintaining your Baton Rouge charcoal grill.
What’s the hottest color right now in outdoor living? Gray! If you want your outdoor space to look polished, timeless, and classic, gray is the decorating color for you! Incorporating gray accents and furniture into your Baton Rouge outdoor living space will set the stage for every season. Because gray a neutral color, any change in decorations, holiday décor, or accessories will match just as well as the last. Gray can be incorporated in your outdoor design through paint color, classic wicker furniture, or even more modern furniture designs and accents.
In South Louisiana, we have elevated tailgating from something you do to pass the time before kickoff to an event that can stand on its own. On certain Saturdays in the fall, there will be upwards of 200,000 people on LSU’s campus. Since Tiger Stadium only holds half that, you can get a pretty good idea of how many people are just there for the party.
Looking to distinguish your outdoor living space? Are you going for a more polished look or just looking to beat the heat? Incorporating stone into your Baton Rouge outdoor kitchen and dining spaces will add a soft sheen of refinement to your outdoor living space. Due to its thermally-absorptive nature, stone surfaces and tabletops stay cool much longer than wood or other metal surfaces. Give your outdoor cooking and dining space the cool (literally) surface you’ve been looking for with stone table tops and counters.
With the summer here, you want to stay outside longer, invite friends and family over and grill! But before you light up your grill, make sure your grill is sanitized. Wipe down the outside and make sure no cobwebs or leaves have found their way inside. Thoroughly sanitize any food prep areas—even if they have been covered—and remember to wipe them down before and after use. You may also want to check inside any cabinets or drawers to make sure everything is clean and nothing decided to make your outdoor kitchen its home over the winter.
The sun is staying out longer and you want to too. But before you fire up your grill and invite the neighbors over, make sure your outdoor cooking area is in tip-top shape. You’ve checked your outdoor cooking equipment for leaks, clogs, rust, and corrosion. You’ve sanitized every food preparation area You’re almost ready. There’s only one thing left to do and it’s commonly overlooked.
