The Best Summer Food

Smoke disappears in the wind as it rises from the chute of the grill. The faint smell of cherry wood and lighter fluid flows over the kids as they splash and play in the sprinklers while Dad prepares the family’s favorite summertime meal. Their stomachs rumble as they wait impatiently for lunch to be served.

​The grill reaches the perfect temperature of 350° just as Dad carries out a heaping tray of meats ready to be seared to perfection. The ground beef is generously seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and a dash of cayenne pepper and formed into even patties, half an inch thick. Set aside are slices of sweet onion, red bell peppers, and jalapenos.

​Glowing coals flicker in the base of the grill as the meats are placed strategically onto the grates and their juices flow and sizzle from the heat. Pieces of each of the side vegetables are laid gently on top of every patty before the lid to the grill closes over them, engulfing the food with a flavorful smoke. As the temperature rises, the onions and peppers begin to sweat their spices into the meat below, infusing it with bursts of natural essence.

​Slowly, the edges of the meat begin to brown and the grill lines have marked their presence, while the vegetables atop the meat have become dried and slightly charred. As Dad lifts the lid of the grill, a cloud of smoke wafts up and fills his head in an instant. After carefully plucking the cooked vegetables away and sitting them to the side, he confidently flips the patties with his sturdy spatula that his wife gifted him for Father’s Day. The now-seared side of the patties is sprayed lightly with a marinade of apple cider vinegar, melted butter, and brown sugar to keep them moist. Fresh vegetables are replaced atop the patties before the lid is once again secured in place.

​As time passes, Dad sits watching the kids as they play, the sun glistening off of the water on their protected skin. He thinks of how this meal in all of its simplicity has taken on so much meaning within their family, and how it never fails to bring them closer together. He glances over at his wife as she relaxes nearby, taking the moment to appreciate the curves of her body and the smile that plays on her lips when she notices his gaze.

​Just then, a strong breeze rustles by, changing the direction of the smoke flowing from the grill. Dad seizes the opportunity to check on the burgers. To his delight, the meat is now thoroughly browned and excellently charred to medium well. He carefully lifts the patties and the remaining vegetables from the grates to a brightly colored serving platter.

​As the meat sets and the juices soak onto the platter, Dad utilizes the lasting heat from the coals that are still ignited. He gently drops slices of pineapples onto one half of the grill racks, followed by lightly buttered brioche buns on the other half. The scorching surface immediately brands the fruits and grains, so that after only a minute they are ready to be flipped. Another minute goes by before Dad smoothly extracts the toasted buns and scorched pineapple.

​With a large grin spread across his face, Dad yells out loudly to the rest of the family. “Lunch is ready!”

On cue, the kids hurry toward the patio table, tripping over their sandals and laughing together. Their mom strolls over closely behind them and begins helping Dad prepare their plates. They smear the toasted buns with mustard and mayonnaise, topping the youngster’s burgers with fresh tomatoes and crisp lettuce. As they place the plates in front of the bouncing kids, they happily dig in, juices flowing down their chins. Mom and Dad continue to fix their own meals, each topping their burgers with charred vegetables and pineapple slices.

The family eats in a peaceful silence, the only noise coming from their jaws as they scarf down the delicious meal. In those few minutes, only the most important parts of life matter: a loving family and good food. All other worries melt away in the summer heat. That is the moment that they cherish forever, marked in their memories by the taste of the most satisfying meal of the season.