Summer means backyard barbecues, full of smoky burgers, fresh sides, and other delicious treats. With these barbecue essentials from Northern Virginia shops, you can elevate your gathering (or avoid showing up empty-handed) with locally made products.
Burgers and Dogs
Fire up the grill with steaks, burgers, hot dogs — whatever your heart desires. You can make sure the meat is fresh and high-quality at area butchers like the Organic Butcher of McLean and Oliver’s Corner Butcher Shop. At the Organic Butcher, try the deluxe burger blend with a mix of hanger, short rib, and brisket.
All the Sides
Side dishes like potato salad and coleslaw are barbecue staples. You can take out containers of sides from area barbecue restaurants to elevate the at-home cookout. Try spots like Monk’s BBQ for potato salad and baked beans, Odd BBQ for a sesame ginger slaw, and Rocklands Barbecue and Grilling Company for a refreshing minted cucumber salad.
Fresh Produce
Pair the summertime feast with fresh, locally grown produce. Sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelons, and berries are all in season in Virginia during the summer. The best place to stock up? Area farmers markets. Try the Old Town Farmers’ Market in Alexandria, the Falls Church Farmers Market, or any of the many FreshFarm markets throughout the region.
Charcuterie
Any large gathering like a barbecue calls for a charcuterie board. Pick out a selection of cheeses and cured meats — plus extras like crackers, spreads, and olives — at NoVA’s gourmet cheese shops, including Arrowine & Cheese and Cheesetique. As an added bonus, you can pick up a bottle or two of wine to pair with the tray.
Craft Brews
There are plenty of brewery options in NoVA to find refreshing beers that were made right in our region. Grab a pack of Port City’s Belgian-style Optimal Wit, the berry-flavored sour Volcano Sauce from Aslin Beer Co., or the seasonal Meridian Kolsch at Lost Rhino Brewing Co., to name a few.
Something Sweet
Top the event off with a crowd-pleasing dessert like a fresh blackberry, blueberry, or cherry pie from Mom’s Apple Pie Co. or a honeysuckle and sweet tea cake bundt cake from the Red Truck Barkey. For bite-sized treats, try Bisnonna Bakeshop’s Italian cookies and seasonal cannoli.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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