Elegant Barbecues

This is the start of the summer weekend and the beginning of many barbecues. This tradition is usally a low brow feast  however it can be amped up a notch . Instead of the usual burgers and dogs followed by slaws , think upgrade  .Try fun but elegant food for a different spin. It'll be a different spin on the average get together.

Burgers are a standard at any cookout  Take them up a notch with Kobe beef. You can get them online  and serve  them on a brioche bun. You can buy brioche at any French bakery or make them yourself. The meat also comes in hot dogs too so you and your guests can enjoy a more upscale version of the American classic. Another elegant choice  is  grilled salmon. SInce the fish has a powerful flavor , just serve it with lemon. You can also try lobster on the barbeue too.It's easy to prepare - just split in half and cook over an open flame for six to eight minutes. Serve with melted butter to keep the meat from drying out.

WHat would go with any of these main dishes? Salads  however not just your usual kind , sopped with mayo. Stay away from these gloppy kind and think again elegant. A simple asparagus salad works. Try one with roasted stalks and then a simple lemon and olive oil dressing You can sprinkle on shards of percorino cheese or add diced red and green peppers for more flavor. You can also make a modified Waldorf salad. The original recipes calls for a variety of fruit such as grapes and apples. and lettuce with a mayo dressing. Nix the mayo and serve with a simple light olive oil and lemon dressing.Another idea is filling lettuce cups with caviar and then adding a small dollop of sour cream or crenels fraiche. Give your barbecue an elegant twist with lux ingredients. try grilled lobster or Kobe burgers with a delicate salad. Yo'll feel like a millionaire ,with this upgrade on classic out door fare.