International Grilling

This summer shake up your outdoor parties by thinking outside the country. Add a little foreign flair to your grilling. Yes it's fine to have hamburgers and hot dogs but liven it up your table by throwing in some other dishes. Many other countries around the world also have some form of "outdoors " cuisine. Take from them and turn your dinner al fresco into something more interesting.

Mexican dishes can lend themselves to outdoor grilling.These are the perfect party foods because guests can create their own dishes and load up on what they like. It's easy to grill chicken, beef and fish filets for tacos and tortillas. Also you can grill onions and peppers too. This is also a good way to showcase the vegetables of the season, like fresh corn niblets, tomatoes, lettuce and pepper. You can also serve Corona beer and finish with a sweet taco , full of different flavors of ice creams, fruits and sauces.

If Mexican is too spicy then think about a languid Italian feast outdoors. You can grill if you like, such as the Italian bistecca which you can just take Porterhouse steaks and grill them with olive oil, sea salt, freshly ground pepper and some oregano. Another choice is a full antipasto complete with different cold cuts, sliced cheeses, olives, and giardneria or pickled vegetables. Have two or three loaves of crusty Italian bread and extra plates for olive oil. Guests can dip their bread into this. Serve different wines, preferably something light. Even uncorking a bottle of Asti Spumante is a nice touch because it adds a festive air. Finish with granita, an easily made espresso ice and some amaretti, those airy almond meringues.

Other cultures have dishes that can easily spice up an outdoor feast. Morocco can lend its couscous and lamb kabobs Greek foods such as a feta salad or grilled fish with lemon can be a different spin. Sometimes just do what the French do, a simple baguette with some sliced chicken or pate, and a good wine is all you need. Finish with pears or peaches soaked in a sweet wine.

This summer season be creative with your outdoor dining. Don't stick with the tried and true. Look to other parts of the globe for interesting dishes that can be served in your back yard.