Summer is here in full swing! The kids are out of school, allowing more time for family fun. The weather is warm, providing ample opportunities to be outside. And people’s schedules seem to be just a bit more flexible and relaxed, so what better way to spend some quality time than to throw a party to bring all of your favorite people together?
While nothing says “summertime” better than burgers and hot dogs or steaks and baked potatoes on the grill, we’ve put together some inspiration for alternative cookout menus from around the world since everyone loves a good barbecue!
South of the Border Fiesta
Fresh from the grill: Chorizo sausage; Chicken quesadillas
Sides: Mexican rice with peppers and onions; Blue corn and tortilla chips with seven-layer taco dip and guacamole
Dessert: Tres Leches cake
Drinks: Margaritas, Dos Equis
Australian Barbie
Fresh from the grill: Sausage sangers (sandwiches); Chicken sangers with Barbie sauce
Sides: Grilled veggies
Dessert: Anzac biscuits
Drinks: Foster’s beer, Australian wines
Hawaiian Luau
Fresh from the grill: Hawaiian beef kebabs and Mahi Mahi kebabs with green peppers and pineapple
Sides: Tropical fruit salad; Pacific Coast cole slaw
Dessert: Coconut cream pie
Drinks: Tropical Rum Punch
Latin Celebration
Fresh from the grill: Carne Asada; Fish Tacos
Sides: Black bean and corn; Paella
Dessert: Flan
Drinks: Mojitos
Big Fat Greek Cookout
Fresh from the grill: Chicken Souvlaki and Veggie Souvlaki skewers; Shish kebabs
Sides: Spanakopita; Greek salad
Dessert: Baklava
Drinks: Ouzo Lemonade
Asian Fusion
Fresh from the grill: Chicken yakitori, Steak teriyaki
Sides: Sesame noodles with peanut dressing, Sushi
Dessert: Vanilla ice cream with lychee fruit
Drinks: Sake
Oktoberfest
Fresh from the grill: Bratwurst with Dijon mustard and rolls; Roasted suckling pig and pulled pork
Sides: German potato salad; Red cabbage salad with apples and onions; Potato pancakes with applesauce
Dessert: Apple strudel
Drinks: Gluhwein, Lowenbrau beer
Michael Evans
Michael Evans is chef-owner of Helga’s Caterers, a family-owned, full-service catering company with over 35 years of experience in providing fine food and excellent service for all of your catering needs throughout the D.C. Metro Area.
