The warm summer weather provides a good chance for preparing and eating food outdoors and firing up the grill. The tantalizing aroma of sizzling meat that wafts through the air, the joyous sounds of laughter and conversation, and the pleasantly hot summer sun make barbecues an unforgettable experience. Barbecues are ideal for casual backyard get-togethers, a family reunion, or a community celebration. They bring people together in a blend of food, fun, and fellowship. Barbecues have a special way of fostering a sense of community and togetherness. They give an opportunity to connect with family, friends, and neighbours in a relaxed and informal setting.
The heart and soul of any barbecue lie in the culinary offerings. Ranging from juicy steaks and succulent ribs to tender chicken, smokey sausages and hot dogs, the variety of meats prepared on a grill is boundless. Vegetarians and vegans need not feel left out either, a wide array of plant-based options, such as grilled vegetables, corn-on-the-cob, marinated tofu, and meat substitutes can satisfy even the most discerning palates. The secret to a good barbecue is in the preparation. Marinate the meat to give it extra flavour, cube the beef or pork for the kebabs and slice or grate the white cabbage and carrots for the traditional crunchy barbecue coleslaw. Barbecue feasts are often accompanied by an assortment of sides and condiments. Crispy coleslaw and pickles, fluffy cornbread, burger buns and barbecue sauces can enhance the overall flavour experience.
For barbecuing, you need a traditional barbecue or a gas-powered barbecue. The traditional barbecue is operated by charcoals that can be lit by firelighters or matches and you have to wait until the coals are red hot. Gas-powered barbecues don’t give the traditional smokey flavour but they are easier to use. You can start grilling with them straight away without waiting. Spatulas, skewers and tongs come in handy for grilling as well as an apron to protect your clothing.
The act of grilling itself is usually a communal experience. It’s a team effort to tend the fire, flip the patties, or serve the food. Everyone can contribute to the process. It’s a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, slow down, and savour the simple pleasures of good food and great company. When you cook pork or chicken make sure the meat is cooked through, not burned on the outside and raw in the middle. Don’t start cooking until the flames have died down and the charcoal is glowing. You can adjust the cooking temperature by moving the grill shelf higher or lower over the hot coals. A cool box full of ice-cold drinks is an essential part of enjoying barbecued food.
Fire up the grill, gather your friends and loved ones and create lasting memories with good food and laughter. That’s what summer is for.
Man: |
Hey, Marcie! I’m thinking of hosting a barbecue this weekend. Are you up for it? |
Woman: |
Absolutely, John! Count me in. I love a good barbecue. What’s the occasion? |
Man: |
No special occasion, really. Just a chance for us to get together, enjoy some delicious food, and have a great time. Plus, the weather is perfect for it. |
Woman: |
Sounds fantastic! What’s on the menu? Are we going for the classic burgers and hot dogs? |
Man: |
Definitely! Burgers and hot dogs are a must-have. I’ll also marinate some chicken drumsticks and wings and grill them to perfection. And let’s not forget about the veggies for our vegetarian friends. |
Woman: |
That sounds like a mouthwatering spread. I can practically taste those juicy burgers already. Are you planning on any special sauces or condiments? |
Man: |
Absolutely. I’ll whip up some homemade barbecue sauce, both tangy and slightly sweet. It’s always a hit. And I’ll have a variety of condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo, and pickles, so everyone can customize their burgers to their liking. |
Woman: |
Perfect! I’ll bring a fresh salad with lots of colourful veggies to balance out the richness of the grilled meats. Oh, and maybe a bowl of coleslaw too. It complements barbecued food so well. |
Man: |
That sounds fantastic, Marcie. The salad and coleslaw will definitely add a refreshing touch to the meal. I’ll also make sure we have plenty of chilled beverages and ice for everyone. |
Woman: |
Great idea! I’ll bring a couple of dessert options as well. Maybe some homemade brownies or a fruit salad to end the barbecue on a sweet note. |
Man: |
You’re a dessert genius, my friend. I love your desserts. Brownies and fruit salad both sound amazing. Our guests will be in for a treat. |
Woman: |
It’s going to be a fantastic barbecue, John. I can’t wait to catch up with everyone and enjoy some great food. Should we set up some games or activities too? |
Man: |
Absolutely! Let’s play frisbee for some outdoor fun. We can also have some music playing in the background to set the mood. |
Woman: |
All right. I’m sure it’s going to be a memorable day filled with good food, laughter, and great company. I am looking forward to firing up the grill and getting the barbecue started. Thanks for inviting me, John, and let’s make this barbecue one for the books. |
IMPORTANT PHRASES
Are you up for it? – Benne vagy? Benne lennél?
Count me in. – Megyek. Számíthatsz rám.
No special occasion, really. – Igazából semmi különleges ok nincs rá.
Just a chance for us to get together. – Csak egy lehetőség arra, hogy összejöjjünk.
What’s on the menu? – Mi lesz az ételkínálat?
That sounds like a mouthwatering spread. – Jó kis étvágygerjesztő felhozatalnak hangzik.
It’s always a hit. – Az mindig nagy siker.
So everyone can customize their burgers to their liking. – Hogy mindenki az ízlésének megfelelően tudja elkészíteni a hamburgerét.
It complements barbecued food so well. – Jól passzol a grillezett ételekhez.
to end the barbecue on a sweet note – hogy kellemesen fejezzük be a grillezést
Our guests will be in for a treat. – A vendégeink igazi ínyencségnek néznek elébe.
I can’t wait to catch up with everyone – Alig várom, hogy mindenkivel megbeszéljem, hogy mi van vele.
I’m sure it’s going to be a memorable day. – Biztos vagyok abban, hogy ez egy emlékezetes nap lesz.
I am looking forward to firing up the grill. – Alig várom, hogy beizzíssuk a grillezőt.
Let’s make this barbecue one for the books. – Legyen ez a grillezés hosszú időkre emlékezetes!
IMPORTANT WORDS
to host a barbecue – grillezést szervezni
a must-have – kihagyhatatlan
to marinate – marinálni
chicken drumstick – csirkecomb
chicken wings – csirkeszárny
to whip up – összeütni
tangy – savanykás, csípős
mayo – majonéz
pickles – savanyúság
to balance out – kiegyensúlyozni
coleslaw – káposztasaláta
chilled beverages – hűtött italok
homemade – otthon/házilag sütött
to set the mood. – megalapozni a hangulatot
great company – jó társaság
Vocabulary
to fire up the grill | beizzítani a grillt |
tantalizing | csábító, hívogató |
sizzling | sistergő |
to waft | sodródni |
backyard | udvar |
get-together | összejövetel |
family reunion | családi találkozó |
blend | összevegyülés |
fellowship | közösség, társaság |
to foster | elősegíteni, táplálni |
the heart and soul of sg | valami veleje, lényege |
culinary offerings | kulináris/konyhai felhozatal |
juicy | szaftos, zamatos |
succulent | zamatos, lédús |
rib | borda |
tender | puha |
boundless | határtalan |
a wide array of sg | valami széles választéka |
corn-on-the-cob | főtt kukorica |
substitute | helyettesítő, pótlék |
discerning palate | kifinomult ízlés/ízlelés |
to cube | kockára vágni |
to slice | szeletelni |
to grate | reszelni |
coleslaw | káposztasaláta |
side | köret |
condiment | ízesítő, fűszer |
pickles | savanyúság |
fluffy | foszlós |
burger bun | hamburgerzsemle |
to enhance | fokozni |
charcoal | faszén |
firelighter | tűzgyújtó |
matches | gyufa |
spatula | spatula, szedőlapát |
skewer | hústű |
tongs | csipesz |
apron | kötény |
communal experience | közösségi élmény |
to tend the fire | figyelni a tűzre |
patty | hamburgerpogácsa |
hustle and bustle | nyüzsgés |
raw | nyers |
flame | láng, lángnyelv |
grill shelf | grillrács |
cool box | hűtőláda |