Barbecues are a summer staple. Before the season is up, get out there and have one last blowout. McHenry County Living has rounded up some expert advice. From the grill to the grub, we've got it covered.

By Ashley Mastandrea

Gulgren’s Appliance Knows How to Grill

Wayne Gulgren, owner of Gulgren’s Appliance in Crystal Lake, knows grills. When an aggressive salesperson from The Holland Grill (www.hollandgrill.com) left one of their unique grills at the store, Gulgren started using the grill, steamer and smoker and never looked back. Now, he uses the grill at home.

The Holland Grill has a patented drip pan that guarantees food will not catch on fire. It also gives the food a distinctive, juicy flavor. Gulgren’s customers have commented that they no longer go out for burgers because the ones from their Holland Grill taste so good.

Gulgren’s Appliance has many other grill options available. Have you heard of the Big Green Egg (www.biggreenegg.com)? The ceramic cooker works as a smoker, grill and oven. Greg Tomek, of Uncle Dougie’s barbecue sauce wishes he had one in his backyard. The Big Green Egg would cook “Chicago Style” chicken wings perfectly.

If you’re looking to expand your stand-alone grill and build an outdoor kitchen, Gulgren’s can help you there too. They work with various companies and can special order anything you like.

The Liberty Collection from DCS by Fisher & Paykel allows you to choose any combination of grill and accessories to make the ideal outdoor kitchen for your family.

Viking products offer professional quality products at home. Their wide-range of stainless steel appliances and accessories make a stunning addition to the backyard.

Wolf has grill carts or built-in grills at 36 or 48 inches. The gas grills feature 10,000-Btu burners every six inches and an electric rotisserie with an infrared burner.

Slather on the Sauce

The sauce you slather on your grub could make or break your meal. That’s why we often leave it to the experts to concoct the perfect blend of ingredients for our favorite barbecue meals. Brothers Doug, Greg and Joe Tomek started bottling their family recipe out of their McHenry County farmhouse nearly 15 years ago. The Uncle Dougie’s line of products has been a hit since.

The company’s bestseller is the “Chicago Style” Chicken Wing Marinade. For a demonstration on how to use the marinade, check out the Uncle Dougie’s website at www.originaluncledougies.com. There, you can also find helpful recipes and browse variety of merchandise. For some kick, try the “World’s Most Dangerous” Barbecue Sauce. There is also a wonderful bloody mary mix—Torpedo Juice—and Original Grub Rub, which can go on basically anything.

Uncle Dougie’s is sold at Jewel, Kalck’s Butcher Shop in Crystal Lake, Whole Foods, Woodman’s, Wisted’s, Jones Country Meats and Butcher on the Block in Hampshire. You can also purchase products online at www.originaluncledougies.com.

It’s All in the Ingredients

Get fresh ingredients (and some pre-made sweets, too) at any local farmers’ market.

The Downtown Crystal Lake Farmers’ Market is on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Woodstock Farmers’ Market is on the square Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Be sure to stop by the Willow Lea Stock Farm booth to check out their natural beef selection. Cattle are raised on the same farm that has been in the family since the 1840s. They use no antibiotics, added growth hormones, steroids or implants.

Huntley’s Farmers’ Market is on the Town Square Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Von Bergen’s Country Market (9805 Rt. 173 in Hebron, 815-648-2332) specializes in homegrown vegetables and also offers farm tours. August means that most of their vegetables are ready for eating.

Red Barn Farm Market (3500 S. Rt. 47 in Woodstock, 815-338-4343) has a great selection of fresh produce, including sweet corn, tomatoes, green beans and other specialty items.

Royal Oak Farm (15908 Hebron Rd. in Harvard, 815-648-4141) can provide the sweet you need to go along with your savory barbecue. The fruit orchard has apples and raspberries in-store, or you can pick them yourself.

Quality meat is a must for any barbecue. Check out these butchers, and you’ll not only get a great cut but also some real customer service.

Kalck’s Butcher Shop (71 E. Woodstock St. in downtown Crystal Lake, 815-459-0016)
Butcher on the Block (4660 W. Algonquin Rd. in Lake in the Hills, 847-669-6679, www.butcherontheblock.com)

Don’t Forget the Extras

The Wonderberry Tree (3106 Three Oaks Rd. in Cary, 847-462-9550) has a wide selection of dips, serving dishes, glassware and other extras to make your barbecue extra special. Robert Rothschild Farm gourmet dips make a great appetizer while you heat up the grill. To wash it down, enjoy a cocktail out of Lolita hand-painted glassware. Beer Bands are another entertaining accessory that will get you and your guests laughing. Stop in August 14-16 for The Wonderberry Tree’s 2nd anniversary celebration and sale.