The BBQ Blog

Are you planning a Labor Day barbecue? Almost everyone loves those savory meats and sauces, but some people are limited by dietary restrictions. If you’re trying to eat a gluten-free diet, or simply want to provide options for your guests, we have some suggestions for delicious, gluten-free dishes to include at your Labor Day barbecue.

• Some dishes, such as salads, are easy to keep gluten-free, and you may not even need to alter your original recipe. If you need some inspiration, salads such as this Zazou Carrot Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing or this Sweet Corn, Tomato and Feta Salad are anything but boring and are naturally free from gluten. You can also make Huevos Diablo (deviled eggs) without too much effort, and they don’t have gluten, either.
• Try a variety of side dishes to keep a barbecue interesting. Try Paleo Potato Salad, Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges, Grilled Baby Artichokes with Chipotle Mayo or Summer Pea and Pancetta Salad.
• Confused about gluten-free desserts? Don’t be! Keep it simple with fresh fruit, or go all out with recipes such as this show-stopping Cherry-Blueberry Cloud Pie or this warm and filling Plum Slump. No one will complain about the lack of traditional cakes, pies and cookies when you offer them these delicious options!
• Now you can even get gluten-free Tony Roma’s barbecue! Whether you prefer ribs or pulled pork, Tony Roma has got you covered with savory goodness that’s also free from high-fructose corn syrup. You can even choose from great flavor options such as Kansas Style Sweet Hickory BBQ, Kansas City Style Kickin’ Sweet & Spicy BBQ and Blue Ridge Sweet & Smoky BBQ.

No matter what you decide to serve at your Labor Day barbecue, Tony Roma’s makes it easy, with dishes that can be on your table in about 20 minutes, any night of the week. To find Tony Roma’s at a grocery store near you, visit the store locator on our website. To connect with the online community, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our mouthwatering Pinterest boards.

When you’re enjoying barbecue, do your furry friends beg for a taste? Our dogs want to be a part of everything we do, especially when it comes to food. But is barbecue safe for dogs? It depends on what you’re barbecuing.

• Give a dog a bone? Not so fast. While most people know that chicken bones present a choking hazard, many are unaware that rib bones can also splinter and become dangerous. To stay on the safe side, put leftover bones in a pet-proof container.
• Hot dogs … and dogs. Dogs love hot dogs so much that they can eat them too quickly and choke. Keep your best friend safe when you’re giving him a hot dog treat by making sure it’s cut into manageable bites. As long as it’s choke-proof, a hot dog is a great barbecue treat to give your dog.
• Fruits and vegetable vary in their safety for dogs. Does your dog love watermelon? Go for it! That’s a fruit that can cool your friend down on a hot summer day and has healthy heart benefits. In fact, many fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and apples, are beneficial to your furry friend. But steer clear of grapes, avocados and onions – they’re toxic to dogs. And finally, keep the corn cobs away. Eating the cob could give your pooch an intestinal blockage.
• Saucy, succulent barbecue may not be the best for your pets. Sure, it’s delicious, but foods with fat and sugar can lead to health problems for animals. If you’re going to eat a delicious smelling meal, plan ahead and feed your dogs their favorite dog food as you’re sitting down to eat. They won’t feel left out, and you’ll get to eat in peace, free from pleading puppy dog eyes.

You should certainly expect some begging if you’re serving barbecue from Tony Roma’s. Whether you’re looking for savory pulled pork, delicious chicken or mouthwatering ribs, Tony Roma’s barbecue is easy to prepare and serve. To find Tony Roma’s at a grocery store near you, check out our store locator. To connect with the online community, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and check out our mouthwatering Pinterest boards.

Does your dad love to barbecue? If he’s anything like most dads, he sees the summer as an opportunity to spend his time over a grill, receiving acclaim for his excellence in cooked meats. This year, why not use Father’s Day as a chance to get him the perfect tools to fan his barbecue loving flames?

• A potato rack is an ingenious way to prep Dad’s favorite side dish. Who doesn’t love a good baked potato with their barbecue? With this rack from Williams Sonoma, you’ll be able to cook four perfect potatoes at a time.

• Think your dad has everything? Well, does he have a grill-cleaning robot? We didn’t think so! Grillbot is an automatic grill-cleaning robot that uses 3 high-powered electric motors controlling three removable brass wire brushes. It’s controlled by CPU chip technology and works at the touch of a button! You can recharge Grillbot by plugging it into the AC adaptors, and each wire brush can be cleaned in your dishwasher and is good for 100 uses.

• Even if your dad knows almost everything about grilling, he’ll still benefit from expert advice and tips. A copy of “Man Made Meals”, by TV host and cookbook author Steven Raichlen, is sure to be a hit! Author of classics like “Planet Barbecue”, “The BBQ Bible” and “BBQ USA”, Raichlen has established himself as a grill expert.

• Want to improve the grilling experience? Get Dad a GrillGrate. GrillGrate is a series of panels that interlock to create a new surface on your grill, whether you use gas or charcoal, and no matter the size or shape of your grill. By evening out temperature, they eliminate hot and cold spots and flare ups, and allow you to make better barbecue of all kinds.

What about when Dad doesn’t have time to stand over a hot grill? Great news! You can still have great barbecue, and it’s easier than you might think. Tony Roma’s succulent precooked barbecue is easy to prepare and can be on your table in about 20 minutes. To find Tony Roma’s at a grocery store near you, visit the store locator on our website. To connect with the online community, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our mouthwatering Pinterest boards.

Memorial Day is coming up, and it’s a perfect excuse for a barbecue! Is there a better way to kick off your summer than with a gathering of friends and family members, all enjoying a feast of savory barbecue? With these helpful tips from Tony Roma’s, yours will be the Memorial Day Barbecue Bash they talk about all summer.

• Attention to detail makes your décor stand out. Memorial Day calls for American flags and plenty of bright colors. Make the decorations your own by showing off your style using fresh flowers, paper lanterns, hanging lights, and candles. Don’t forget your own personal decorations: the person hosting the party should be dressed in something bright and striking, to make a memorable impression on the guests!
• Have plenty to drink and plenty of ice. We’ve grown accustomed to cooler temperatures, but this first warm weather outing can really work up a thirst! Pitchers full of margaritas or lemonade are always welcome, but have plenty of water and other options available as well.
• Think outside the box, and use dinnerware your guests will remember. Grown up sippy cups made of Mason jars with straw holes in the lids? Yes please! Whether it’s choosing to use bamboo utensils instead of plastic ware or disposable linens instead of paper napkins, do something a little different than what everyone else will be doing.
• Have at least one show-stopping recipe up your sleeve. Maybe you’ll serve the guests Watermelon Lemonade, or maybe you’ll wow them with an amazing side dish such as Grilled Potato Skins or a spectacular dessert like Grilled Peaches with Fresh Cherry Sauce, served a la mode, or a S’mores Bar. The point is you want them to have something unique they’ll remember for years to come.
• Prepare ahead of time so you can relax and have fun! You want your barbecue to be memorable for the right reasons, not because guests couldn’t believe how much you had to scramble around trying to get everything right. Do as much ahead of time as possible, and delegate to lighten your hosting load so you can have a good time with your guests.

No matter what kind of Memorial Day bash you decide to throw, it can be simpler and more delicious if you invite Tony Roma’s barbecue to join the party. Ready to serve in about 20 minutes, our pre-cooked ribs, chicken and pork taste just as delicious as if you’d slaved over them all day. To find Tony Roma’s barbecue at a grocery store near you, visit the store locator on our website. To connect with the online community, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our mouthwatering Pinterest boards.