When summertime is upon us, with it comes everyone’s favorite lazy Sunday pastime – the BBQ! And while your brand new apartment has just about everything one would need for a perfect get together – plenty of parking, great tunes streaming in your living room, and all the Tiki-themed decorations your local party store could muster – the actual grilling aspect presents a bit of a challenge. So what’s an apartment resident with a serious BBQ jones to do?
In a lot of geographical areas, the traditional BBQ is also referred to as a ‘cook out’, so heed the advice and take to the outdoors. First off, be aware of the rules in your community about having a cook out. Are you allowed to have and use a grill or smoker at your apartment or will you need to use one of the common BBQ or picnic areas around the community? Remember that rules can differ from community to community, so never assume that you are allowed to spark up the grill on your patio without checking with the property management first.
If you are allowed to have and use a grill on your patio, be sure to take extreme care. There’s few things worse than trying to get charcoal smoke out of your carpet and furniture, so unless you’re in the market for a mesquite sofa be sure and get as far from the windows as possible. Gas grills are a safer bet for apartment cooking (as opposed to traditional, open-flame charcoal burners), and some companies have even started developing compact, flower box-style grills for smaller apartments. Regardless of which you choose, be sure to always have a few fire extinguishers on hand just in case, and again, always check with your apartment manager for the rules and regulations of your specific community.
If your option is to use one of the community's specified BBQ or Picnic areas, no problem! Load up on all your goodies and head over to the patio around the pool or wherever the community BBQ grills are located. Maybe bring a little bit extra and use it as an opportunity to meet your neighbors with your tasty grilled delights and conversation.
Wherever you end up cooking, the great food and recipe ideas are limitless. If you don't feel like getting creative, just hop online and look up some ideas. Burgers, wienies and sausage are all traditional BBQ fare if you are able to cook outside, but why not mix things up with some ideas of things that better suit your new apartment? Corn on the cob can be easily steamed in a large stove pot. Add Cajun spices to it and you will be ready for Bourbon Street-level celebration with a crawfish boil. Heck, skip cooking all together and try some cold water oysters for a truly exotic treat (granted, they’re not for everyone!), or go veggie for a day and encourage all of your guests to bring a salad of their choice. Never be afraid to stray away from traditional BBQ items!
Regardless of which way to go, an apartment BBQ can be a great way to celebrate your new abode and reaffirm the saying ‘summertime and the living is easy’.
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Updated: 10/22/2021
