While our entrance to summer may feel especially different this year, I believe we can relish in the smells and tastes of the season no matter the circumstances. That’s the beauty of good food, don’t you think?
Barbecue is inevitably the centerpiece of summer gatherings, whether in Memphis or beyond, and I call on Charlie Vergos Rendezvous every single time. The best part of Rendezvous? You can enjoy it beyond Memphis, too.
Rendezvous’ catering menu for takeout is too easy and good to be true. You can build your own nachos, go straight for the ribs, or enjoy a chopped chicken sandwich for a party of 15 or more. Beans, slaw, extra jalapeños, you name it. They’ll even throw in the addictive sauce + seasoning bottles, too. Even if our gathering can’t exceed 10 at the moment, I assure you the leftovers will be appreciated by all — or your appetites will need to step up to the plate!
A couple of tips for easy entertaining from Memorial Day through Labor Day (the period when I expect to be outside 75% of the day):
1. DISPOSABLE DISPLAY
If you’re (understandably) foregoing shared plate or buffet-style presentations due to germs, I love the notion of individual to-go boxes. These brown paper, wax-lined boxes are perfectly presentable, picnic-friendly, and portioned for a pile of ribs or layers of BBQ nachos. You can throw them out or recycle without a worry.
2. LINEN LUXURY - WITHOUT THE LAUNDRY
I owe this secret to my mother, a special events planner, who discovered the 79-cent IKEA dish towel for a Southern-style rehearsal dinner. I have stocked up on these over the years and realize that, for a house party, it’s the perfect hack to appear more upscale without the expense. I throw away the napkins if they’re not worth washing — and with sticky barbecue fingers, you bet it’s best to toss them. And you shouldn’t feel guilty either…Less than a dollar for a deluxe dinner accompaniment!
3. LAYERED + SAUCED
The best part about barbecue, and especially Rendezvous, it’s that it’s totally approachable. Nachos can be built based upon dietary preferences (what vegetarian doesn’t love a good cheese nachos with Rendezvous seasoning?), and sauces are optional add-ons for standard smoked proteins. Whether your wish is mild or spicy, wet or dry, you can choose with ease at a Rendezvous spread.
This post is brought to you by Charlie Vergos Rendezvous. Thank you for supporting my sponsors!
