Bring on the BBQ!
Written By: LOCALE Editors Memorial Day at Home
Thinking about ways you can celebrate Memorial Day this year? Memorial Day is Monday, May 25 and exists to commemorate those who have died in military service. In the past this holiday has been spent on the lake, barbecuing with friends and family or taking a three-day weekend trip. And while things may look a little different this year, there are plenty of ways to celebrate locally and at home while still jumpstarting summer and enjoying your day off.
1 | Get Grubbin’ Memorial Day at Home
Mmmm, there is nothing like the sweet smell of BBQ on Memorial Day. Whether you’re going all in with ribs or enjoying a nice buttery corn on the cob, dig into these mouthwatering meals that can be delivered straight to your door. Tavern House in Orange County is offering baby back ribs, sausages and BBQ chicken with jalapeño cornbread, BBQ beans, thyme fries and honey-mustard coleslaw in family party packs. Don’t forget to order an icy watermelon margarita or fresh lemonade with vodka! The BBQ Family Pack and Family Wing Platter from Park 101 in Carlsbad is the ideal Monday meal to enjoy while playing cornhole in your backyard with the fam. Tavern in Los Angeles is offering a DIY burger box for six or a harissa BBQ chicken dinner with the whole nine yards—cornbread stuffing with mustard greens, carrot and snap pea slaw, mac and cheese, baked beans, tavern pickles and apricot and berry cobbler.
Tackling cooking for the family this Memorial Day? It won’t be complete without this Beer Can Chicken recipe (made with Modelo) that’s sure to impress.
2 | Creative Cocktails Memorial Day at Home
The best pairing for BBQ is a refreshing drink. Sometimes a Corona Hard Seltzer does the trick and other times a refreshing crafted cocktail is needed. Snake Oil Cocktail Co. in San Diego is offering free craft cocktail mixers (made on-site by San Diego’s top mixologists) with every two bottles of spirits purchased (order online and pick-up at JULEP). Whatever your drink of choice may be, sip these thirst-quenching cocktails under the warm SoCal sun!
1 part Lillet rose, 2 parts tonic water, slice of lime, ice
1 part Hendrick’s Gin, 1 part lemon juice, 1 part sugar syrup, 3 parts soda water, 1 lemon wheel
4 oz. Modelo Especial, 1.5 oz cantaloupe puree, 1 splash ginger beer, 1 tsp. blueberry agave nectar, freshly cut apples, freshly cut strawberries, ice
3 | Seeing Red, White and Blue Memorial Day at Home
Turn up your favorite USA hits as you decorate your front porch red, white and blue. Purchase a gingham red or blue tablecloth for your BBQ, hang your American flag high and pick up some USA-themed balloons for a little extra pizazz.
4 | Local Getaway
Certain hotels remain open to the public and are taking the necessary precautions to provide a sanitary environment for their guests. Head to Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach for a relaxing getaway, and take advantage of the pool that overlooks the big blue. The quaint Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach is also open for those ocean views and a peaceful escape. A few National Parks have reopened as well, so fill up your gas tank and take a drive to Joshua Tree National Park or Redwood National Park. Heads up, however, as trails and roads are limited, so make sure you plan ahead!
5 | Picnic at the Beach
Pack your ice chest with snacks, pick up a couple sandwiches and hit the beach (be sure to check if your beach is open first!). Have a socially distanced beach picnic with friends, or keep it simple with just your quarantine crew. Bring a few cozy blankets, some playing cards and a drink of choice as you watch the sunset.
6 | Under the Stars
If space permits, turn your backyard into a camping oasis! Dust off those tents and sleeping bags from your garage, stock up on s’mores supplies and start thinking of your best campfire stories. Sleep under the stars in your own backyard. Kiddos or adults…this is fun for any age!
7 | Tune in Live
Forest Lawn is hosting a virtual Memorial Day commemoration on the 25th at 10 a.m. Tune in to Facebook Live to enjoy patriotic musical performances and a special message from LA City Hall.
