Sun's out, buns out: Iowa's warm days lead to grilling season

The warm weather hit Sunday, and families made the most of it

Iowans love to grill outdoors, and Sunday’s warm weather made me sprint to a local park faster than you can say “charcoal.”

While I’m not one of those people that will step outside to fire up the propane tank to cook a steak in December, Sunday’s temperature (62 degrees, with lots of sunshine) enticed me to a local park.

Of course, my partner in carnivorous crime — my friend Nicole — told me that it was a great day to grill outside and that she’d prepared a ready feast of bratwurst, seasoned steak and hamburger patties, chicken breasts and chicken wings. Plus corn on the cob, because we’re from Iowa.

I later referred to my friend as “Arby’s,” because she had the meats.

An array of tasty meats on the grill, including chicken breasts, wings, hamburgers and bratwurst. Plus corn on the cob. (Photo and grilling by John Naughton.)

I already had charcoal, grilling tools, condiments, foil and a lighting tool at home. I merely had to get potato salad, bratwurst and hamburger buns from the grocery store.

I got one of the last containers of potato salad. Shew, I thought, that was close.

The I reached the bread aisle to get the rolls. I was greeted by quite a sight. It appeared that everyone had the same idea, because there were hardly any left on the shelves.

Someone should have posted a sign…

SUN’S OUT, BUNS OUT.