Beer

Summer is synonymous with BBQ season, a time when friends and family gather around the grill to enjoy the smoky, savory flavors that only an outdoor barbecue can deliver. Becoming a BBQ pitmaster is an art, requiring the right ingredients, techniques, and a dash of creativity. Here’s your guide to mastering the art of outdoor cooking with some top-notch recipes and tips.

The Stars of the Grill

Cedar Plank Salmon and Steelhead

Cedar plank cooking imparts a distinct smoky flavor to salmon and steelhead, keeping the fish moist and tender. Soak the cedar planks in water for at least an hour, then place the seasoned fish directly on the plank. Grill over medium heat until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Tacoma Boys’ own seasonings work wonders here!

BBQ Pellets

For those using pellet grills, wood pellets are a game-changer. They combine the ease of pellets with the flavor of charcoal, perfect for any meat or vegetable. These pellets burn clean and hot, ensuring a consistent temperature and that signature BBQ taste. We have plenty of wood options to choose from at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a staple for any BBQ. Marinate them in your favorite BBQ sauce or a mix of soy sauce, honey, and garlic for an hour. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfect char. Chicken is also great for that summer classic: kebabs!

Bacon Blue Cheese Burgers

For an indulgent treat, nothing beats bacon blue cheese burgers. Start with high-quality hamburger meat for our meat counter, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. Grill the patties to your desired doneness, then top with crispy bacon and a generous amount of blue cheese. Serve on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings.

Steaks and Grilled Fajitas

A good steak is the hallmark of a great BBQ. Choose cuts like ribeye, strip, or filet mignon, and season them with Tacoma Boys’ seasonings or another local favorite, Rub with Love Steak Rub. Grill over high heat, searing each side for a few minutes until your desired doneness. For fajitas, marinate flank steak in lime juice, garlic, and chili powder, then grill alongside sliced bell peppers and onions.

Grilled Veggies and Portobellos

Grilled vegetables are a must at any BBQ. Try portobello mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until tender and slightly charred. Portobellos, in particular, make a great meat substitute for vegetarians.

Kabob Options

Kabobs are versatile and fun. Combine chicken, steak, or veggies with bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes on skewers. Marinate the meat in a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Grill over medium heat until the meat is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

BBQ Side Dishes

No BBQ is complete without delicious sides. Here are a few crowd-pleasers:

Classic Coleslaw

Shred cabbage and carrots, then toss with a dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of celery seed. Chill before serving.

Potato Salad

Boil red potatoes until tender, slice, then mix with diced celery, hard-boiled eggs, and a dressing of mayonnaise, mustard, and a splash of pickle juice.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Brush corn with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Grill until charred and tender. For a twist, try adding lime juice and chili powder. Or try your hand at a food truck favorite, elote!

Don’t Forget the Beer!

Pair your BBQ feast with a selection of cold beers. Light lagers and pilsners are refreshing choices that complement smoky and spicy BBQ flavors perfectly. For more robust dishes like steaks and burgers, a hoppy IPA or a smooth amber ale will enhance the meal. We also have a large selection of non-alcoholic beers for those wishing to skip on the alcohol, but enjoy the food pairing.

Mastering the art of outdoor cooking is about more than just grilling meat; it’s about creating an experience filled with flavor, fun, and camaraderie. With these tips and recipes, you’re well on your way to becoming a Pitmaster and hosting BBQs that will be remembered long after the coals have cooled. So fire up the grill, grab your tongs, and get ready to impress your guests with your newfound BBQ prowess!!

It’s time to dust off your green attire and prepare for the spirited celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! This beloved holiday, steeped in Irish tradition, invites us all to indulge in delicious culinary delights and raise a glass to the Emerald Isle. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply looking to infuse a bit of Irish charm into your day, here are some delectable ideas to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce.

Corned Beef and Hash

Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day festivities with a hearty serving of corned beef and hash. This classic dish, featuring succulent corned beef brisket paired with tender potatoes and onions, is a time-honored favorite that never fails to satisfy. Because it is deeply flavorful and comforting, corned beef and hash is a great crowd pleaser. Stop by the butcher’s counter and our skilled butchers will set you up for success. 

Raise a Toast: Irish Beer

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without a selection of authentic Irish beers. From the iconic Guinness Stout to the smooth and malty notes of Smithwick’s Irish Ale, there’s a brew to suit every palate. Whether you prefer a dark and robust stout or a lighter, more refreshing ale, raise a glass and toast to the spirit of the Irish with these beloved beverages. Check out our Guide to Tacoma Boys Favorite Irish Beer.

And don’t be surprised when you pour the perfect glass of guinness. It’s all thanks to that mighty “widget” in the bottom of the can. Pour a tall glass and enjoy that silky Guinness foam!

Beer to Drink & to Cook

Elevate your St. Patrick’s Day feast with the tantalizing flavors of Guinness-glazed meatballs using Tacoma Boys’ recipe. Crafted from a blend of savory ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, these delectable morsels are cooked to perfection and then coated in a luscious glaze made with the iconic Irish stout. Serve them as an appetizer or as part of the main course, and watch as your guests delight in their irresistible taste and festive flair.

Irish Inspired Beer Pairings 

When it comes to pairing food with beer, the possibilities are endless. For a St. Patrick’s Day twist, consider serving Irish cheese alongside your favorite brews. From creamy cheddar to tangy blue cheese, Ireland boasts a wealth of delicious dairy products that pair beautifully with a variety of beers. Experiment with different combinations to discover your perfect match and treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure. Check out our post highlighting several great pairing options.

This St. Patrick’s Day, embrace the luck of the Irish with a feast fit for a leprechaun. From savory corned beef and hash to tantalizing Guinness-glazed meatballs, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to enjoy. So gather your friends and family, raise a glass to the Emerald Isle, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce in delicious style!

Erin go bragh!

The biggest game of the year is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by hosting an unforgettable watch party. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the snacks, we have everything you need to turn your living room into your own private box suite. From mouthwatering snacks and craft beers to ready-to-go game day delights, let Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce be your Super Bowl headquarters, so you can host the Ultimate Big Game Watch Party!

Snack Attack: Take a Dip

No watch party is complete without a lineup of irresistible snacks. Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have you covered with an array of game day favorites. Dips are versatile, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any gathering. Pick up some classic Tacoma Boys’ tortilla chips and enjoy are our line up irresistible dips:

Tacoma Boys Salsa

If you like it mild or fire-breath spicy, fruity or traditional, we have a salsa for everyone. Pick up a few varieties to add to your snack boards.

Gnarly Garlic Dip

Pairs perfectly with crackers, chips, or veggies. A true all-rounder, this is a dip you’ll want in your line-up!

DIY Vegetarian
Buffalo Chickpea Dip 

We promise you that no one will complain that it’s vegetarian! Creamy chickpeas blend with spices, buffalo sauce, and just a touch of greek yogurt to push this dip past the goal line.  

BYOB: Sharing (Beer) is Caring

We believe that the more, the merrier – especially when it comes to craft beer. Encourage your guests to join in the fun by bringing their favorite brews to share. Create a BYOB beer-tasting corner and let the good times flow as everyone discovers new and exciting flavors. With our vast selection, you’re sure to find the ideal pairings for your game day snacks. Here are some of our favorites for hosting the ultimate Big Game watch party:

E9 Brewing Co.

This brewery is a staple of the Tacoma and the South Sound craft beer scene. We love that E9 is constantly collaborating to make unique brews that represent PNW local pride. Grab a few varieties to taste test while you watch the Big Game.

Narrows Brewing

Pick up a traditional IPA or throw caution to the wind with something wildly innovative. They have great brews that pair perfectly with a side of football.

Non-Alcoholic Beer

When we say there’s a beer for everyone at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce we mean it! Breweries like Athletic Brewing, in Connecticut, have made it their mission to make non-alcoholic beer without compromising flavor. We carry a large selection of non-alcoholic options, so everyone can enjoy the Big Game with a brew in hand. 

The Main Event:
Dish Up a Main Course

Baby Back Ribs

Score Big hosting points by serving up these delish baby back ribs. Our skilled butchers are at the ready to assist you in picking out the best cuts to serve at your ultimate Big Game watch party!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Assembling these sliders is a cinch with a little pre-game prep. Throw them together at half time and toss them in the oven to serve during the second half of the game.

Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes

Consider the humble baked potato: another great option that can be prepped ahead of time! Elevate it from its humble position and put it in the starting line-up by prepping an array of taco toppings ahead of game day. Mix things up and set up a baked potato bar for everyone to enjoy at the start of the game and pull out the appetizers during the second half!

Your Neighborhood Super Bowl Headquarters

Beyond the touchdowns and tackles, we know that what really makes a Super Bowl watch party memorable is a winning combination of great snacks and, of course, fantastic craft beer. With Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce as your Super Bowl headquarters, you’ve got the winning combination to host the ultimate Big Game watch party!

The world of non-alcoholic craft beer has exploded in the last few years. For varying reasons people are seeking a flavorful, non-alcoholic alternative to their favorite brews and craft breweries around the world have thoroughly risen to the occasion. If you’re craving the malty, hoppy goodness of beer, but don’t want the alcohol that comes with it, try something from Tacoma Boys’ line-up of non-alcoholic craft beer.

Run Wild IPA

Athletic Brewing Co.

Athletic Brewing Co. is a dedicated non-alcoholic brewery with a full lineup of award winning brews. They have a brew for everyone’s particular taste. Run Wild, their classic IPA, easily stands up against alcoholic varieties from other craft breweries. Doubters of non-alcoholic beer will be hard pressed to find fault in the flavor profile of this beer. Bonus: because it’s packaged in cans, it’s a great beer choice for hiking and camping trips!

Serve alongside: Margherita Pizza or Salmon Tacos With Cabbage Slaw

Weihenstephaner Malt Beverage

Weihenstephaner Brewery

Brewed in Bavaria, Germany by a brewery that has been in operation for almost 1000 years, you know this beer has tradition on its side. Weihenstephaner has produced a full-flavored, wheat beer with an inviting yeast aroma and hints of honey. 

Serve alongside: Fresh Tomato and Arugula Pasta

Just the Haze IPA

Samuel Adams

Don’t let the hazy appearance of this beer put you off. It is precisely the reason to reach for it. Less filtering of this beer means a stronger, fruit-forward citrus flavor. This is a great non-alcoholic beer in Tacoma Boys lineup of non-alcoholic beer. Just like Athletic’s Run Wild IPA, this beer is packaged in cans, so toss in your cooler for camping!

Serve alongside: Blue Cheese and Cured Meat Charcuterie 

Lagunitas IPNA

Lagunitas Brewing Co.

It is no surprise that this award-winning brewery has made several, excellent, non-alcoholic beverages. For those who prefer the malt and hops of beer, Lagunitas IPNA is where it’s at. This full-bodied, hop-forward beer also boasts a low calorie count, so it is perfect for people who are abstaining from beer for health reasons.

Serve alongside: Creamy Chorizo Queso Dip

Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher

Lagunitas Brewing Co.

Though it is only slightly reminiscent of beer, Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is another option for a hot summer day,. Akin to flavored seltzer water, the Hoppy Refresher is flavored with Citra, Equinox, and Centennial Hops from Yakima Valley and just a touch of yeast to create a refreshing, sparkling beverage that has zero calories or alcohol. 

Serve alongside: Anything and Everything

Find Your Beer for All Occasions…

Whether you’re thirsting for a post workout refresher, trying to limit your alcohol intake for health reasons, or missing the taste of beer but don’t like the effect of alcohol on your body, the Tacoma Boys’ lineup of non-alcoholic craft beer has the beer to quench your thirst. When you’re picking up beverages for your next picnic or BBQ grab a six pack of non-alcoholic beer to toss in the mix.