Summer and long road trips go together like ice cream and waffle cones. And here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we have everything you need to fuel your road trip this summer!

Maybe it’s that windows-down, warm-breeze-in-your-hair feeling, or the way the late evening sunshine makes it feel like you could explore to the end of the world and back before bed. Whatever it is, these warm summer months have us bit bad by the travel bug–especially travel via the open road! And what’s the number one supply necessary for a great summer road trip? Fuel, of course. For your car sure, but let’s face it…it’s the road snacks that are going to make or break the ride. Lucky for you, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have just the thing. Whatever you like to keep in the center console–sweet, salty, crunchy, or fruity–we’ve got you covered. So, buckle up for our top contenders to be your ride or die snacks for your road trip this summer.

Our Favorite Snacks to Fuel Your Road Trip

Cruisin’ Candy

Candy is essential on any summer road trip. It can act as a quick pick-me-up when you’ve come a long way, but you still have miles to go. Or it can be a reward for the miles well traveled. Either way, it’s a great way to make the trip just a little bit sweeter. And when it comes to candy, we have it all (seriously, come see our candy aisle. It’s extensive), but we’ve rounded up some of our favorites. The best part? They’re all crafted locally!

Gig Harbor Candy Company Tiger Butter

If you haven’t tried Gig Harbor Candy Company’s Tiger Butter…run, don’t walk. A delectable mixture of vanilla, milk chocolate, and peanut butter, this candy is a melt-in-your-mouth treat you don’t want to miss. 

Cobb’s Naturally Naughty Peanut Butter Cups

A husband and wife team in Olympia, WA founded Cobb’s in 2013 out of their passion for delicious treats even someone with allergies can enjoy. Their peanut butter cup is dairy and gluten free and sourced responsibly, so you can fuel your road trip guilt free!

Tacoma Boys’ Dried Fruit 

Ok, not exactly candy. But for long hours in the car, maybe natural sugars are a better bet. From our bulk section check out dried kiwi slices, apricots, banana slices, papaya chunks, zante currants, raisins (regular and golden), coconut chips and more!

Savor It

While sugary treats are loads of fun, your savory sides will give you the balance you need to keep on trucking! These bite-sized salty snacks are the best for keeping the car clean and one hand on the wheel. 

Tacoma Boys’ Trail Mix

While you’re in our bulk section, take a look at our variety of trail mixes! With flavors like Simply Chocolate, Simply Kettle Sweet’n’Spicy, Tropical Paradise, and more, you’re sure to find a trail mix to your taste! We also have mixed nuts, cacao covered almonds, sliced, raw, and whole almonds–everything you need to mix and match your own trail mix just how you like it!

Beecher’s Flagship Cheese Crackers

If you’ve been to Pike’s Place Market, you’ve likely seen–and hopefully sampled–Beecher’s handmade cheese. Straight from the Seattle cheese maker you love,  Beecher’s Flagship Cheese Crackers will not disappoint. They melt Beecher’s Flagship cheese right into the cracker for a delicious crunch without hydrogenated oils. 

Hero Jerky Meat & Cheese Trail Mix 

Grab a pack of Hero Jerky Meat and Cheese Trail Mix for the perfect amount of protein to fuel your road trip! These packs have beef jerky, meat sticks, and colby jack cheese. All your favorites in one ideally portioned packet!

Car Cookies

There’s something exorbitant and extra fun about indulging in a car cookie. Great for in between rest stops and filling your belly, here are some of our favorite low-crumble cookies. 

Magic Flavors Vanilla Crescent Cookies

Magic Flavors is a local small business that specializes in bringing international flavors to the Pacific Northwest. Their take on Vanillekipferl (or German vanilla crescent cookies) are light and nutty and they melt in your mouth–perfect for car snacking! 

No Bake Cookies 

These no bake cookies from the No-Bake Cookie Co. are a delicious blast from the past! No-Bake Cookie Co is woman owned, and their cookies (all gluten free) are hand crafted in Bend, OR. Try them in Coconut Macadamia, Peanut Butter, or Chocolate!

PNW Cookies

PNW Cookie Company makes gluten free, soy free and vegan cookies right here in the PNW! Choose from Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, Molasses, Oatmeal & Raisin, Peanut Butter, and Snickerdoodle and feel great about supporting local business while fueling your road trip!

Tacoma Boys: The Best Travel Buddy!

Wherever you go–whether it’s thirty minutes to Sunnyside Beach, or three days across the country–take Tacoma Boys with you! We’d be honored to fuel your road trip any way we can, so stop by today, say hi, and grab some car snacks before you hit the open road!

There are so many great things about camping, it’s nigh impossible to pick a favorite. But if we HAVE to choose the absolute best part? The food, of course! There are meals you can have in the great outdoors that simply aren’t the same anywhere else. And we’ve put together a lineup of meals you have to try this summer. We’re confident after trying one or two, you’ll be one happy camper!

When you think of the best camping trip you’ve ever had, what comes to mind? Snuggling up under a tarp with a warm cup of hot chocolate to wait out the rain? Finally opening up a steaming packet of tin foil to a mouthwatering dinner after waiting what felt like an eternity for the fire to cook it? Or maybe it’s the smell of burnt marshmallows when that almost perfect mallow accidentally slipped into the fire and you had to start over. If you’re anything like us, camping memories are made around the fire, usually while eating a meal. And while the joy of camping is often found in its simplicity, that doesn’t mean meals have to be boring or subpar! We’ve put together some of our favorite ways to have quality meals in the great outdoors. Some may already be in your repertoire of camping traditions, and we hope others are new to you and worth adding. Here we go!

Tacoma Boys Guide to Good Food in the Great Outdoors

Have It Your Way Overnight Oats

First things first, let’s talk breakfast. The thing about the first meal of the day in the great outdoors is if you want it warm, you’ll have to wait. Remember camping trips when mom and dad had hot chocolate and eggs waiting for you when you woke up? It’s because adults can’t sleep on the ground and they were up at the crack of dawn. Now you’re the adult, and if you want hot breakfast, you’ll have to make a fire for it yourself. So we have a great solution to keep you from getting hangry whilst you stoke the fire for your own children. Or your significant other. Or yourself. Overnight oats! Make this recipe for overnight oats from Parked in Paradise before you leave the house. Then, keep it chilled in the cooler overnight, and breakfast is already served! For your sweetener, check out our selection of locally sourced honey. We recommend Georgetown Pantry Supply Raw Honey. It’s 100% raw, unfiltered honey, sourced in the PNW (bonus: consuming local honey can help with allergies!). Then, peruse our produce section for the most delicious fresh berries. Finally, check out our dry goods for Tacoma Boys Coconut Chips, Dried Cranberries, or Zante Currants. Let each family member add whatever toppings their hearts desire, and they won’t even mind waiting for their morning coffee (or hot chocolate)!

Grown Up Foiled Chili Dogs

We find absolutely no fault with the classic hot dog roasted on a stick. But if you already have a few camping trips under your belt this season (read: you’ve had your fill of hot dogs with ketchup) or you simply want to mix things up a little, we’ve got just the twist you need. The best part? You can prepare the filling at home, so it’s less work and fewer dishes to clean. Which means more time enjoying the great outdoors! Start with eight chopped hot dogs (or brats). Want to amp it up? Opt for Mozzarella Smoked Bratwurst from our deli in lieu of traditional hot dogs. Then, chop one onion. Mix the hot dogs and onion into 8 ounces of chili. Finally, gut eight hot dog buns (as in, remove some of the fluff to make room for the filling). When you’re ready to cook them, lay each bun on its own sheet of tin foil. Then, fill the buns with the hot dog mixture and wrap tightly in foil. Cook for 20 minutes on a grill over the flames, or 15 minutes directly in hot coals. Adults and kids alike are sure to love this simple, warm meal with a grown up twist!

Fancy Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets 

Camping can be full of surprises, and not all good. Surprise your campmates in the best way by pulling out these Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets from Damn Delicious. Rule number one: when it comes to quality, don’t skimp on the shrimp! As always, you’ll find only the freshest, best quality shrimp in the PNW in our seafood section. If the only kind of seafood you’ve had while camping has been fish you caught earlier that day, you’ll be delighted by this recipe. And, you can prepare it ahead of time as well. Just keep your foil packets nice and cool in the cooler until you’re ready to enjoy. Then, place the packets in the fire and viola! Shrimp scampi alfresco! Eat it with crusty bread or on chips for a little extra crunch. 

Roasted Stuffed Bananas

When you think of traditional camping desserts, what comes to mind? S’mores! Us too. But apparently, there’s another camping tradition for some, and we’re here for it! The concept couldn’t be simpler. It’s like if a banana split and a s’more had a baby. Essentially, you slit a banana down the middle, add toppings, and wrap it in tinfoil. Then, let the fire make a delicious gooey mess of it. Glorious. For more detailed instructions and ideas for fillings, check out this recipe for Campfire Banana Boats by Fresh Off the Grid. Their advice is to include “something melty, something sweet, and something crunchy,” and we have it all. Check out our bulk selection for yogurt chips, cocoa covered almonds, trail mix and more! Or get melty, sweet and crunchy all in one with a Seattle Chocolate Company’s Triple Toffee Bar from our candy aisle. Seattle Chocolate Company is woman owned, responsibly sourced, and local. So you can feel great about supporting a fantastic small business while you enjoy arguably the best dessert you’ve ever had in the great outdoors (sorry, s’mores).

Let Us Feed Your Adventure!

There’s nothing like camping in the PNW, and there’s no one better to feed your adventure than Tacoma Boys. As always, we’re committed to offering you high quality ingredients to elevate your experience in the great outdoors. Stop by one of our locations today, and ask one of our friendly associates how we can help make this camping trip your best ever! 

Love the idea of a quaint picnic in the shade on a breezy summer day, but not sure how to make that dream a reality? Here’s a handy how-to guide to give you great ideas and help you navigate the do’s and don’ts of your perfect summer picnic!

For us, picnics come with the mental picture of a slow, warm summer day full of happy moments with loved ones spent on a red and white checkered blanket eating a delicious four course meal. What you don’t see are all the thoughtful preparations it took to get to that mental image, let alone a how-to guide for achieving it. So how do you keep your picnic from devolving into a puddle of unmet expectations? Let us help! While reality might never live up to the idealistic version in your head, picnics can be a blast! All it takes is little planning. We at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have compiled a simple list of tips and tricks to help make your summer picnic absolutely perfect. Or at least not a total disaster.

How to Make Your Summer Picnic (Almost) Perfect

1. Lower Your Expectations

This is the easiest and probably the most important step! Sometimes we miss the best moments in life because we’re too busy looking for “perfect.” Our suggestion? Let it go, and have some fun. Keeping your expectations loose and low will guarantee you have a great time, even if your blanket isn’t checkered (or is actually two towels you had in the car because you forgot the blanket), the ants move in, or the weather is terrible. If the point of the picnic is quality time and making memories with the people you love, a little rain won’t hurt (it could actually help!)

2. Keep It Simple

Speaking of reasonable expectations, it’s good to keep in mind there can be some complications when it comes to eating outdoors. Especially when you have to carry the meal TO the outdoors. Because of this, a picnic is not the time to overreach with your choice of fare. Your best bet is to keep it simple with the classics. At a loss? We have some ideas you can try:

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

When was the last time you had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? No time like the present to give that blast from the past a try! But classic doesn’t mean boring. Quality ingredients will take your meal from thrown-together to alfresco gourmet. Consider checking out Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce’s vast array of local jellies and natural peanut butters for ideas. We recommend Maury Island Farms Red Raspberry Jam and Wild Friend’s Classic Creamy Peanut Butter (or Sunflower Butter if you’re working around a peanut allergy). Bonus: Wild Friend’s is female founded and based in the PNW! You’ll love biting into this childhood favorite with grown-up ingredients.

Charcuterie “Board”

When packing a picnic, it’s probably best to leave behind the actual board, but the idea is the same. Meat and cheese and crackers in any combination are perfect for picnics! Just slice, cube, and cut everything into bite sized pieces back at the house to save you from the struggle once it’s chow time. Then, toss everything in a reusable container and you’re on your way! Feel free to check out our cheese selection for new favorites, but you can’t go wrong with Beecher’s Flagship Cheese. And have you tried Hellenic Farms’ Fig Salami? Completely vegan, their Pistachio Pepper flavor is a must have for your perfect summer picnic. Additionally, Delreal Organic Medjool Dates from our produce are a great no-mess option for your picnic charcuterie. Pack some toothpicks and let everyone make their own mini kebabs!

3. Make sure it travels well.

There’s nothing quite so disappointing as opening your picnic basket to discover a mashed and mangled mess. To avoid this, be sure to include foods that can be packed easily into locking containers or that won’t be ruined if they get a little jostled. We recommend this recipe for Chicken Pesto Pasta by Damn Delicious. Just be sure to secure the tupperware lid! Or, make a dish sturdy enough to handle the ride in a Ziploc bag. For example, these Ham and Cheese Sandwiches with a gourmet twist from Delish. Again, quality ingredients are everything. For this recipe, in lieu of making your own honey mustard, try AJ’s All Natural Walla Walla Sweet Onion Mustard from our condiment section! AJ’s is local, and they source the majority of their ingredients right here in Washington state. And add Tacoma Boy’s Sweet Pickle Chips rather than plain old dill pickle slices. You can’t go wrong with either the Chicken Pesto Pasta or the Ham and Cheese Sandwiches. Both will look as great coming out of the basket as they did going in!

4. Have a little something on the side.

Now that you’ve figured out the main fare, it’s time to pack the bonuses! This is like stockings after the big presents are unwrapped. So, make it good! The easiest choice is fresh fruit. Peruse our produce aisle for the freshest fruit in the PNW. Look for great deals on local Rainier Cherries (Can you think of a more quintessential picnic food?) or our sweet and juicy plums (in season right now, and so delicious).  For another great healthy side option, try this recipe for Avocado Tomato Salad. Tacoma Boy’s Corn Relish would go great in this scrumptious side dish! Again, it doesn’t have to be fancy, just make it something you’ll be excited to pull out of your basket. 

5. Don’t forget dessert!

Nothing will make your perfect summer picnic complete like topping it off with a little something sweet! For a less messy take on strawberry shortcake, grab a Strawberry Log from Magic Flavors (a small business in Kent, Wa) from our refrigerated section. Enjoy as is, or top with additional strawberries and/or whipped cream. For a gluten-free homemade option, try Bob’s Red Mill Brownie Mix in our GF section. Or simply grab a package of Olivia Superfree Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes–also gluten free, and vegan! As you’re savoring the last morsels of your dessert, don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a moment that feels as good as you imagined it would. 

All In One Basket at Tacoma Boys

We’re confident your perfect (ish) summer picnic is just around the corner, and we would love to be part of it! You’ll find everything you know you need (and probably a few pleasant surprises) at your local Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce. From the basics to those specialty items that will keep your picnic fresh and unique, we’ve got you covered. Stop by today and fill your basket with high quality local products to make your summer picnic absolutely almost perfect!

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate the man in your life by cooking meat outdoors. Let us help make this year memorable with everything you need for a great Father’s Day barbecue. 

Summer is finally here, just in time to celebrate dad his way. Time to fire up the grill, marinade some meat and pop a cold one! Father’s Day is a great day to kick back, soak up some sun, and spend some quality time with dad. Make this Father’s Day great with mouthwatering meat, great sides, and perfect drink pairings. Here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we have everything you need to make great food the best part of your dad’s day. From the main course to locally brewed beer and everything in between, we’re your one stop shop for the perfect Father’s Day barbecue. Not sure where to start? Check out these great ideas for perfectly paired meats, sides and beverages. 

4 Meaty Meals for Your Father’s Day Barbecue

1. Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs and Cilantro Lime Grilled Watermelon

Main Meat: Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

A little sweet, a little savory, and every bit delicious, the whole family will love these hearty BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kebabs from Damn Delicious! Start by swinging by our butcher and grabbing our all natural boneless, skinless chicken breasts.Then, mix things up by seasoning your chicken with Tacoma Boys Honey BBQ Rub. Or use Tacoma Boys Spicy Asian Honey marinade in lieu of traditional Teriyaki sauce to add a little extra spice. Just the right balance of sticky and saucy, these Hawaiian-style kebabs have it all–meat, peppers, onions, and pineapple–all on one stick. They’re sure to go fast and become a Father’s Day favorite!

On the Side: Grilled Watermelon

While you’re in the business of throwing fruit on the grill, why not give watermelon a try? This recipe for Cilantro Lime Grilled Watermelon from The Stay at Home Chef turns a typically sweet summer fruit into a smoky, savory side dish. Gorgeous grill marks and a finish of sea salt and cilantro make this side perfect for your Father’s Day barbecue! 

Pair with: San Juan Island Brewing Co Outer Island IPA

2. Grilled Bone-In Pork Chops & Mexican Corn

Main Meat: Bone-In Pork Chops

Thesel Bone-In Pork Chops from The Kitchn couldn’t be simpler…or more delicious! Start with bone-in pork chops (always born, raised, and harvested in the USA) from our butcher. Don’t forget to brine your pork chops first to add flavor and help the meat retain moisture. Then, try Tacoma Boys Kentucky Bourbon BBQ Rub for a southern smokey flavor, or Tacoma Boys Kickin Maple Honey Rub for something on the sweeter side. Grill and enjoy!

On the Side: Mexican-Style Grilled Corn

Keep it simple with your pork chops, but add a little flair to your sides! Grilled to perfection, then slathered with a sour cream cilantro sauce, this recipe for Mexican Grilled Corn is packed with unique flavor. If you haven’t tried Mexican-style corn yet, now’s the time! Easy to make, and a sure crowd pleaser, this recipe will slay at your Father’s Day gathering.

Pair with: One Tree Stay-cation Hard Cider

3. Burgers, Brats, and Potato Salad

Main Meat: Burgers and Brats

Sometimes it’s best to stick with the classics. This Father’s Day, you can’t go wrong with good old fashioned burgers and brats. Let us do the hard part for you by choosing from our amazing premade gourmet hamburger patties. We have Applewood Bacon Cheddar Burgers, Jalapeno Pepper Jack Kobe Burgers, Lamb Burgers with Rosemary and Feta, Bleu Cheese Black Pepper Burgers and more! We also have Smoked Bratwurst, Chicago Beef Hot Dogs, and Hebrew National All Beef Franks if you’re looking for brats and hot dogs. Swing by our expert butcher and let us prove that tradition doesn’t have to be boring!

On the Side: Grilled Potato Salad with Charred Onions and Peppers

In keeping with a traditional theme, this recipe from Crumblog takes classic Potato Salad to the next level…on the grill! Everything but the vinaigrette is grilled, just be sure to chop your veggies in large enough pieces so they don’t fall through the grill. Follow the directions exactly, or add Tacoma Boys Garden Goodness Vegetable Seasoning to your vinaigrette for extra flavor. Your dad will love the familiar flavor of potato salad with the extra smokey taste of veggies on the grill!

Pair with: Silver City Brewing Panther City Porter

4. Kobe Zabuton Steaks and Grilled Vegetables 

Main Meat: Kobe Zabuton Gold Grade Steak

Also known as Denver cut steak, our Zabuton is a highly marbled cut, so it’s extremely soft and tender. Spoil your father (or the father-figure in your life) with this high quality cut of beef from Snake River Farm right here in the United States. It’s easy to grill, so keep it simple with Tacoma Boys Gourmet Olde Canadian Steakrub or Steakhouse Marinade, and let the meat speak for itself. 

On the Side: Balsamic Grilled Vegetables 

It’s impossible to upstage a steak as good as Kobe Zabuton, so the goal is a perfect complement. We think this recipe for Balsamic Grilled Vegetables by SweetPhi does just that. The secret to these veggies is the marinade, so make sure you give it plenty of time. With a blend of zucchini, mushrooms, and peppers, this side is packed with nutrition and mouth watering flavor that’s sure to make your Father’s Day barbecue one to remember!

What to Drink?

Airfield Estates “2017 Founders Michael” Red Wine

One Stop for A Complete Father’s Day Barbecue

Whether you’re spending this Father’s Day with your dad, grandpa, father of your children or a special father figure, we know you want to make his day. With only the best meats and high quality produce for your sides, as well as a slew of spices and marinades, we know you’ll find everything you need at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce. So, stop by one of our locations this week, and ask one of our friendly store associates how we can help you make your Father’s Day barbecue a great one!