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I’m willing to bet that most of us will have at least one barbecued meal this weekend. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, and what’s more summery than cooking outdoors?
Whether you’re a carnivore eager to devour a burger and a rack of ribs, or a vegetarian who enjoys grilled veggies, everything tastes better on the grill. If you’re planning a small gathering or huge potluck at any point this holiday weekend, you’re going to need some supplies. Luckily, there are plenty of gourmet markets in southeast Michigan where you’ll find exactly what you need. Hop in the car and take a trip to one of the following:
Holiday Market, 520 S. Lilley Rd., Canton, has another location in Royal Oak, so it serves multiple areas of Metro D. The beef sold here is top choice Chairman’s Reserve, and the sausage is made on site. If you like smoked meats, keep an eye out for the smoked kielbasa and smoked Canadian bacon.
Beverages are always an important part to any holiday festivity, and Holiday Market offers a vast selection of craft beer, along with hard cider, kegs and wine. There is both a beer and wine specialist on staff to help you out with any decision-making, too!
For your Memorial Day barbecue, take advantage of sales on pork baby back ribs, ground round and whole seedless watermelon.
Westborn Market, with locations in Berkley, Dearborn and Livonia, boasts nothing but fresh ingredients, which you’ll find plenty of at the Butcher Shoppe. If you’re grilling this weekend, pick up some all-natural Miller’s Amish chicken, ground chuck, pork chops or shish kabobs.
You’ll find “born local” signs scattered throughout the produce department, which let you know that what you’re purchasing was grown right here in Michigan. Instead of grabbing a pack of plain ol’ hamburger buns, make your way to the bakery, where you’ll find freshly baked breads. Not to mention desserts like chocolates from Ghyslain Chocolatier and pies from local Achatz Handmade Pies, which your guests will devour.
Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market, with locations in Rochester and Birmingham, has been providing Metro Detroiters with fine meat and produce selections for over 20 years. Since Joe’s offers so many excellent ready-to-go meals, we won’t tell your friends or family if you cheat and purchase a flank steak dinner and hide the grocery bags before they come over.
You’ll find sirloin steaks, Delmonico steaks, butterfly pork chops and whole beef tenderloin on sale this week. If you’re grilling for a crowd this weekend, Papa Joe’s will be a safe bet for your supplies—if you purchase four pounds or more of beef or pork, you’ll save up to 40 percent off! Don’t forget to grab some zucchini, which is excellent on the grill.
Joe’s Produce, 33066 W. 7 Mile Rd., is not to be confused with the previous market with a similar moniker. Joe’s is one of my personal favorites, as the selection is always incredibly fresh, and I leave the store with more than I went in for. You’ll find plenty of produce here to throw on the grill or fix into a salad. Again, Joe’s has an excellent prepared food section as well, so go ahead and grab a few pasta salads or potato salads and no one will be the wiser.
You’ll have to leave the store to get to Joe’s Meat and Seafood next door, which offers beef (ground daily), chicken, pork, fish and sausage, along with items that are ready to go on the grill, such as stuffed chicken breasts, assembled kabobs and premade burger patties.
Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Markets, with locations in Shelby Township and Clinton Township, opened its original location (the latter) over 30 years ago. Whether you’re looking for gourmet to go or ingredients to make your own meal masterpiece from scratch, Vince & Joe’s will have what you’re looking for.
The butcher shop offers USDA Choice Beef, US Premium Pork, Grade A Poultry and a selection of natural and organic meats and poultry from Bell & Evans and Creekstone Farms. If you maintain a gluten free diet and still want to kick back and enjoy a burger at the barbecue, never fear! Vince & Joe’s has a gluten free line from its bakery which includes everything from bread to a selection of cakes, brownies and cookies.
If you’re new to the whole cooking thing, check out some recipe ideas courtesy of Vince & Joe’s!
Johnny Pomodoro’s Fresh Market, 32906 Middlebelt Rd., Farmington Hills, allows for ultimate lazy grocery shopping: doing so online! This late in the game, however, you’ll probably want to go pick up your Memorial Day weekend goodies on your own. Keep it in mind for busy weeks, though!
The super handy Ron Forman’s Deli Nosh BBQ to Go is great for a holiday occasion, and includes eight Vienna Franks (natural casing or skinless), eight buns, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, pickles and condiments all for under $30. Johnny Pomodoro’s also makes its own chicken and pork sausage in house, and carries Amish free range and kosher chickens.
This week, JP’s Chicken Kabobs, Black and Blue Burgers and Salmon Burgers are all on sale, which make for some tasty Memorial Day grub.
The produce sold here comes from Eastern Market, and the store is big on purchasing local Michigan produce as much as possible. For dessert, pick up something from Marty’s Cookies, the in-house bakery. There are over two-dozen flavors to choose from, and you can create a killer cookie tray for your guests.
Now that you’ve got all of your supplies, get to grillin’! I can’t help you there, but I can recommend using a charcoal grill over gas. Happy Memorial Day, everyone!
