How to Celebrate National Barbecue Month in Chicagoland
Did you know that May is National Barbecue Month? Memorial Day weekend is often thought of as the unofficial start to the summer season, and for many people here in the Midwest and around the country, that means it's time to fire up the grill or smoker and start cooking up something tasty.
Barbecue is one of America's favorite foods. While you'll find regional variations around the country, it's a hit just about everywhere. In fact, Americans collectively spend more than $1.36 billion on barbecue and grill products in a given year. 75 percent of Americans own an outdoor grill or smoker, and 60 percent of grill owners say that they get their BBQ on year round. A long-time presidential favorite with international roots, barbecue has a rich and storied history — one that keeps growing and becoming more special year after year, generation after generation.
Whether you like it smoky or sweet, meaty or plant-based, ordered from a restaurant or home cooked, there are lots of ways to celebrate all things barbecue in Chicagoland. Here are just a few time-honored ways to celebrate National Barbecue Month in Illinois:
