In a post about food, I talked about grilling and that being one of my favorite ways to cook when a loyal follower Sheree asked, “What is it about men and BBQ’s?” That is a damn good observation and question.

I didn’t grow up in a family that grilled out. Mostly a picnic or end of year cookout from various sports leagues I played on usually at the coach’s home. So, they were few and far between. Dad passed when I was young and Mom didn’t BBQ.

It wasn’t till just after high school that one of my best friends would grill some New York strip steaks, out back in his grandmother’s home where he was staying to go to school and work in the town of College Park.

Soon we all had our own Webber grills and were all active outside chefs. We, being my two best friends and myself. They are very good at it and I’m no slouch. I’ve never used gas, always charcoal. Most of the time that has been the standard with all of us. Of course, some wood for smoking when needed. One had a pellet smoker for a while.

So why does it seem to be a male dominated activity. I have no frigg’in idea. But it always has been for me and most men I know. Yes, I watch some of the BBQ cooking contest and there are women competing in those but in the circles, I’ve run in I have yet to meet a woman who’s the griller of the home.

BBQs involve fire and men like lighting and maintaining a fire. Maybe some primal calling, I don’t know but getting a fire going in a pit, fireplace or grill is fun.

Grilling involves tongs, and those are fun to play with and click while cooking. Or to chase your better half with before taking the food outside to cook. He who holds the tongs, holds the power.

It’s OUR kitchen outside. Lots of room, if we spill something the dog or ants get it. Other guys to talk to. Usually there is beer, frowned upon by females while cooking but a staple of grilling activity. Ladies are welcome to the grill area if smiling, complimenting the smell and can’t wait to eat. Anything else will be met with side eye or peering over glasses.

Men like to watch meat and fish cook and not in the oven or microwave. On a metal grate and open fire with flames occasionally touching it.

There is a spirited discussion on who is the better grill chef between the men with all kinds of offensive language. Offering critique, advice, and criticism while grilling is a direct afront to the grill master and could lead to blows depending on the number of drinks before the grilling started. Most ladies I know don’t include fights (play or real) as part of cooking.

Most of the time the good-natured back about who is better grill chef goes on till the grilling is complete, where most ladies won’t say a bad thing about each other’s cooking in front of each other. Men on the other had will remember every fail you ever had on the grill and tease you about it while you’re cooking so the laughter will continue.

Grilling involves getting smoke in your face and having your cloths smell like smoke sometimes. Again, not popular with most of the females I know.

Most guys will stand outside in any weather. I’ve fired up the grill when it’s been over 100 outside in the shade. I’ve fired it up in the snow. Men are nuts.

Good grillers will use marinade and various seasonings which is like a discussion of the finest wines when men stand around the grill. Even taking a trip to each other’s spice cabinets to see what is stocked.

We have rules in our kitchen (grill area). No kids running around. Only accredited grill master’s within the cooking zone.

Women may know the best meats from the food market. Men know where every butcher shop is within a 100-mile radius and probably have sampled every one and again will argue which is the best.

Most of our sons will have a natural interest in it which excites the hell out of us.

We finally get to share that pride women have when completing a home cooked meal that everyone will like.

I’m guessing this is the final reason. Most women can beat a man, hands down in the kitchen and cooking overall in most cases. I know my better half can. But on the grill, I’m the master. Not that she couldn’t do it. She probably lets me do it to feel good and not have to cook one of the few nights of the month.

So, either a lot of women have advocated that territory to men or they secretly are playing us to get us to help cook occasionally.

A tip of the chef’s hat to the ladies that like to grill. All are welcome, warning the grill area can get racy at times.