Everything you need to elevate your Game Day get-together or backyard BBQ from the Walsh Village Market.
One of the perks for Walsh residents (and visitors) is the Walsh Village Market, a one-stop shop for foodie essentials curated with a gourmet eye. The store’s general manager Cameron R. Cook helps kick off an ongoing series of epicurean essentials with suggestions for late-season BBQs and Game Day parties.
“It’s one of my favorite times of year,” says Cook. “There’s that first little break in the weather, the smell of outdoor cooking and the sound of football on TV.”
START WITH SNACKS
Because Cook says “crunchy salty things” come to mind first and foremost, in place of the more traditional chips and nuts he recommends Epic Pork Rinds and Pork Cracklings. Based in Austin, these artisanal snacks are made from non-GMO and antibiotic-free pork and happen to be compatible with a Paleo diet.
“They’re all grass fed with no hormones, and they’re one of the only companies who are Whole 30 approved,” says Cook.
If you can’t get away from chips, Cook recommends keto-friendly grain-free chips from Siete served with a healthy helping of Salpica Jalapeno Jack Queso with Salsa Verde.
TOAST THE END OF THE SUMMER
Although the Market doesn’t sell spirits, there are some premium mixers to elevate your Bloodies and ‘Gritas in store. Cook recommends craft cocktail mixers from Powell & Mahoney.
FIRE UP THE GRILL
No matter your protein of choice, how you cook it is going to impact the flavor significantly. Fans of the Big Green Egg will find lump hardwood charcoal at the Market, as well as traditional charcoal. If smoking is in your skill set, the Market also carries an array of wood chips.
Says Cook, “We have hickory and oak and cherry wood. Cherry and fruitwood pair better with lighter meats like pork and chicken, and the harder woods pair better with darker meats like beef.”
MAKE A SAVORY SIDE
Cook recommends a “super-easy” coleslaw as the perfect side dish. Dress up your shredded cabbage, onion and carrots with Dave’s Gourmet Creamy Roasted Jalapeno Hot Sauce cut with some Duke’s Mayonnaise to control the heat. Mix to taste, and you’re done!
FINISH WITH SOME SWEET RELIEF
Finally, the hot days of August and September call for a refreshing treat. Fort Worth-based Alchemy Pops “have a ton of flavors,” according to Cook, and make an easy dessert. “Just throw them in the cooler and serve when you’re ready!’
