Shrimp lovers especially are in for a treat with dishes including tempuras, creoles, gumbos and Po-boys. Brownies, cakes, pies, cookies, cobblers and sorbets are just a few of the delights to tempt dessert lovers. In addition, QVC will broadcast its Local Flavors tour live from TasteFest from noon to 2 p.m. Friday featuring on-air chef Jeff Parker. Admission is free, but food and beverages are pay as you go.
Gas is convenient because it ignites quickly and cleans up fast.
On the down side, gas grills are expensive and it's a pain getting the canister refilled. If you go the charcoal route, seek out the lump hardwood variety over the briquets. The hardwood ignites almost as quickly as gas and burns much hotter than the briquet fire. It also imparts a cleaner, more natural flavor as it doesn't contain the additives used to make briquets. One skeptical grill god made a face when introduced to the hardwood version, but now he insists on cooking only with hardwood and sings its praises to fellow tong-bearing cooks whenever he gets the chance.