May 21, 2021

Grill Local

Local options for your barbecue; from the new to the tried and true.

By Doug Kolmar

Grilling season is here!  And it sounds like it may be a busier one than ever, as folks try to recover the "lost summer" of 2020 with barbecues and other outdoor gatherings.  The good news is there is no lack of variety in local foods to generate talk around the fire pit!  Not to mention all the fresh flavor, nutrition, and benefits to community and the planet that locally sourced food provides.  We've compiled a list of just a few of the local options available from our customers to whet your appetite.  

We'd love to hear about your local grilling favorites! Post on social and tag @goforager; we'll be sharing under the #GrillLocal hashtag all summer long.

Commonwealth Poultry:

Providing air-chilled, all-natural, veg fed, humanly raised, Halal guaranteed poultry!  From wings to drumsticks, check out all of their full assortment on the web, and pick some up when you visit Portland Food Co-op.

Beast Feast Maine

Maine's Premier sauce and rub company established 2009. ​Maker of BBQ Sauces, Hot Sauces, Marinades and Rubs that are made with only the finest ingredients.  Now offering Keto friendly sauces!  Feast your eyes on all of their products at the website, and pick some up when you visit Rosemont Market or Portland Food Co-op.

Nut Meat

The perfectly natural ground meat substitute that is good for you and the planet! Their products are made from natural ingredients that are vegan, soy-free and gluten-free.  Create a handful of other vegan meals and snacks with these recipes.  You can find Nut Meat at Pemberton Farms and Portland Food Co-op.

Pig Rock Sausages

Pig Rock Sausages is the brainchild of longtime Boston chef Art Welch. The focus of Pig Rock Sausages is using fresh, quality ingredients to produce the highest quality line of sausages using humanely treated animals. They do not use any additional additives or preservatives. What is on their label is what is in their sausages.  Pig Rock Sausages are sold at City Feed and Supply.

David Bradley Chocolatier

Who doesn't love a S'more toasted over an open fire to welcome in the warmer months? David Bradley Chocolatier offers kits with everything you need to continue this tradition!  They are a family owned and run business, who uses the best chocolate, not compounds or mixes, as well as the best practices in manufacturing their products.  Visit Roche Bros. Supermarkets to find these treats.

Blackbird Foods

Founded by chefs, Blackbird Foods started by making seitan for local restaurants. As more customers started to request the option to cook with it in their homes, they opened their own dedicated facility to create the best Seitan in the world.  They use only natural, non GMO ingredients that are 100% plant-based, cholesterol-free, vegan, and kosher.  Learn how to create their Blackbird Yakatori and many other original recipes here.  Find them at City Feed and Supply.

Grumpy's Pepper Sauce

Carrying on a family recipe that originated over 40 years ago in Barbados, Grumpy's has been spicing things up on the beaches and fairgrounds of New England since 2017.  Pick some up on your next trip to Roche Bros. Supermarkets.

Caldwell Family Farm

Our farm strives to offer the best possible Organic and Natural Beef. We are a small farm that has been in the family for 4 generations and appreciate the hard work it takes to make a great product. Find their meat at Portland Food Co-op, Rising Tide Co-op, Jordan's Farm, and Rosemont Market.

Hillside Harvest

Hillside Harvest is a gourmet Caribbean American Sauce brand hyper focused on crafting flavor forward sauces that enhance and never overpower! You can pick up their sauces and marinades when you visit Roche Bros.

And all the veggies!

Of course, fresh local vegetables are great on the grill - from Asparagus to Zucchini- as well as in side salads, burger toppings and slaws!