Starting Over After the CA Wildfire

[garpete]

This was my backyard after the CA wildfire in 10/2017.

This wasn't a tragedy as wife was a hoarder.

We just moved into a rebuilt house, In our devastation zone & now it's time to get to the important stuff.

The grills/smokers I have on order, along with the attendant GrillGrates are:
A Genesis II 335 for those times I don't want to start charcoal or logs (when my wife says corn now!) a
Weber Summit Charcoal to replace my beloved Kamado Joe, because of weight; and finally,
a PK360 for grilling & short cook smoking.

What other suggestions for grills/smokers/accessories do I need to maximize our neighborhood's food experience?

I plan to be doing a lot of cooking to welcome back the other 1200 people who lost their homes. (Yes, this means I ready to order more cooking surfaces - block party?)

[Spinaker]

Wow! What a picture! It is great to hear that you and your wife made it out okay.

Have you considered aCajun Fryer?I love mine! It is a blast to use when you have company over. It runs on propane and frys up the best wings ever! You can also use it for small batch frying as well!

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[Steve B]

And just who do you give credit for having that fryer? 😂😂😁🤣🤣

[HouseHomey]

Atta boy!!! Lead with the wings and fryer!!

[Spinaker]

Absolutely your fault. SteveB

[FireMan]

My hat off to you! Can’t wait to see you cookin up a block party for 1200. 👍 🕶

[CaptainMike]

I retired from CAL FIRE in 2014, but literally cannot count the number of fires I have been to. Looking at your picture I know EXACTLY what that smells like and it was never pleasant. I'm so happy you survived and have rebuilt. So, on to the fun stuff: have you considered a pellet pooper for your arsenal? Quick, easy, and very good results. My arsenal is very similar to yours, but I do use my old Traeger often.

[Troutman]

I second what the Captain said. We've been through some natural disasters here on the Gulf Coast so we're no stranger to the re-building of your lives. Glad to hear you're moving forward. And yes, that is one awesome picture, I think it says it all.

[Mudkat]

That pic should win an award! Lady in Red.

[ofelles]

Glad to hear you're coming back. My SIL and her husband lost their home in the Cobb fire near Clear lake. They bought a new place in another part ot the town. They still that their most valuable/prized possessions with them if they're going a way for more than a day. Also know a few people hit in the Paradise fire recently. Kind of takes the wind out of your sails for a bit.
What a great gesture feeding folks, give the sense of being home again.

[Mudkat]

I'd be interested on you and your communities rebuild. Keep us posted if you have time. Your neighbors will never forget your generosity in serving them the "Welcome Home" meals.

[klflowers]

Man, that pic is something. Glad you guys are OK and back in a new home. Add a sns to that Weber and you are golden.

[Dadof3Illinois]

I think you have a darn good start. I would add a PBC but man if your cooking for 1200 you might think about something larger like a Lang or Jambo?

[Steve B]

WOW. That pic is sooo surreal.
My heart goes out to you and your family. And I’m really glad that you guys are on the up and up.
Continued luck And the best of wishes.
Steve B.

[Keiferr]

Glad you're ok and rebuilding! Great to hear your block party plans! Keep us posted!

[SmokeyGator]

The genesis 2 is nice....but I’m sold on the Napoleon. If you have a brandsmart around check them out. They are selling older model prestige pro 500RSIB models for $1100. What’s the difference in the old and new? The new ones have knobs that light up blue when off and red when on. As far as I can tell, that is it. And you get a read IR side burner that gets "smelt lead" hot (NOTE: don’t smelt lead).

by the way, did you keep that KJ? I would even if it were just an accent piece. It has a story to tell. Also KJ might be interested in using it for advertising.

[Mr. Bones]

If yerself, yer family, an ~1200 returnin neighbours ever eat breakfast, stir fry, smash burgers, ad nauseum, then might I suggest a spacious outdoor griddle?
Ya can thank me, later...

So glad to see yer able to forge on, an move past this disastrous event...

Sendin out best of wishes an prayers, fer yer 1 man, neighbourhood OBR project, Brother!

[HouseHomey]

Griddles, fryers and poopers are all good advice!!

Huntington beach welcomes you sir!!

whereabouts are you? I would be happy to make a contribution to you and your neighbors. A little something for meat or some time if you are close enough. I have fed a person or two in the past.

Wow what a photo!!!
Says it all!