The Day the Propane Ran Out Mid-Rib
Dear BBQ: He Hates My Vegan Friends
Advice, served medium-rare, with zero sugar-coating
The Letter
Dear Barbie Q,
I invited my vegan friends to our backyard BBQ, and my husband lost it. He says “plants don’t belong on the grill.” I’m embarrassed. How do I keep peace without canceling the cookout?
— Tofu Tense in Tennessee
The Flame
Men like Mike, and yours, think the grill is holy ground reserved for meat. They forget fire doesn’t care what it’s cooking. Fire just wants purpose.
The Smoke
Let him have his ribs; you work the other side of the grate. Brush olive oil on zucchini, corn, and portobellos. Let that char sing. When the aroma hits, every carnivore in the yard will lean your way. Fire humbles pride quicker than lectures do.
And if he grumbles, say, “Relax, they’re sides.” Sides always get a free pass.
The Plate-Up
Sometimes the best way to change minds is through stomachs. Serve him a grilled peach after dinner; he’ll never call plants boring again.
Stay patient, stay spicy — Barbie Q
Ask Barbie Q
Got BBQ drama, smoke disasters, or life questions that need some flame-kissed honesty?