living space .”

“ Positioning your grill with functional counter space , cabinetry and other amenities — like a sink or wine fridge — makes for a highfunctioning work zone that will encourage you to cook outdoors as often as you do in . Other ways to maximize your use and enjoyment of your outdoor grill is building out a larger living and lounge space — we call these California rooms — where you can get the best of indoor / outdoor living with all the creature comforts of your interiors .”

THE DESIGN When setting up an outdoor kitchen , “ a gas or wood-burning grill is the spectacle that most guests want to see ,” says Adrian Bastida , kitchen manger at Bluewater Grill . “ And we all know that if you are planning an outdoor kitchen party — or planning to build an outdoor kitchen for your home — you are doing it as much for your guests as you are for you ,” he says . “ An outdoor [ space is the ] … theater , and the stars of the show are the grill and the grill master .”

Bastida says if you are lucky enough to create an outdoor kitchen

from scratch , he recommends including a counter where guests can watch the grill action with a cocktail and without worrying about the heat and smoke or being in the way of the grill master .

“ A stocked refrigerator nearby is a grill master ’ s best friend ,” adds John Ursini , owner of Newport Rib Co ., noting that a cold beverage nearby means not having to leave the cooking station . “ It allows the grill master to focus on what ’ s in front of him and also encourages guests to ‘ visit ,’ [ grab a drink ] and see what he / she is up to .”

Clasen also recommends adding an island to an outdoor grill area , complete with a countertop made of durable materials and some sort of shade .

“ If room permits , it ’ s nice to have seating while the chef is at the grill ,” she says . “[ An ] outdoor stone counter that doesn ’ t get too hot [ and ] stainless steel appliances [ are ideal ] to brave the outdoor elements . An overhanging cover is a game changer . It not only provides shade , but also provides structure for hanging lights .”

THE TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES “ Anything cooked outdoors is better — because you ’ re outdoors ,” Ursini says . “ Anything cooked on a grill is better because you see it , smell it and watch your meal come to life right in front of your eyes . You want to sit down and really enjoy big pieces of grilled meats and sides . Corn , asparagus , all kinds of colorful vegetables are perfect off the grill .”

Ursini notes that a meat thermometer and top-quality protein are also key . “[ Grilling ] starts with a good piece of meat — very few great meals start with inferior meat ,” he says .

Ursini says his favorite grilling technique is searing the meat first , usually for one to three minutes , then lowering the temperature for slow cooking . He also cautions to not overcook meats — you can always throw things back on the grill , but you can ’ t uncook overcooked meat .

Bastida notes that it ’ s important to know when to use direct heat and when to opt for indirect heat .

“ Direct heat is great for foods that cook quickly , like thin steak , fish or

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