#15 BBQ’ing like it’s 1999, or maybe 1899?

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I love Armenian food. There is no question in my mind that Armenian food is objectively the best food out there, and nothing beats Armenian food that is grilled. Armenians know how to BBQ. But Armenians won’t BBQ with the new gas grill you pick up at your Home Depot for a couple of G’s. Nope… When Armenians BBQ, they get the coal out and the most important piece of cooking equipment—the cardboard.

On any given weekend afternoon, there are bound to be old Armenian men, with cigarettes in hand waving an old piece of cardboard above the grill, as a way to increase windflow or redirect the smoke from the kebabs. I’ve never really understood the purpose of the cardboard. And I’ve asked. I’ve asked Grandpa and Dad why we use an old piece of cardboad. “What purpose does it serve?” I ask innocently.

The response is always the same. “That’s the way you BBQ!” It never really satisfied my curiosity. But whenever I’m BBQing some kebabs, I find myself ripping some cardboard and fanning the BBQ. I’m not sure why I do it, but for some reason the food tastes better that way. And when my son asks me why I do what I do, I simply respond, “Hokees… That’s the way you BBQ!”