Chefs Reveal Their Favorite Foods to Grill... Other Than Burgers

You typically know what to grill at a cookout: burgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken, and steak. But occasionally you've got to up the ante a bit and try something new -- especially when your girlfriend's dad is watching. Also, why is he here? Did anyone even invite him? In the interest of making you look like a better match for Sonia, and charring up some killer stuff in the process, here are some famous chefs' tips for what to grill besides the usual suspects.

Hinoki & the Bird (address and info)
Los Angeles, CA
“Try grilling your rice. Take leftover rice and form it into patties while it’s still warm. Let the patties cool and then store them in the freezer or fridge until you’re ready to use them. Fire up the grill, brush a little oil on the rice patties, and put them right on the grill. The grilled rice takes on this chewy texture, and, overall, it’s wholesome and satisfying, and a great side for grilled meats and vegetables.”

Do or Dine (address and info)
Brooklyn, NY
"Pork tenderloin is my go-to alt-grill meal. They take well to marinades and brines. They also cook quickly and evenly. I like to brine them and then baste with a mix of honey and ginger beer -- super-caramelized crust and a beautiful medium-rare in no time. I also like to slice the tenderloins up while the other, more traditional fare is cooking. It's like a hushpuppy for humans. 'Here's a tiny nibble of meat... be patient!'"

Pork Slope (address and info)
Brooklyn, NY
“I love to grill a whole fish in a banana leaf. It helps it not stick to the grill and gives the fish a beautiful, smoky flavor.”

Bodega Negra (address and info)
New York, NY
“The addition of the grilled kale to our veggie tacos brings a nice balance of texture and flavor, along with a healthy element. I like to toss it in a simple vinaigrette like Champagne vinegar or lime & lemon with olive oil and salt, and char it on a really hot grill. Then I trim it off the stem after grilling."

Stella Barra (address and info)
Santa Monica, CA; Hollywood, CA; Chicago, IL
“­We coat grapes with a simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped garlic, and Calabrian chiles, and then grill for approximately one minute. Then we place them back into the marinade bowl until they're cool. I serve the grapes alongside fresh burrata and grilled bread.”

Center Bar (address and info)
New York, NY
"We do a thing where we grill fruits to make fruit-based BBQ sauces. I grill peaches until their sugars caramelize, simmer them with jalapeño peppers and other spices, and then make a grilled peach BBQ sauce, which I use to marinate or baste grilled seafood, lamb, or poultry. It makes for an excellent table condiment, too."

MP Taverna (address and info)
Long Island City, NY
“Take Summer vegetables from the garden and season them with salt and pepper, coat them with good olive oil, and put them on the grill. A favorite of mine is grilled watermelon with grilled manouri cheese served with mint leaves, dill sprigs, and some sea salt, and then drizzled with olive oil.”

Melisse (address and info)
Santa Monica, CA
“Wrap a whole fennel bulb with the fennel fronds in aluminum foil, packaging it with garlic, salt, olive oil, coriander seeds, and orange zest. Throw the package on top of the coals -- right on the coals -- for a few minutes, until the bulb is tender. This is a way to cook veggies while you’re grilling meat if you don’t necessarily want those veggies grilled/charred.”

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Adam Lapetina is the Partnerships Editor at Thrillist, and the only way he can grill in his Brooklyn apartment is with a George Foreman. Read his musings on Twitter at @adamlapetina.