Grill Maestro

The HPBA (Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association) is a great organization that frequently puts out fun consumer opinion polls and this Fall, one of the questions related to the worst BBQ attendees. Can you guess the number one most disliked person is? So much so that you would choose to not invite them? It’s the control freak, the attendee who likes to boss everyone around and tell people what to do.

The Barbecue “D” List – Choosing who NOT to invite to a barbecue is easy for consumers. A quarter of respondents would not want to invite a “control freak” – someone who bosses everyone around during their backyard event. Other no-invites include:
• The Slob – Makes a big mess and doesn’t clean up after themselves (24 percent)
• The Picky Eater – Doesn’t want to eat anything that the host serves (18 percent)
• The Moocher – Doesn’t bring food to the party or doesn’t help with anything at the cookout
(13 percent)
• The Boastful Bragger – Brags too much about his or her grilling skills (7 percent)
• The Backseat Griller – Gives unwanted grilling advice (4 percent)

I think I’d let a bragger and backseat griller to the party but someone who was picky and told me about it would get the boot. (I’m just kidding, I wouldn’t kick anyone out but I certainly wouldn’t like it)

A lot of those things are pretty common sense though. Be courteous to your host, offer to help out, and always say the food tastes great.

Full Fall 2008 Consumer Opinion Poll Quick Facts [HPBA.org]