Like every summer, I learned a new skill. This time it was learning to grill like a pro at the Girls Who Grill event organized by the Washington Beef Association.
If you think grilling is a man’s job, think again, because some of us girls can now grill like pros thanks to Misty Banchero, a.k.a. Seattle Butcher’s Wife, who taught us everything we needed to know.
It was the most amazing way to kick off my summer before all of my camping adventures, to finally learn how to grill properly.
My Love for Outdoor Cooking in Washington
I love cooking outdoors, a newfound love I discovered after moving to Washington, thanks to how easily accessible the outdoors is here and the number of places we can camp.
So, when Misty reached out for this event, I instantly said yes. One, I wanted to learn how to grill properly, the art behind making a beautiful steak. And two, I wanted to connect with people who share the same love.
A Hidden Gem: Wilkeson, Washington
The event was hosted at the Simple Goodness Soda Shop in Wilkeson, Washington, which was once a bustling town and the gateway to Mount Rainier. However, it has now become a laid-back town after the old bridge collapsed. I really hope funding comes through to rebuild the bridge and bring the town back to life.
It felt like a cozy mountain town where everyone knew everyone, with people moving around in horse carriages and buildings with stories dating back over 100 years.
If you’re looking for unique small towns near Mount Rainier or hidden gems in Washington State, Wilkeson is definitely worth a visit.
Cocktails, Charcuterie and Introductions
The event started with an elaborate charcuterie spread, cocktails, and mingling. Everyone introduced themselves and shared why they were there.
I shared how I wanted to elevate my camping food and move beyond my usual hot dogs (which are still great!), although I do remember making Ooink’s ramen on my last trip, which was definitely a step up.
Learning to Grill Like a Pro
Soon after, we headed out to the patio where a huge, beautifully decorated table was waiting for us, along with several Weber grills ready to be fired up.
Misty gave us a full demo of the process, starting with the type of pellets to use and how to add them to the grill. For pellets, we used Royal Oak’s Lump Charcoal and Weber’s electric grill. What they had was a full-blown patio grill but upon browsing, I found an amazing compact grill series called Lumin Compact Outdoor Electric Grill that fits perfect for my needs.
We also learned the ideal grilling temperature: 220 degrees.
She then explained the different cuts of steak, like the Manhattan cut and the New York cut, something I was hearing for the first time, but now I definitely know what I’ll be ordering next time.
If you’re new to grilling, this kind of hands-on experience makes a huge difference, especially when learning how to grill steak properly.
Cooking, Conversations & Connections
We started by making our own compound butter and added ingredients as per our liking. I mixed a whole lot of blue cheese with some bbq seasoning, not sure how that combo would taste, but we will find that out soon. I then started the prep by massaging my steak well with oil and spices before placing it on the grill, and we all chatted our hearts out while the steaks cooked.
It was such a fun and wholesome experience getting to know people from different backgrounds. Some were fifth-generation farmers and butchers; many were content creators like me, and all of us understood each other’s work, successes, and struggles. No pretense, just pure, wholesome conversations all around.
The Best Part: Eating What We Made
Then came the best part, eating what we cooked! We all gathered around that large table with glistening steaks on our plates, along with some delicious side dishes made by Nicole, a.k.a, Or Whatever You Do. The Traeger Garlic Gruyere Potato Gratin was my favorite, and we paired everything with a super strong (but very delicious) Manhattan made by Belinda Kelly.
The meal ended with a delicious cobbler pie topped with Tillamook ice cream. I can never go back to a regular cobbler now, spoiled for life! And after a little more chatting (because girls!), we headed back home with bags full of goodies.
Cheers to New Connections
I also met two amazing people I traveled with from Seattle to the event, Sarah (Urban Cowgirl) and Megan (@seattle.food.diva). We chatted the whole time and it didn’t feel like we were meeting for the first time.
All of us shared a love for content creation, which made it even easier to bond.
I can’t thank Misty enough for this opportunity to meet such amazing people and be part of such a fun and educational experience.
Planning a Visit to Wilkeson
If you’re planning a trip from Seattle or looking for unique day trips in Washington, consider adding Wilkeson to your list, especially for a quick laidback getaway near Seattle. It’s just an hours’ drive with cozy small-town vibes and beautiful views, both on the way and at the location. It’s a small town, but experiences like this truly make it special.
Happy summer and happy grilling!
