Mario Batali's Best-Of-Summer Essentials

Since we can all agree there's nothing that brings people together better than a great meal, hosting a great meal in the great outdoors is like having your cake and eating it, too — but slathered in barbecue sauce.  

For celebrity chef and Lifestyle Mirror guest editor Mario Batali, getting out of the kitchen and into the backyard is as exciting for him as it is for those who get to taste his award-winning creations.

"Summer grilling is as much about company and atmosphere as it is the food," he says. "Or, almost as much." And while summer signifies trips to the beach, short shorts, or new swimsuits for some, we're with Batali in keeping a good meal as the top priority.

From the proper BBQ companion to the ultimate pre-dinner exercise, Batali curates his five best of summer essentials. Check out the slideshow on Lifestyle Mirror to shop his picks.

— Sasha Levine, Lifestyle Mirror

 

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• Mario Batali's Reading List

• Mario Batali's Best Music of Summer

• Mario Batali's Michigan Instagram Diary