The Grill Buying Guy

In his book On Paradise Drive, David Brooks portrayal of a slice of American Life comes alive in his description of "Patio Man". Perhaps because I am a guy and recently purchased a new gas grill, this narrative was hysterical. With his wife Cindy, the "Realtor Mom", and his two children Cody and Haly, Mr Brooks brings this family to life and describes their behavior with the comic twist of Robin Williams. Asking such pressing questions such as "Does this tool belt make me look fat?", to his slightly exagerated description of the 41 pound tub of laundry detergent, his insights seem to be right on and his writing style helps capture his thoughts perfectly.

With respect to the grill buying guy, I think he hits it on the head. There is something about a barbeque grill that is distintively male, and eminates testosterone. Evidence an ad copy from a radio station:

Copy: BBQ Galore SFX(backyard sounds, grilling steaks sizzle) Mike:(voice away from microphone) "Hey Phil, whatcha cooking over there?" Phil: (calmly)"Just grillin some steaks." Mike:(voice is closer now) "Didn't your wife ban you from the grill ever since the flaming roof incident?" Phil:(slight anger) "I was not banned from the grill, sir. I was merely told I should refrain from using lighter fluid and charcoal." Mike: "Well are you sure you should be really (pause) Whoa. Look at that gas grill! Where did you get that?" Phil:(smiling) "It was on sale at Barbecues Galore. It's an Epicure Outdoor Grill and look, it even has a hood mounted thermometer so I can get an accurate temperature on these steaks." Mike: "Is that a smoker tray?" Phil: "Yep and check out these." (sfx: CLICK) Mike: "You have lights built into your grill so you can..?" Phil and Mike together:"Grill at Night" Phil: "I know, pretty cool huh? Mike: " I have to get one of these. Now!" Phil: "Sure, it's called an Epicure at Barbecues Galore and they have all kinds of grills available in case they're all out of , you know, this particular model." Mike: "Boy, that would be a shame." Phil: "Yeah." Announcer: "Barbecues Galore, located in the Wilshire shopping center in Euless. 183 and Esters. Or visit BBQgalore-dot-com for more information.

Can't you almost smell the charcoal? Along with this is a sense of male bonding that comes alive in the discussion of this grill. The above ad reinforces these emotions showing the excitement that results from a barbeque grill. Purchasing such a grill would not only elevate your manliness, but also allow entrance into this exclusive club reserved only for the macho.

In our recent purchase of our gas grill, my wife had very little interest in the process. For her, this was a way to cook food, but to me, it was a way to show off my culinary expertise. As with the Grill Guy, we purchased a grill that is far bigger than we need, but it looks great on our patio and should the opportunity or need arise, that Bison will taste great with a little "Bone Sucking Sauce" ( a type of barbeque sauce for the females in the group). The only thing that is missing on this model is the cup holders for my Heineken, but beyond that I think that we made a great purchase. This has not evoked the same emotions from my wife, but then again, what does she know about grills. She becomes excited about other aspects of our house, and can imagine that I will see the day that I will be enjoying some awesome steaks and won't even notice that the entire kitchen has been remodeled. With the risk of stereotyping, I would guess that we are not the only husband and wife who fit so nicely into our roles, and the roles that marketers present to us.