May rolls in with longer days and the smell of smoke in the air. National Barbecue Month turns every backyard into a stage for sauces and flames. If you live in Camarillo, this is your cue to raid the pantry for rubs and call up friends for a feast under the sky.

Fire Up Your Grill

National Barbecue Month spans all of May and gives you thirty days to master the char and keep your meat juicy. You need a plan that keeps things simple and fun. Start with fresh ingredients, grab your favorite tools, and let the good times roll.

Grilling Tips That Work Every Time

  • Always heat your grill before you cook. Give it at least ten minutes to reach the right temperature.

  • Clean and oil your grate to keep food from sticking and to get clear grill marks.

  • Set up two heat zones. One side for direct heat and one for slower cooking.

  • Use a meat thermometer to hit perfect doneness without overcooking.

  • Let the meat rest for five to ten minutes so the juices settle back in.

  • Experiment with wood chips for a hint of smoke flavor. Soak them in water first and tuck them around coals.

  • Keep tongs, brushes, and heatproof mittens close at hand so you never hunt for tools mid-cook.

For more tips, head over to the Goldbelly blog on National Barbecue Month for tricks pros swear by and flavor ideas that break the routine.

Where to Bite in Camarillo

When you want to skip cooking but still get serious barbecue, here are must-try spots. Explore all of them here.

  • It’s In The Sauce BBQ brings bold sauces and tender bites with a local flair.

  • Wood Ranch Camarillo serves baby back ribs and prime rib that keep guests coming back.

  • Smokin’ Jays roasts up classic brisket and ribs with a Texas-style twist.

  • Ranch Hand BBQ offers tri-tip and pulled pork that pair perfectly with fresh sides.

  • Marshall’s Bodacious BBQ piles on meaty platters that are all about generous portions.

  • J&J Island BBQ mixes island spices with slow-cooked meats for a unique taste.

Each spot has its own twist on sauce, rub, and smoking style. Hit one or hit them all to keep your barbecue radar sharp.

Local Butcher Spotlight

When it comes to starting your barbecue right the first stop is the meat counter. Lombardo’s Deli and Meats at 695 Mobil Avenue has cut after cut ready for your grill. This family run shop stocks grass fed steaks and seasonal sausages plus deli sandwiches for a quick lunch in store.

Hours are easy to work into any plan. They open at ten in the morning and close at half past five in the afternoon. If you need a special cut call ahead and they will have it waiting. Their fresh ground beef and chicken breasts make quick work of any rub and basic sear.

For more local flavor check out Establos Meat Market in Old Town. They carry fresh chorizo and a selection of Mexican style cuts that lift tacos and sliders into a new level of fun.

With solid grilling tips, top local barbecue stops, and a meat counter ready to serve you, Camarillo is firing on all cylinders this May. Let the smoke rise and the flavors shine.

 

 

Sources: blog.goldbelly.com, google.com, napoleon.com
Header Image Source: Emerson Vieira on Unsplash