Ahead of the Curve

We have two small decks, one off the living room and another off the master bedroom. A few weeks ago Jim (the consummate shopper) researched charcoal grills and found one with the smallest footprint and 10K btu’s. It’s a Char-Broil Patio Caddie,

Verboten?

Now the HOA has hit the owners with a citation and upcoming fines for us having a “deep fryer” on the deck. First, the fire comes up through a hole in the bottom so a sane person would not drench that in oil that would drip everywhere. Now I’ve had to provide owners and HOA with proof that this is a small propane grill, without all the frills (sides, extra burner) most are used to. They just saw a can on the deck and automatically sent off a violation notice that we have a deep fryer on site. Know your grills! That’s why we’re ahead of the curve. I invited them to come and check it out. Of course they won’t and will probably send out another notice.

Did I say Jim was a savvy shopper? And that we have a small deck and he’d like something at counter-level he can work with? I do 98% of the cooking here and would appreciate a few grill sessions on a perfectly legal grill he can operate while I work on the side dishes. That’s not to much to ask, even from a homeowner’s association. A perfectly legal device they just don’t understand.

We don’t understand this violation, and are enjoying the Patio Caddie on the few warm nights we have left, and plan to do so on the cooler nights to come. Last night I made and Jim grilled 2 NY Strips and I’m cooking up the remainder for his steak and eggs later this morning. Inside, on the stove. Perhaps the HOA wants to police what I cook inside as well. Join us! Dee