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The Slice: Grill proves a great equalizer

I have figured out why there aren’t more vegetarians in Spokane.

It’s not because people here aren’t concerned about the way animals are treated in the factory farming pipeline.

It isn’t because we’re unaware of the myriad food safety issues attached to the mass production of meat.

It isn’t because people here haven’t read about the environmental impact of raising livestock.

It’s not because Spokane residents are oblivious to the health implications of diets laden with animal fat.

And, trust me on this, it isn’t even because vegetarian fare can be a bit boring after a while.

No, I think the reason there aren’t more vegetarians in Spokane is that we love backyard grilling.

I won’t say that it defines us. But people here revere cooking out. And say what you will about the virtues of grilled eggplant and corn on the cob done over charcoal, it’s just not the same as burgers and steaks.

Of course, grilling isn’t just about the food. There are the cherished rituals to consider.

From the anticipation-fueled prep work to the mystical determination of doneness, backyard grilling is like a familiar dance.

Then there’s the sensory buffet of the smell of the coals and smoke, the hiss and sizzle of the meat and sights of the season all around you.

“Are they ready?”

“Almost.”

There are plenty of reasons a person might consider giving up meat. But when it warms up and Spokane residents once again debate the definition of “barbecue,” the call of the grill is one of summer’s siren songs.

It’s just not the same in parts of the country where the weather is relatively mild all the time.

For the record, significant strides have been made in producing palatable meatless burger patties. And if you load your bun with a deep stack of onion slices, pickles, tomato slices, lettuce, peppers, cheese and about a pint of condiments, a reasonably satisfying face-stuffing, chin-smearing experience is possible.

To each his own.

“Are they ready yet?”

Today’s Slice question: When you see that the local news is leading with the weather, do you assume you won’t miss anything if you change the channel?

Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; fax (509) 459-5098; email pault@spokesman.com. Begging your doctor not to retire is selfish.

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