Expert Tips, Fresh Ingredients, and Unforgettable Summer Flavor.

There’s something so uniquely special about summer in Michigan. The days are longer, patios fill with family and friends, and the aroma of food sizzling on the grill becomes part of the season. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering, preparing a weeknight dinner outdoors, or celebrating a holiday weekend, great grilling starts long before the first burger hits the grate.

At Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, we believe exceptional grilling begins with fresh, high-quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and simple techniques that allow natural flavors to shine. Our new Nino’s Ultimate Grilling Guide is packed with expert tips to help you grill with confidence all season long.

Start with Preparation

Successful grilling is all about preparation. Before you fire up the grill, take a few minutes to organize your space and ingredients.

Have clean platters ready for serving and use separate trays for raw and cooked foods. Keep long-handled tongs and a digital thermometer nearby, and prepare side dishes before grilling begins so you can focus on cooking.

For the best results, season proteins ahead of time, cut vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking, and pat meats dry before grilling to achieve a beautiful sear and better browning.

Get Your Grill Ready

Whether you prefer gas or charcoal, proper grill preparation is essential.

Clean grill grates before heating and lightly oil them to prevent sticking. Check your propane levels or charcoal supply and allow your grill to preheat for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.

Gas grills offer convenience, precise temperature control, and easy cleanup, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Charcoal grills deliver a classic smoky flavor and high-heat searing that many grill enthusiasts love.

No matter which grill you choose, understanding heat zones can make a big difference. Direct heat works best for burgers, steaks, hot dogs, shrimp, and vegetables, while indirect heat is ideal for larger cuts of meat, chicken pieces, ribs, and pork tenderloin.

Food Safety Matters

Great grilling isn't just about flavor—it's also about safety.

Always keep raw meats refrigerated until you're ready to cook. Use separate cutting boards for proteins and vegetables, wash your hands after handling raw meat, and never reuse marinades that have come into contact with uncooked proteins.

A digital instant-read thermometer is one of the most valuable grilling tools you can own. It helps ensure perfectly cooked food every time while eliminating the guesswork.

Recommended internal temperatures include:

• Beef and lamb (medium rare): 130–135°F
• Beef and lamb (medium): 140–145°F
• Pork: 145°F
• Poultry: 165°F
• Fish: 145°F

The Secret to Better Steaks

Outstanding steaks begin with quality meat.

Look for steaks with good marbling, even thickness, bright color, and fresh cuts. Nino's premium beef selections are hand-cut for exceptional flavor and grilling performance.

When it comes to seasoning, simplicity is often best. Kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs allow the natural flavor of the beef to shine.

Nino’s premium beef selections are hand-cut for excellent flavor and grilling performance.

For restaurant-quality results:

• Bring steaks closer to room temperature before grilling
• Pat steaks dry before seasoning
• Use high heat to create a flavorful crust
• Flip only once when possible
• Let steaks rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing

Grilled Vegetables Deserve the Spotlight

Vegetables can be every bit as exciting as the main course.

Some of the best vegetables for grilling include zucchini, bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, asparagus, eggplant, red onions, and broccolini.

Lightly toss vegetables with olive oil, cut them evenly for consistent cooking, and use grill baskets for smaller pieces. Finish with fresh herbs, citrus, or Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Seafood, Chicken & Kabobs Made Easy

Seafood cooks quickly and develops incredible flavor on the grill. Salmon, mahi mahi, halibut, shrimp, tuna steaks, swordfish, lobster tails, and scallops are all excellent choices.

For best results:

• Oil grill grates well
• Use medium-high heat
• Start fish skin-side down
• Avoid overcooking
• Remove fish when it flakes easily

Chicken is another grilling favorite. Boneless thighs, wings, drumsticks, and split breasts all perform beautifully outdoors. Marinate ahead of time for added flavor, use indirect heat for bone-in pieces, and save sauces for the end of cooking to prevent burning.

Kabobs are perfect for entertaining because they're colorful, versatile, and easy to serve. Combine chicken, steak, shrimp, or pork with peppers, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini. Cut ingredients evenly, avoid overcrowding skewers, and rotate frequently for even cooking.

Add Smoke Flavor Without a Smoker

Want to elevate your grilling game?

Simply place soaked wood chips in a foil pouch over your heat source. Hickory, applewood, cherry, and mesquite each add their own unique flavor profile and can instantly bring a new dimension to grilled foods.

A Simple Summer Favorite: Grilled Chicken Kabobs

One of our favorite recipes from the grilling guide is Grilled Chicken Kabobs. Marinated with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, and warm spices, these colorful skewers combine tender chicken with fresh vegetables for a meal that's both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Serve them with Lebanese rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh summer salad for a complete backyard feast.

Complement Your Grilling with Nino’s Recipes

While the grilling is the star of the show, what you serve on the side also matters! Here are just a few recipes from our Nino Salvaggio collection that will beautifully complement your grilling.

Founder’s Daughter Orange & Fennel Salad: Some recipes stay with us for a lifetime. This Orange & Fennel Salad is one of Andrea Nicolella's childhood favorites, combining sweet, juicy oranges with crisp fennel and toasted pine nuts. Light, refreshing, and incredibly simple to prepare, it's a classic Mediterranean-inspired salad that highlights the beauty of fresh ingredients. Whether you're serving it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or enjoying it on its own, this vibrant salad delivers bright flavors in every bite.

Fresh Fruit Salsa: Here at Nino’s, we have prepared this recipe and used it in so many ways. It’s extremely versatile and can make for a great alternative sauce  for grilled fish and chicken, especially blackened or spicy grilled proteins. Additionally, you can enjoy it as a snack or a refreshing small course between savory dishes or even pureed it in a blender to create a summer sorbet to finish off your meal. 

Grilled Italian Breaded Steaks: Simple and delicious, these lightly breaded and grilled beef steaks have been a big hit at many of the Italian Festivals we have participated in throughout the years. Served on a fresh Italian Roll with Ammoghio Sauce, you can't beat this authentic sandwich with "Old World" flavor.

Too Busy to Grill Yourself? Let Nino’s Take The Heat

While we love grilling, we know it can often be a chore for many. Running out of propane, feeding a large crowd or just catering for a large event can be daunting. That’s why Nino’s Catering Department brings you the best in grilled vegetables, meats, seafood and more through our gorgeous trays and catering options. Here are some of our favorite catering options filled with all the flavor of the grill but none of the work! 

Fillet of Salmon Platter: Choose from Cajun Blackened or Teriyaki Grilled.

Boneless Breast of Chicken: We offer our juicy boneless breast of chicken platters in a variety of flavors: Barbeque, Herb Grilled, Teriyaki Glazed or Cajun Blackened

Chargrilled Breast of Chicken Platter: Chilled slices of char-grilled boneless breast of chicken* presented with creamy mustard horseradish sauce and a beautiful garnishment platter which includes grilled onions and peppers, sliced Roma tomatoes, shaved red onion, sliced pepperjack cheese and your choice of potato salad, macaroni salad, or coleslaw. Served with fresh-baked dinner rolls. 4 lbs. chicken (precooked weight)

Northern Smoke Barbeque Buffet: Our in house smoke program is the highlight of any party. Smoked baby back ribs, char-grilled chicken breast slathered with our Sweet & Smokey BBQ Sauce, coleslaw, jalapeno cheddar cornbread and your choice of Nino’s Mac & Cheese or Northern Smoke Baked Beans.

Grilled and Chilled Vegetable Platter: An artistic arrangement of colorful seasonal vegetables, lightly seasoned and delicately char-grilled. Served with our creamy balsamic dip. This platter is available in two sizes: medium and large. 

Make This Your Best Grilling Season Yet

Great grilling doesn't have to be complicated. With quality ingredients, smart preparation, and a few simple techniques, anyone can create memorable meals outdoors.

Whether you're grilling premium steaks, fresh seafood, colorful vegetables, or family-friendly kabobs, Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace has everything you need to make every cookout a success.

Stop by your local Nino's for fresh meats, seafood, produce, marinades, seasonings, and expert advice—and make this summer your most flavorful grilling season yet.

DOWNLOAD OUR GRILLING GUIDE HERE