Fourth of July Grilling in New York City with Grill Seeker
I was honored to host a Fourth of July grilling event in the heart of New York City alongside Jedediah Bila, Pete Hegseth, and Ed Henry of Fox & Friends. The segment focused on accessible, crowd-friendly grilling techniques and demonstrated how a few straightforward methods can lift your holiday cookout from good to great. We showcased a classic tri-tip, shared a bright chimichurri from my book Grill Seeker: Basic Training for Everyday Grilling, and talked through simple strategies that remove the mystery from live-fire cooking.
One of the key techniques I taught Pete was the reverse-sear method, which is especially effective for cuts like tri-tip. Reverse searing involves cooking the meat slowly at a lower temperature first to achieve even doneness, then finishing with a hot sear to create a flavorful crust. This approach helps control internal temperature, produces consistent results throughout the cut, and yields the caramelized exterior that makes grilled steak so appealing. For those grilling for a holiday crowd, reverse searing allows you to time the final sear so steaks come off the grill perfectly for serving.
Jedediah and I prepared a vibrant chimichurri to pair with the tri-tip, using the bright herb, garlic, acid, and oil balance I outline in Grill Seeker. Chimichurri adds fresh, herbaceous contrast to charred beef and is easy to prepare ahead of time, which makes it ideal for entertaining. I emphasized that the goal is approachable flavor: you don’t need exotic ingredients or elaborate steps to make something that feels special.
Ed made sure the food reached the crowd, passing plates and explaining the simple techniques we used so viewers could feel confident trying them at home. Throughout the segment we highlighted the idea that grilling should be an everyday activity, not an occasional spectacle. With a handful of reliable methods—like reverse searing, managing fire zones, and resting meat properly—you can achieve excellent results whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a larger holiday gathering.
The demonstration showcased practical tips for timing, temperature control, and seasoning, all designed to reduce intimidation around live-fire cooking. I spoke about how understanding basic heat management on the grill and using techniques appropriate for the cut you’re cooking will improve consistency. For example, tri-tip benefits from a slightly longer, lower initial cook followed by a hot, short sear to develop crust without overcooking the center.
Grilling for holidays like the Fourth of July is as much about the experience as it is about the food. We encouraged viewers to plan a simple menu, prep sauces and sides in advance, and focus on a few dependable techniques so they can spend more time with guests and less time fretting over the grill. Small touches—like a bright chimichurri, properly rested meat, and confident finishing—make a big difference in flavor and presentation.
If you missed the live segment, I recommend watching the full demonstration when you can to see the techniques in action and to pick up timing and setup tips. The goal of Grill Seeker is to make everyday grilling less intimidating by offering clear, practical instruction that helps home cooks produce consistent, delicious results at every meal.