The tri-tip tips were really tops

Thanks to Russ Parsons’ tri-tip tips in your June 29 Food section (“Finally, the Tri-Tip of His Dreams”). I was able to relive many of my family’s meals around the old Santa Maria barbecue wagon.

While my husband was an engineer with General Dynamics in San Diego, that company brought the “Santa Maria guys” down to the company park at least once a year so that families could experience this special outdoor treat.

Since then, I have brought back my pinquito beans and “Santa Maria spices” from every trip that we’ve made to that quiet (before the infamous trial!) Central Coast town.

Regina Morin

San Diego

*

What an issue! From Russ Parsons’ elucidation of the Santa Maria barbecue to Mary Ellen Rae’s exploration of grilled fruit, and John Balzar’s Weber article and the ice cream and barbecue sauce articles, the June 29 Food section (“Special Issue: Summer Grilling”) should be bronzed, or at least set in lucite.

The only thing missing is the beer article; there’s a Belgian beer that would complement each of these foods perfectly.

Richard Harris

Los Angeles