Grill Girls

Robyn Lindars has showed off her barbecue skills on the Food Network. Now, she’s demonstrating her technique to women in Southwest Florida. ROBYN LINDARS / COURTESY PHOTO

Let’s get fired up, girls! Grilling isn’t just for the men. Women are lighting up the cooker for a perfect sear. Charlotte County resident Robyn Lindars launched the brand “Grill Girl” in 2008 and is now handing the tongs to the women of Southwest Florida.

“I have about 10 grills in my backyard,” laughed Lindars. “I began these clinics in 2010 with my friends and since revamped it. I invite women to my backyard to find styles of grilling that feed their souls.”

Lindars is a master of grilling, smoking and campfire cooking. She filled YouTube with outdoor culinary tutorials and published her first cookbook in 2019. She developed a line of barbecue rub and cocktail rimmer called Sunshine State of Mind in 2021.

She was featured on the Food Network the show “Chopped Grill Masters.” Lin- dars has also appeared on “The Today Show” and “American Grilled.” She’s competed and judged numerous grilling cook-offs.

In just days, ladies can learn Lindars’ techniques at her Women’s Grilling Clinic. It’s happening from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at Robyn’s Ranch, 15331 Tilton Road, Punta Gorda. She’s teaching her knowledge of charcoal, pellets and cuts of meat to women.

Women will learn grill safety, lighting techniques and recommended tools for the perfect backyard barbecue. ROBYN LINDARS / COURTESY PHOTOS

“We are thrilled to host the 2024 Women’s Grilling Clinic and provide women with the tools and knowledge they need to become confident grillers,” said Lindars. “Grilling is not just a hobby or skill reserved for men — it’s an art form that anyone can master. We want to break down barriers and show that outdoor cooking is for everyone.”

“March is Women’s History Month, and even in 2024 women still leave the grilling to the men. We do everything a guy can do and I want to add in grilling. We are changing the narrative. Plus, if men can do it, it cannot be that hard!”

Kicking off the backyard event, grillers will be treated to Melinda’s Hot Sauce Bloody Mary and Taco Bar. Participants will apron-up with interactive training about grill safety, lighting techniques, zones for optimal cooking results and recommended tools.

From different grilling techniques to different cuts of meat, Lindars’ grilling clinic will teach women the art of barbecue.

“It’s all about how to get over grill intimidation,” said Lindars. “You don’t need to be a big grizzly, bearded man to work the pit. Women limit themselves to the kitchen and doing the prep work and pass it off to the guy. Be the hostess with the mostest and be part of the socializing while outside and take in the fun of smelling the smoke.”

The “Grill Girl” course will have special features from other women who are experts on the grill, including Brooke Lewis, Carla DiLorenzo, Sunny Moody, Amy Dopp and Shannon Morgan. These chefs are skilled in barbecue, butchering and fire-oven pizzas.

“It is going to be a fun girls’ day. Bring your friends and women in your family to join. Three of the five girls coming in are from Florida. They are my best friends in the industry and have all different specialties. They’re moms and own restaurants and transformed their bodies with better cooking,” said Lindars.

Cooking classes will also cover skills for different types of grills including gas, charcoal and flattops. Throughout the day, Coyote Outdoor Grills will be used for all cooking demos and recipe lineups. Melinda’s Hot Sauces will also be featured in the event.

Lindars is bringing in Colorado Craft Beef to teach the facts of meat. The company boasts five generations of herding cattle on horseback.

“We cover the most economical and tender beef cuts, healthy and easy recipes that are great for feeding a crowd. Plus, simple and tasty weeknight recipes under 45 minutes and how to transform veggies on the grill. Of course, pizza making for family nights and dessert on the grill,” said Lindars.

She will have different stations set up and grillers will be sectioned off into teams. Limited to 25 attendees per clinic, the event allows everyone a hands-on experience.

“It is like circuit cooking, just exposure to all different types and learning which one you like or fits your lifestyle,” said Lindars.

She promises to use her famous Florida

Orange rub on some of the recipes, including chicken wings. She says it mixes sweet flavors and a bit of heat.

“My fans call it ‘crack of barbecue rub.’ It is citrus based with notes of Kaffir lime, honey and Himalayan salt and adds the perfect touches on meat — and a margarita!” said Lindars.

Women attending “Grill Girls” will have the chance to win prizes at the happy hour session.

All participants will take home goodie bags stuffed with Sunshine State of Mind Rub, a thermometer and other grilling items. She also partnered with a local animal shelter, the Animal Refuge Center (ARC).

“We will be cooking and eating a lot,” said Lindars. “You will not go home hungry.” ¦

The post Grill Girls first appeared on Charlotte County Florida Weekly .