Summer BBQ essentials

Tomato strecciSweet roasted plum tomatoes and fragrant thyme stud these salty,...

Tomato strecci
Sweet roasted plum tomatoes and fragrant thyme stud these salty, foot-long flatbreads. The chewy loaves---made from the bakery's pizza bianca dough---will round out any picnic spread. Available at Sullivan Street Bakery, 533 W 47th St between Tenth and Eleventh Aves (212-265-5580). $2.50.

Pat LaFrieda hamburger and hot dog packsPat LaFrieda's proprietary burger...

Pat LaFrieda hamburger and hot dog packs
Pat LaFrieda's proprietary burger blends are all the rage at restaurants, but thanks to Eataly, you can bring the acclaimed butcher's meats home. Choose four-ounce free-range Piedmontese beef patties or snappy, natural-casing franks, available in packs of six. Available at Eataly, 200 Fifth Ave between 23rd and 24th Sts (212-229-2560). Hamburgers $8.80/lb; six hot dogs $9.80.

Kuhn Rikon watermelon knifeThis long, serrated carbon-steel blade is...

Kuhn Rikon watermelon knife
This long, serrated carbon-steel blade is specifically designed to cut through the thick, slippery skin of a melon, but it'll perform just as well on crusty loaves of bread and ripe tomatoes. Available at Williams-Sonoma, Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle at 59th St (212-823-9750). $24.95.

Stanley classic flaskDitch the ubiquitous silver flask for this sporty green...

Stanley classic flask
Ditch the ubiquitous silver flask for this sporty green number, which holds just enough of your favorite nip (eight ounces) to keep you afloat for a long afternoon in the park. Available at Urban Outfitters, 526 Sixth Ave at 14th St (646-638-1646). $28.

Greenport Harbor Summer AleChoosing the right cookout beer is about taking the...

Greenport Harbor Summer Ale
Choosing the right cookout beer is about taking the long view---you want something that's more flavorful than 30-pack swill, but easygoing enough to sip all day in the sun. Long Island's Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. hits all the right notes with its crisp, floral Summer Ale, which is infused with orange-blossom honey for a citrusy-sweet finish. Available at Bierkraft, 191 Fifth Ave between Berkeley Pl and Union St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-230-7600). 64-ounce growler $11.95.

Easy pitcherPour homemade iced tea or lemonade from this handblown crystalline...

Easy pitcher
Pour homemade iced tea or lemonade from this handblown crystalline jug. Its clean design is as functional as it is beautiful---the graceful shape was inspired by a dove. Available at MoMA Store, 81 Spring St at Crosby St (646-613-1367). $30.

Homemade sausages from Bklyn LarderThese fresh, grill-ready sausages are made...

Homemade sausages from Bklyn Larder
These fresh, grill-ready sausages are made with premium, sustainable ingredients, like Heritage Foods USA Berkshire pork and Jamison Farms pasture-raised lamb. There are three flavors available: chorizo, fennel-pork and lamb merguez. 228 Flatbush Ave between Sixth Ave and Bergen St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-783-1250). Chorizo $9.50/lb; pork and fennel $10.50/lb; lamb merguez $13/lb.

Strawberry-balsamic pie from Four & Twenty BlackbirdsBring a whole pie to your...

Strawberry-balsamic pie from Four & Twenty Blackbirds
Bring a whole pie to your next rooftop gathering. Sisters Melissa and Emily Elsen, the ace pie makers behind this bakery, just started rolling out their spring and summer flavors, including a standout strawberry-balsamic variety. 439 Third Ave at 8th St, Gowanus, Brooklyn (718-499-2917). $35.

Marinated chicken wings and bacon-chive butter from the Meat Hook Pick up...

Marinated chicken wings and bacon-chive butter from the Meat Hook
Pick up prepared foods from Brooklyn's indie butchers on the way to your next barbecue. Brined, cooked chicken wings come in a rotating selection of flavors, such as Asian (ginger, garlic, scallion, red pepper flakes, soy) and spicy (Frank's RedHot sauce, guajillo and pasilla pepper puree). Eat them at room temperature or crisp them up on the grill. Swine lovers can also grab the Meat Hook's porky condiment---a blend of freshly chopped chives and bacon fat collected from the Brooklyn Star. Spread it on bread like lardo, melt it on steak or add it to anything else that needs a boost of richness. 100 Frost St between Leonard St and Manhattan Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-349-5033). Six wings $8; Half-pint container of butter $5.99.

Nettle Meadow flavored chvresTake these portable cheeses to your next picnic:...

Nettle Meadow flavored chvres
Take these portable cheeses to your next picnic: You can dip a cracker straight into the tubs, filled with fluffy goat cheese in plain, garlic-and-olive-oil, horseradish and maple-walnut varieties. Available at Murray's Cheese, 254 Bleecker St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-243-3289). 5oz $6.99.

Thai-lime waffle chips from Epicerie BouludLeave it to Daniel Boulud to bring...

Thai-lime waffle chips from Epicerie Boulud
Leave it to Daniel Boulud to bring potato chips to the next level. Aromatic lime zest, dried Thai bird chilies and red curry powder pep up these crispy and delicate house-made gaufrettes (waffle chips). 1900 Broadway at 64th St (212-595-9600). 3.5oz $2.50.

Empire Mayonnaise Co.Chef Sam Mason (Lady Jay's) and designer Elizabeth...

Empire Mayonnaise Co.
Chef Sam Mason (Lady Jay's) and designer Elizabeth Valleau are behind this line of outstanding artisanal mayonnaises, made with fresh, local eggs. Use one of the 25 rotating flavors---standbys include bright lemon--olive oil, pungent black garlic and fiery red chili---to top a burger. Available on Sundays at the Brooklyn Flea, 27 North 6th St between Kent Ave and the East River, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (brooklynflea.com). 4oz $5.

Chunky Stellina ice creamThe artisanal scoops at this ice cream...

Chunky Stellina ice cream
The artisanal scoops at this ice cream parlor---operated by Emma Hearst and Sarah Krathen of Sorella---are also offered in party-ready pints. We like the Chunky Stellina---a blend of raspberry-buttermilk gelato, raspberry jam swirls and chunks of homemade waffle cone dipped in white chocolate. Available at Stellina, 95 Allen St between Broome and Delancey Sts (212-274-9555). $13/pint.

Blink ketchup & mustardWe're suckers for these adorable red and yellow...

Blink ketchup & mustard
We're suckers for these adorable red and yellow bottles, which blink their eyes each time you turn them over to squeeze out a condiment. Available at Mxyplyzyk, 125 Greenwich Ave at 13th St (212-989-4300). Set $20.

Brooklyn brine picklesUnconventional ingredients make these preserved veggies...

Brooklyn brine pickles
Unconventional ingredients make these preserved veggies stand out from the pickling pack. Lavender asparagus, chipotle carrots, and fennel beets make fine burger accompaniments, while whiskey-barrel sauekraut (fermented in rye-whiskey barrels) does right by hot dogs. Available at Murray's Cheese, 254 Bleecker St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-243-3289). Lavendar Asparagus 16oz $9.99 Fennel Beets 16oz $9.99; Chipotle Carrots 24oz $6.99; Whiskey Barrel Sauerkraut 16oz $9.99.

Fentimans sodasThis British beverage company has been carbonating...

Fentimans sodas
This British beverage company has been carbonating sophisticated, botanical sips since 1905. Swap in their adult varieties---ranging from Mandarin and Seville Orange Jigger to classic cola---for the usual commercial swill. Available at Fairway Market, various locations throughout the city (fairwaymarket.com). 9.3oz $1.99.

BBQ Tools: The handyman's grilling setAny square-footage-challenged New Yorker...

BBQ Tools: The handyman's grilling set
Any square-footage-challenged New Yorker should appreciate these quirky dual-purpose tools. Each implement sports a grilling utensil on one end and a handyman tool on the other: The three-piece set includes a spatula/wrench, basting brush/tape measure and fork/hammer. Available at neatoshop.com. $35.95.

Marimekko traysThese pretty, patterned trays, from Finnish design powerhouse...

Marimekko trays
These pretty, patterned trays, from Finnish design powerhouse Marimekko, are ideal platforms for your festive snacks. Available at Scandinavian Design House, 167 North 9th St between Bedford and Driggs Aves, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (917-501-9190). Round $85; rectangle $49.

Cold-brew iced teaWhen it comes to the iced version of their favorite...

Cold-brew iced tea
When it comes to the iced version of their favorite beverage, tea obsessives (like coffee nerds) extol the virtues of cold-brewing. To make a batch for your next bash, steep loose-leaf tea (we like White Peony and Darjeeling Second Flush from In Pursuit of Tea) in water overnight and strain. Available at In Pursuit of Tea, 33 Crosby St between Broome and Grand Sts (646-964-5223). 4oz Darjeeling Second Flush $28; 4oz White Peony $29.

My Friend's Mustard Jalapeo IPAPickled jalapeos and Sixpoint Bengali Tiger...

My Friend's Mustard Jalapeo IPA
Pickled jalapeos and Sixpoint Bengali Tiger IPA add a briny, hoppy punch to this locally made whole-grain mustard. Add a dab to franks, burgers or sausages. Available at The Shop at Andaz 5th Avenue, 485 Fifth Ave at 41st St (212-601-1234). 6oz $8.50.

First Field Jersey KetchupArtisanal ketchups rarely measure up to commercial...

First Field Jersey Ketchup
Artisanal ketchups rarely measure up to commercial stalwarts like Heinz, but this New Jersey entrant gets it right. The small-batch sauce, made with vine-ripened tomatoes, balances sweetness and tang. Available at The Brooklyn Kitchen, 100 Frost St between Leonard St and Manhattan Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-389-2982). 8oz $6.99.

Bodum Fyrkat picnic charcoal grillWhether you're firing up the barbecue on your...

Bodum Fyrkat picnic charcoal grill
Whether you're firing up the barbecue on your rooftop or on your fire escape (we didn't see nothin'), this sleek, colorful charcoal grill gets the job done in style. Its compact size and latching lid make it perfectly portable. Available at Broadway Panhandler, 65 E 8th St between Broadway and University Pl (212-966-3434). $59.95.

Rainbow cupsInstead of disposable plastic cups, offer your guests this...

Rainbow cups
Instead of disposable plastic cups, offer your guests this eco-friendly alternative for their drinks: The cheery melamine tumblers come in array of colors. Available at Whisk, 231 Bedford Ave at North 4th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-218-7230). $4.50.

Meri Meri Americana Paper PlatesFlag-waving picnickers and design nerds will...

Meri Meri Americana Paper Plates
Flag-waving picnickers and design nerds will find common ground in these fetching red-white-and-blue gingham plates. Available at Sur La Table, 75 Spring at Crosby St (212-966-3375). 12 for $4.95.