The nice folks from KTLA’s Morning News asked me to come on the air to talk about great resources for July 4th weekend eating, and I’ll be doing just that on Thursday, July 1, somewhere between 9:30 and 10 a.m. Here’s the food we’ll be showcasing:

For the Grill
Not only do Dan and Jim at Huntington Meats in the original Farmers Market have some of the best house-made sausages in town, but they also know how to grill every kind of meat, so make sure to ask their advice.  They also carry Nancy Silverton’s custom hamburger blend, as well as Wagyu beef, great pork cuts and a whole lot more.
Huntington Meats & Sausage, Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., Beverly/Third, 323.938.5383, huntingtonmeats.com.

For the Picnic
Going to the Hollywood Bowl, a fireworks extravaganza or a beach picnic? Many places, including Joan’s on Third and Marmalade, make great picnic boxes. One of our very favorites come from Julienne in San Marino. Each person gets his or her own box, including a main dish (perhaps grilled salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes over a baby spinach salad), the famed rosemary currant bread and a rich dessert, like the incredible bittersweet chocolate ganache tart. Make sure to order one day in advance.
Julienne, 2649 Mission St., San Marino, 626.441.2499, juliennetogo.com.

For Dessert
Nothing’s more all-American than a cherry pie, red-velvet cake or big plate of cookies, and you can get all those things and more to take to your 4th potluck at Big Sugar Bakeshop in Studio City. You can walk in to see what they have, or order your heart’s desire a day in advance.
Big Sugar Bakeshop, 12182 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818.508.5855, bigsugarbakeshop.com.

For Barbecue
If you want to go out to celebrate our nation’s birthday, you will, of course, want to seek out that great American cuisine, barbecue. And you won’t do better than the barbecue at the Smokin’ Joint, a small, friendly restaurant with a music theme and a full bar. The meats are brined in apple juice, smoked and grilled, and the non-meat dishes, from fried pickles to roasted vegetables to pecan pie, are terrific.
The Smokin’ Joint, 8486 W. 3rd St., West Hollywood, 323.655.7427, thesmokinjointbbq.com.