Grilling tips from a cook at Wilmington's LongHorn steakhouse

Aidyn LoVetro has been working at LongHorn Steakhouse at Mayfaire Town Center for five years. It's not his first restaurant job, but he has learned a lot about working the grill at this one. The experience has paid off in a big way -- as he was one of seven finalists competing in the restaurant chain's Steak Master Series championship.

It's the sixth annual competition that begins with thousands of participants at the 550 LongHorn locations. After progressing through regional rounds, LoVetro was in this final round, set in the company's Orlando headquarters on May 25. A $15,000 top prize was up for grabs along with (of course) bragging rights.

LoVetro came in third place, and nabbed a $5,000 prize. He represented one of two Wilmington locations of LongHorn, this one at 925 International Drive. The menu includes a wide variety of chicken, seafood and pork. But the steaks are why many people come, he said. If you’re planning your own grilling adventures this summer, here are a few of LoVetro's tips for making the most of them.

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].