Bill and Andrea Whittington know a thing or two about grilling. That's because they founded The Blue Note Grill, an award-winning restaurant in Durham, which combines nightly live music with a Southern-style menu that includes slow-and-low-smoked, fall-off-the-bone BBQ, ribs, chicken and burgers.

If you plan on firing up your natural gas grill this weekend, the Whittington's have shared their insider secrets to help take your burger-making skills to the next level.

Get ready. Grilling out is much more fun if you’re prepared. The Whittington’s recommend having condiments and sides ready before guests arrive so that all you need to do is tend to the grill and your guests. Otherwise, they warn you will be rushing trying to get everything ready 10 minutes before you eat and can’t relax and enjoy your get-together.

Clean your grill. Start the grill and get your grates warm, then use a wire brush and scrub the grates. No brush? No problem. Wad up a piece of tin foil and scrub your grates. Next, rub your grates with olive or vegetable oil. Now you’re ready.

You can find The Blue Note Grill in downtown Durham's Central Park District. Follow them on Instagram.

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