Memorial Day is a time for everyone in America to appreciate those who have served our country in the past, present and future. But it also means to fire up that BBQ and welcome in summer with open arms. The weather is changing—here in Monterey the ever-present fog keeps it cool—and school will be getting out.

And it all begins with the BBQ on Memorial Day. Food from around the world will sizzle on hot coals and guests at some BBQ’s may have to use their best translation skills when trying to understand what lengua and barbacoa are. Whatever language you may be eating in, branch out those taste buds and explore the universal language of food.

So enjoy the edemame and yakitori, and in the words of Andrew Zimmern, a chef who travels the world eating bizarre foods: “If it looks good, eat it!”

Picture was taken by Monterey Language Services at the Monterey Bay.