Summer is here and grilling season is in high gear. It's time for some tips from the pros at Morton's The Steakhouse. After 31 years in the business, they've got it down to a science.

Morton’s The Steakhouse is offering its Top Grilling Tips to help you achieve grilling perfection. “We’ve heard horror stories from people who have purchased great cuts of beef in anticipation of tender, juicy steaks, only to have them emerge as dried-out, barely chewable disasters,” explains Chad Alvis, Morton’s General Manager at the Hackensack location “With a few of Morton’s grilling tips, anyone can grill the perfect steak for friends and family.”

Grilling Tips from Morton’s The Steakhouse

Choose your beef wisely: Look for USDA prime, grain-fed aged beef. Look for superior marbling – the little ribbons of white running through the meat. If you can’t find prime beef, choose “choice” beef with abundant marbling.

Size does matter: Choose steaks at least 1” to 1½” thick. Marbling and thickness make ribeye, New York strip, porterhouse and T-bone steaks ideal for grilling. Bring ’em in from out of the cold Steaks should be at room temperature before grilling.

Check the oil: Lightly oil the grilling rack. It keeps the meat from sticking and tearing – and losing its natural juices. It’s got to be hot Heat grill to 600-800 degrees. High heat sears the meat and seals in tasty juices.

Use a seasoned approach: Add some salt and pepper to bring out the flavor. Stick a fork in it? Never! Always use tongs or a spatula to turn over a steak during grilling. Piercing it with a fork allow the juices to seep out.

One good turn…is enough: Turning too soon can prevent searing from taking place. The steak should be seared on one side, then turned, seared on the other side and allowed to cook to the preferred doneness.

Won’t let go? If the steak sticks to the surface when you’re trying to turn it over it’s a sure sign that it needs more searing on that side. Let it cook.

Keep your lid on: By keeping the lid closed during grilling, you increase the broiling temperature, while decreasing the cooking time.

If you are looking for the ideal grilling gift for Dad this Father's Day, visit Morton's in White Plains and pick up their famous Morton's Grilling Salts, a handsome black apron, a set of Morton's steak knives, the Morton's Steak Bible and a gift certificate for Dad and you've got the perfect Father's Day Gift Basket.

Morton's The Steakhouse is located at the Shops at Riverside in Hackensack. Call 201-487-1303 for reservations or information or visit www.mortons.com/hackensack.

If you don’t want Dad grilling on his special day, consider dinner at Morton's this Father's Day. Morton's is offering a special menu for $69 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity).

Menu: Choice of Soup and Salad Baked 5 Onion Soup Caesar Salad Center Cut Iceberg Choice of one Entrée Filet Mignon, Double Cut NY Strip, Signature Cut Cajun Ribeye Broiled Salmon Chicken Christopher Choice of One vegetable OR potato Dessert Carrot Cake or Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake