Archive for the ‘BBQ’ Category

We had a fun time going to a few restaurants here in Memphis and area.

The places we went were Germantown  Commissary, Central BBQ, Whole Hog Cafe, Old School Bar-B-Q

Each of the restaurants had some decent food however overall I would have to recommend the Germantown Commissary as my favorite hands down. They also had some of the very best pies I have ever eaten. If you are in the area make sure you stop in.

Today I am off to another bunch of BBQ restaurants. I am really looking forward to them!!

BBQ Pitmasters
10pm / 9c – SEASON FINALE!!
It’s a true Texas showdown when the Godfather of Ribs, Johnny Trigg, challenges his closest friends and fiercest rivals to compete in an all-rib Shootout. For the first time ever, the cookers watch the judges reactions, both good and shockingly bad.

Well it has been a terrific season of BBQ Pitmasters. I can only hope for more in the future. I have been writing about this series since the beginning and for me it has only improved over time. I have my own personal opinions on the editing but once again everyone would like to see certain people like their friends. I am happy for each of the Pitmasters Harry Soo, Paul Petersen, Tuffy Stone, Myron Mixon, Lee Ann Whippen, Johnny Trigg that they got the exposure. I hope it has been a positive experience for them all. I can only hope it will open lots more doors for themselves and many others.

Since I am at the NBBQA conference and just happen to be around a few fellow BBQ’ers I thought maybe getting their opinions on the show would be an interesting way to sum up todays article. So here are their own comments on the show. Ill be updating this throughout the day.

Dave Redmond Sweet Baby’ Rays

When I first saw it I was dying to see it that I have been interested in and passionate about. Then when I saw it I was disappointed I saw arrogance and greed and all of things BBQ is not about it. I talked to Amy about that the Network chose the entertainment vs the educational. Then I saw the BBQ Challenge on the Food Network in the manner much more reflective of the goodness of KCBS then watching the show. As much I wanted that to be the good stuff it was not BBQ Pitmasters. As much as I would have liked to see that continue BBQ pitmasters is just pretty damn cool.

William Bubba Latimer – Bub-Ba-Q

I think the show has progressed since day 1. I did no like the first couple of shows as they did not portray the good guy vs. bad guy thing. One thing we can’t forget is that there has to be an entertainment factor. I love the fact it has sparked in BBQ. I think the show has gotten a little more relaxed as far as the progression. I liked seeing the camaraderie since there is so much of that. That to me is BBQ. The show itself I have come to appreciate it more. I hope that it does continue. I love hearing people talk about the BBQ Pitmasters when they are coming into our restaurants.

Tommy Houston Checkered Pig BBQ

I think the biggest thing this show has done (whether you agree or disagree with content) was create interest. It has spurred a lot of interest in BBQ. Ordinary layman are talking about it. I have people coming in asking me if I know that white haired guy. It is good for BBQ.

Right now all of these BBQ shows could not have come at a better time for people who have restaurants due to the economic uncertainty. People gravitate to comfort. BBQ is comfort.

Randy Twyford – Twyford BBQ & Catering

It has had a major impact – and has made people realize there is much more to a BBQ contest than they see. It has increased the exposure for BBQ competitions and bbq in general.

Darren Warth- Smokey D’s BBQ
It has been good for BBQ. I think they need to show more camaraderie . Show the side where people help each other more.

Chris Jones- Colins Creek Barbecue -BBQ Pitmasters is a show like no other. It has done a lot of good for BBQ and has opened up the eyes to the general public about what goes on at some of these competitions. It also shows that no matter what kind of equipment you have anyone can do this. I really wish they would make it a more family oriented show. I really enjoy competing with my family and would hate for people to be turned off because they have other interpretations of Competition BBQ.

Kell Phelps – NBBQA President I think the show has been great for showing BBQ. I will say though I really did not like the language. When the first episode was on I wanted my son to watch it with me. he is 10 and was so excited. He had told all of his friends since we knew most of them. Unfortunately after the first 10 minutes I took him to bed. It was not appropriate for him.

Kelly Wertz- 4 Legs Up BBQ

I thought the first episode was crap. I think after that it got better. It is still good for BBQ.

Day 2

Well Mr. Happypants and I have arrived in Memphis. He was his curmudgeonly self all day.  I had a couple of moments where I just asked what planet he was from. Needless to say I got a lecture for that.

He was not impressed driving through Tennessee and there were police everywhere. I believe he said that was  a waste of resources and that turning into a rant on “well when I was in the force……..”  This is one area where I will always try to show complete restraint. However I have reminded him on occasion that it has been some 20 years since he was on “the force”.  I get lectures for that too. LOL

We finally got to Memphis and into our hotel. We stayed at the Hyatt in downtown Memphis. If you are ever in the area its a really lovely hotel and I would recommend it highly.  Mr. Happypants needed a new pair of shoes. So he asked me to take him to Walmart. There was a target right across the road but no it had to be Walmart. So I pull up google on my BB and find the closest one.  Off we go . Sounds simple doesn’t it?  Unfortunately the location that was closest was closed up and boarded over. Well that just pretty much set Mr. Happypants off on to his own personal rant of why does that thing (my blackberry) not give you the right address. I got the “tone”.  You know the “tone’.  Its the one where Fathers can talk to their grown daughters and make them feel like they are about 6.  Ugh. This was going to be a long night.

So after setting off to the next location we got into Walmart. Off Mr. Happypants goes to find shoes. I go off to find a couple of items. I find Mr. Happypants in the shoe department not happy already. Oh boy this is going to be fun. Ack .  He is lamenting the fact that the quality is just not there. I being… well …me try to explain to my Dad – Mr. Happypants that if he was willing to pay more than $20.00 for a pair of shoes then I would be able to find much better quality. B-I-G Mistake. Oh my goodness. I should have kept my mouth shut. IT was a torrent of unhappiness came next . Well why don’t they have better quality at this price. Then it went into the well when it was 1960 I got shoes just with great quality. UGH.  I know you have been there with your parents as well. Trust if this han’t happened to you yet it will. Just wait for it.

Then there was the whole shoe horn discussion. He needed a shoe horn to get on a pair of shoes he was trying. Damnit. No shoe horn in sight anywhere. I had bells going off in my head now just warning that this would only end badly. Sure enough my Dad approaches the nearest sales clerk (she looked about 15) and asked where the shoe horns were. Oh my goodness full on code RED now……. The sales clerk looked at my Dad and asked what a she horn was……. Oh my goodness (seriously is there a higher status of emergency then red?>???? We were there I tell you. I should have ran away) I thought my Dad was going to turn into Linda Blair and his head was going to spin.

I quote. What do you mean whats a shoe horn>?? You work in a shoe department and you don’t know what a shoe horn is>??  How can you possibly work in a shoe department and not know what a shoe horn is. >???? Who hires people that work in shoe departments and they don’t know what a shoe horn is.??? You see this is the problem these days people just don’t care about things like shoe horns.

I felt badly for this lady. Oh my.Poor thing. I talked to her after I could get her to stop cowering in the corner with a pile of shoes.

We ended up getting Mr. Happypants a pair of shoes with Velcro. I will pray each day that the velcro stays together. That we don’t have to do this again in another few months. Please pray for those shoes as well. Pray they stay together for the next few years. Pray for the Walmart staff that will encounter my Dad.

Now. I new I was dreading the next part of the Walmart adventure. It was time to get my Dad a cellphone. I have been seriously not looking forward to this for months. My Dad does not do well with electronics. I have inherited from him this wonderful trait. My brother on the other hand seems to be a whiz at it. Unfortunately the brat was not around. Damn.

So off to the electronics department we go. Now all I needed was a phone that would make it easy for my Dad to call home every few days to check in with us as he is wandering around Florida for a couple of months. UGH. But wait ! I could come up with a diversion for him. I had to think quick. I sent him to the card department to buy cards for Valentines for my kids. HA!!! Success – he was diverted long enough for me to grab a phone a phone card and get to the register. No other Walmart employees were traumatized on this day!!! I felt good about this moment. It was short lived though LOL.

And I quote: HOW MUCH>>>??? Its a phone. Why do I need to spend 29.99 for a phone and 19.99 for a phone card. ?????? I explained to my Dad that was pretty reasonable for a pay as you go that he would only be using for a couple of months each year. Lets just leave it at that. I don’t want to further this conversation. It was long drawn out and painful to my ears.

So finally now that Mr. Happypants had his shoes and a new phone we could go off to dinner. My Dad likes fried chicken – thankfully. SO off to Gus’s fried chicken. The chicken was awesome. Just terrific and I think I may have seen Mr Happypants smile. IT might have been gas though.  Ill update you all tomorrow. See ya!

Day 1

Traveling to Memphis is a bit of an adventure for sure. However I have even more of an adventure on this trip as I am traveling with my Dad aka Mr. Happypants. Dad is letting me drive him to Memphis then he is carrying on to Florida. Don’t get me wrong my Dad is a great guy but he has some definite views on the world. Many of which I tend to disagree with.  He was a cop for 25 years and after then a small business owner. My Dad talks in a certain way that’s well….. lets just say direct.  Its either that or pretty much unnerving dead air silence from him. My brother and I often refer to Dad’s way of talking as the cop talk. Its the “let me ascertain the facts” type of lingo. We have reminded him of this over the years. He gives you this defiant look and we all sort of move on. It just always better to move on. Think Ray Romanos Dad – Frank on Everybody loves Raymond. That’s pretty much my Dad.

Want to guess which one is my Dad?

To my Dad food is just food.  Its either good or bad with no gray. Ask my Dad what flavor profiles he is getting from something and he will look at you like an alien.   Then he will tell you he thinks you are full of nonsense.  He is a straight up salt & pepper, canned peas, cook it till its deader than cement kind of guy.  Burgers, hot dogs, meatloaf  and M&M meat shops kind of guy. NTTIAWWT  Don’t mess around with him on that either. No, just don’t -I have tried on many occasions. 

Plus don’t even try to get him to buy any other roast other than eye of the round cooked to a limp gray. (Dontcha know its good value look at how lean it is!!) He is also the same guy who tried to buy Walmart’s ready made “BBQ” ribs that you microwave in front of me. He couldn’t figure out why I was a little annoyed.  So that’s pretty much my Dad in a narrow focused sort of way.  He is also a really thoughtful out of the blue kind of guy.  Last year knowing we needed a fridge for the competition trailer he offered to buy it for us as a very early Christmas gift. He is that kind of guy. Gruff on the outside not tolerant of anything, or anyone,  and unfailingly thoughtful at the oddest and most unexpected of times. He also helped me paint some of my house and fix things.

Prior to getting in his truck to drive I got “the” lectures. I knew they were coming I was prepared. The don’t you dare go a km over the speed limit lecture. The you are not smoking in my truck lecture, the I am not eating at any where fancier that Cracker barrel lecture, the why do you need to buy anything at duty free lecture, the well what time are we getting there lecture, the I don’t want to stop anywhere lecture, the I don’t want to learn how to use a cell phone lecture, the don’t mess with my “golden oldies” radio tuning lecture, the can’t you turn that black butter (My blackberry) thing off lecture, the why do you need so many clothes when I can go away for 2 months and take only this minuscule bag lecture , the well I only need 1 pair of shoes why do you need 3 lecture, and so on and so on.  Dad has become over the last couple of years since my Mom has passed on very, very stuck in his own ways of doing things. (Understatement of the year) Yup that’s my Dad. I love him.Wouldn’t want to trade him for any other Dad either.

So Mr. Happypants and I set of this morning at 5am. It was -15 in Barrie this morning. Damn. Cold. Loaded up with timmies we crossed through the great white North of Barrie Ontario and headed to the Detroit border. Stopping a couple of times for the inevitable potty breaks we talked about his trip to Florida and my trip to Memphis. My father is as obsessed about Florida as I am about BBQ.   Explaining to my Dad about BBQ competitions is always complicated. He does not understand why I pay to go and stand sometimes in field full of mud praying that my meat will turn out well.  Why I am paying the potty mouth guy (what Dad and my daughter call Myron Mixon) to take his class.  When I inevitably come home from a competition he does not understand why I am beyond thrilled with a Fourth place like I was this past year in Louisa Virginia. He does not understand that beating Tuffy Stone, LeeAnn Whippen and others just once was a thrill for me like no other.  That I did not need a GC to feel awesome. He just  turns to me morosely and says better luck next time. Hopefully you will actually win. Yup thats my Dad.

We stopped for lunch at Cracker barrel. I always have the same meal there. Its always chicken fried steak. Always. I have this artery clogging meal once or twice a year and thats it. Dad tried it for the first time. (It took some convincing) I don’t think he liked it as he ate fries and biscuits and not much of it.

Along the way I got cut off by an idiot in one of those supped up Honda Civics that remind me of beetles on acid – and I cursed at him. Douche noodle. Yup thats what I called the little twit. (Please make sure to click the link to find out who came up with that most interesting of curses on January 30th its epic) Well let me tell you that lecture was one of the longest. The why don’t you talk more like a lady lecture was combined with the I know we did not raise you to speak like that lecture, which further rolled into the I don’t know whats wrong with you people which he made an even further lamented lecture into the I am sure your Mother would not be proud of you for speaking like that lecture. Trust. It was a long and benevolent (in my opinion) silence that I received after those lectures.

We set out for our final destination. Jungle Jims International Market for the day.  I had heard about this most interesting of places from a friend of mine Cam. He has gone back twice. I now understand. This is like a playground for foodies. Truly it was. I could spend days in this place. For my Dad not so much. So we left but not before I managed to grab 7 bottles of wine and some snacks. Ok and also some spices and a few other things. As quick as I could I got out.  I didn’t like to keep Mr. Happypants waiting.  We will be off again early in the AM. We will be staying downtown in Memphis tomorrow night. I will probably need to crack open one or more of those bottles of wine. I am 100% sure I will get a lecture about that

Ill be on the road for the next couple of days travelling to Memphis to attend the NBBQA conference. I had such a good time last year in Austin for the conference . I have been looking forward to this a LOT!! Also will be taking Myron Mixon’s class while I am down there. Should be an interesting trip and I’ll blog about it as much as I can.

Just wanted to pass along that we now have a working Facebook fan page. Thanks to everyone who let us know the first one did not allow people to join.  Please see the link on the top right of this screen or click here

We really appreciate our fans. This year we plan on running some fun fan contests where you can win some BBQ prizes!!

An interesting read from DR’  s  BBQ  his manifesto on barbecue…

Welcome to my barbecue manifesto. I decided to sit down and type this while i’m on fire. Why you ask? I have heard the word barbecue and crockpot used in the same sentence twice in two days. After this travesty to the food world I must sit down (with beer in hand of course) and write my thoughts on this subject.   Read More HERE

Danielle Dimovski Diva Q & Ray Lampe Dr. BBQ Canadian Open 2006

Ray (Dr. BBQ) was one of the first successful American Competition BBQ’ers I ever met. It was 2006 and he was the head judge for the Canadian Open. His BBQ class held in Detroit was the very first one I took. He is an extremely candid person. He never minces words.  He has no regrets about calling people out on things that are not right in his book. In the years since he has done a heck of a lot. He has 5 cookbooks published, taught multiples of classes, and has been on countless TV programs and is easily recognizable to anyone in competitive BBQ.

Who is Dr. BBQ?

Ray Lampe grew up in Chicago and after high school spent 25 years in the family trucking business. In 2000 the trucking business had run its course, and it was time for Ray to do something different. He had been participating in BBQ cook-offs as a hobby since 1982, so he decided to take a leap and try to turn his hobby into a career. In 2000 Ray moved to Lakeland, Florida and began his career as a BBQ man.

I caught up with Ray while he was prepping his gear for this weekends first KCBS competition of the year in Lakeland FLA.  I haven’t had much time to catch up with Ray over the last few years. I have been busy and so has he. It certainly hit home that we need to talk a bit more often as the conversation we had ended up being about 2 and a half hours. It wasn’t so much of an interview as it was just catching up with a friend.

D- So tell me about your new site Firecooker.com

RL-Well I am the resident Pitmaster of Firecooker.com. I want it to be a  comfortable backyard community of grillers and BBQ’ers. I wanted a place to showcase BBQ videos, awesome recipes and a great forum. I think its lots of fun and really informative for anyone out there whether they be a competitive BBQ’er looking for tips or a backyard guy or family that wants to see some great tips. It really is for everyone. Just go on and check it out then upload a video. Its really user friendly.

From the website:

FireCooker is a free service for BBQ and grilling fans. You can use FireCooker to rate and review BBQ and upload your own recipes and videos.  You can also keep track of BBQ you’d like to try and buy as well as subscribe to what your buddies have reviewed. The site was built by BBQ fans for BBQ fans.  Whether you’re grilling or slow-cooking in the backyard, we want FireCooker to be the place where you can learn new grill skills, talk to other backyard chefs and rate their recipes and videos

D- How long have you been a member of KCBS?

RL- I have been a member of KCBS since 1991. I have seen a lot . I know where the bodies are buried. (he chuckles) I was there for a lot of it.

D- You have put out 4 books over the last few years when is the next book coming out?

RL- The next book to come out will be one I did for Williams Sonoma. Ribs Chops Steaks & Wings It will be available in April and is available for pre-order. So now I have done 5 books in 5 years.  I am already working on number 6.

D- Recently you made an announcement that you are no longer the Executive Chef for Southern Hospitality.  Was the split amicable?

RL- Absolutely it was amicable. Originally the plan was to open additional locations of Southern Hospitality. Unfortunately due to the economy this just didn’t end up occurring. As such I want to be able to leave my options open. I know that’s probably selfish but I was not a partner. I would like nothing more than to hear that they are expanding the business in the future. They are great guys. Good people to work with.  I would certainly like to work with them again in the future. I wish them only the very best.

John Markus, Chris Lilly, Ray Lampe Dr. BBQ

D- Would you have liked to be on TLC BBQ Pitmasters?

RL- John Markus is a good friend of mine. We were in negotiations for me to do the show. Unfortunately at the time I was already doing Tailgate Warriors. John had such a tight schedule that I just could not be there for them. We just couldn’t work it out. Its just business. It hurts me not to be on that show. I would have loved to be there with my good friends. I know Myron, Leeann, Tuffy, and Jamie. Myron is a ball-buster for sure ( he says laughing) he is a great business man. Its all good for BBQ.

D- You have had an agent now for about a year. How has that impacted your BBQ career?

RL- The opportunity came from Southern Hospitality. My agent was at IMG and has now moved on to another agency. Have an agent that represents me works well. I fill a niche. There are more opportunities.

Some of the things this BBQ man does:

* He’s an expert judge on the Food Networks “Tailgate Warriors with Guy Fieri”
* He’s featured on the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate”
* He travels the country as the Spokeschef for The Big Green Egg grill and smoker
* He’s the featured BBQ Chef at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia
* He’s a spokesman for The National Pork Board
* He’s judged at the Jack Daniel’s World Championship BBQ Cookoff
* He’s judged at the Terlingua, Texas International Chili Cookoff
* He’s judged at The Best of The West Rib Cookoff in Reno
* He served as Executive Chef at Southern Hospitality BBQ in NY 2008-2009
* He writes the “Ask Dr. BBQ Column” for Fiery Foods & BBQ Magazine
* He’s been a guest chef at the Club Med Food and Wine Festival
* He’s been a guest chef at the Woodford Reserve Distillery

D- Do you have any plans for the Superbowl?

RL- I am doing a corporate Tailgate Party. Ill be working with ribs chicken and all total I will have 4 dishes. I’ll even make a Jack Daniels Pie. Whether I get to see the Superbowl live remains up in the air at this moment. I sure hope I get to.

Thanks to Todd at Plowboys BBQ for the use of this photo

D-What TV Projects are you currently involved in?

RL- Tailgate Warriors with Guy Fieri is something I have been involved in as an expert judge on the Food Network. I have to say that working with Guy is something. He is a real TV professional. Nothing with him is scripted. I really can’t remember if he ever had to do a retake. He is that good at it.

Also I am featured on Food Networks Best thing I Ever Ate airing this Friday (today January 29) Look for the Meatfest show and me eating a Beef and Sausage Combo in Chicago

• Ray Lampe: Dr. BBQ – Italian Beef and Sausage Sandwich – Joe Boston’ Italian Beef

  2932 W. Chicago Ave.

  Chicago, IL 60622

  (773) 486-9536

  

  There are also other great TV programs currently in the works and as they come up Ill let you know

  Dr. BBQ has appeared on:

  * Food Network
  * E! News
  * HGTV
  * The NFL Network
  * The Discovery channel
  * The Outdoor Life Network
  * CNN
  * Daytime Tampa Bay
  * Good Morning Texas
  * The Howard Stern Show
  * Martha Stewart Living on Sirius
  * NASCAR Sirius Radio

D- Will you be appearing on Guy Fieri’s new game show Minute to win it?

Minute to Win It, scheduled to debut on NBC on March 14th 2010, at 8pm, challenges contestants to complete ordinary tasks in ten seconds or less. Each completed task earns money, with a maximum payout of $1,000,000 for ten successful completions.

RL- (Laughing) I have not been asked to .

D- Your classes in the past have also included the Greenbriar. Are there plans to continue teaching BBQ there?

RL-The Greenbriar classes we (Ray, Chris Lilly & Myron) did in the past were excellent.  I would expect them to continue in the future.

D-Whats on your agenda with Big green Egg?

RL- I’ll be in Phoenix for the Eggs in the Desert Eggfest with Big Green Egg.  I’ll be teaching there and hanging out with other eggheads.

D- What competitions do you plan on attending this year?

RL- I would like to get to more but I just can’t anymore. I never have time to practice either. So far this year I will be at Lakeland this weekend, the American Royal, I am trying to get up to New York for the Grilling on the Bay. I will also be attending competitive BBQ’ers first $100,000 event in Little Rock Arkansas, Smoke on the Water. I always knew it would get to $100,000. I am glad I am able to attend the first one.  I am trying to put together a schedule that will also allow me to attend some of the other Nascar BBQ events.

D- Where else will you be this year?

RL- I’ll be at the Houston livestock Finals show and the Dallas Pro Bowl event. Lots of other things and places as well. As the dates come up ill have them put on the website. Its going to be a really fun and interesting year. Check the website often for updates.

D-Whats the best advice you would give to people wanting to get into the business of BBQ?

RL- Just remember this. Have integrity. Don’t screw people over. Don’t back stab. If you say you are going to do something then commit to it. Above all BBQ is business. Just like any other business out there. This one just happens to be BBQ. Its not a mystical magical thing.  You can help people and that’s great however you have to look out for your own business needs.   You have to still meet your commitments.  At the end of the day you have to understand  its a business.

You can find Dr. BBQ on twitter & Facebook

Also you can follow firecooker on twitter .

Heres the clip from last nights Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson featuring Myron Mixon from BBQ Pitmasters. Eddie and the Barbecue guy. Hmmmm Myron dancing around with an injector. Now theres something you don’t see every day.