Spareribs, St. Louis style, March 8, 2008. I tried on rack using the 3-2-1 method, the other I just smoked str8. Both were excellent, but both seem to need a bit of adjustment so I'll try both again. By adjustment I mean that the 3-2-1 ribs seemed to be a bit over done and the regulars were a bit underdone.

1st Annual Extreme BBQ and BULL in Lincoln, Nebraska

I was recently invited to the 1st Annual Extreme BBQ and BULL in Lincoln, Nebraska. It's an invitiation-only event limited to 40 teams. Man, I wish I could make it but unfortunately I cannot! Check the details and please support if you are in the area.

"1st Annual Extreme BBQ and BULL in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 19-21 at the Lancaster Event Center. This event is sanctioned by the KCBS. We will be giving out $15,000 in prize money. At the event we will be having the Extreme Bull Riding Tour, Carnival, and Live music."

Hawaii BBQ

Hawaii is a place that represents the best in BBQ - Food, Family and Friends. I joined a BBQ hosted by my boys Charlie and Jamey and the three of us threw down on some great Q. Charlie knocked out some great pork, Jamey's tri tip was slammin, and I handled the chicken with my custom $TR8 $MOKIN' competition rub (yep, I brought a bottle to HI with me). Thanks fellas for letting me join in the festivities.

Aloha

~Pitmaster~

BBQ Seattle

I spend a good amount of time in Seattle every once in a while, and during our recent trip we ate at some great bbq joints.

Smokin Petes in Ballard has a great selection and awesome food. Check it out if you're in that part of town.

Dixie's is a Seattle area institution, located in Bellevue just off the 520. Tons of personality, a great time, and "meeting The Man" is a true right of passage and will make you a Dixie's loyalist.

Update - The Comp

Ok, so it's been a while since the last blog... but I thought I owe a brief update on the Smokin in the Park competition in October 07.

The $TR8 $MOKIN' competition bbq team did not or place in any category, but we more than exceeded our goals for the event! There were a total of 36 teams of heavy hitters from the west coast, including the California state champions, the rib doctor, and several other big name teams. This was our second competition and our goals were to 1) turn in, on time for each category 2) not get last! We reached both of our goals and did quite well in a couple of the categories...

Chicken: Our best category in both 07 and 06. We placed in the top half taking out some of the best teams in the game! The secret? We cook with original $TR8 $MOKIN' bbq sauce flavored chicken thighs on our 55 Gal $TR8 $MOKER

Ribs: We could have done much better... I tried a few different techniques and just didn't produce the quality of ribs that we're known for. Lesson learned for next time!

Pulled Pork: Middle of the pack... not sure what we could have done better here. I think the judges were looking for entries that had more sauce flavoring and we try to let the meat speak for itself.

Brisket: We got screwed. I'm not a sore looser, but we produced a great brisket, maybe not a winner, but a very good piece of meet with a great smoke ring and amazing flavor. One of the judges gave us practically failing scores on appearance, taste, and tenderness and it tanked us.

Well, that's it. Stay tuned for more!

Day of the Comp!

It's day one of Smokin in the Park, check in is at noon and we'll be preppin and cookin all night! Str8 Smokin is coming through will all cylinders firing! Check back in a couple of days for a full update.

Str8 Smokin Flyer

This is the flyer I put together for the upcoming comp...

Competition Prep

The $TR8 $MOKIN' BBQ Team is prepping for our big contest of the year... Smokin in the Park at Viejas casino in Alpine California. The heat is on this year with more teams entering than ever before! It draws top teams from all over the west, so needless to say this comp is one of the biggest on the west coast. Keep checking back for updates on progress etc.

Today I'm smoking a boston butt, trying out a new mop and seasoning. Fingers crosssed!

Smokin' in the Park

Alright, it's that time of year again! I've officially signed up for the 4th Annual Smokin' in the Park contest at the Viejas casino outside of San Diego. this is the largest contest in this area, sanctioned by the CBBQA, with $20,000 in prize money up for grabs!

I'm still relatively new to competition with just one under my belt and one time as a judge, but I'm ready to tackle the big dogs. I'll keep you posted.

JF

Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ

Every time I come to Orlando I have to visit the best BBQ joint around, Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ. Yet again, it did not dissapoint. I ordered the "any two meats" with baby backs and pulled pork and both were delicious. The baby backs were a bit over done but not mushy by any means. The pulled pork was amazing with a mild peppery taste and great bark. The meal came with 4 sides... cole slaw, baked beans, bread, and fries.... skip the others and go straight for the baked beans! They were nice and smokey with bits of beef mixed in. The staff was very friendly as well.

Thanks Bubbalou's for making my stay in Orlando that much better!

Visit them at... http://www.bubbalous.com/

Labor Day Brisket

This past Labor Day I smoked a brisket on my drum smoker for the first time.... it was damn good! It was just the flat, and I had never done it this way before, but it turned out really tastey. I brought it over to a buddie's house and it was devoured, which is always a sign of good Q. I tried a new rub - no sugur this time with a few added secret ingredients... it was my best yet. Just goes to show you need to keep pushing the envelope!

Now I'm off to one of my favorite bbq spots of all time... Bubbalou's in Orlando FL. Last time my head almost exploded when they let me try their behind the counter "Psycho" sauce!

Goodbye to Big Jim's Old South Barbecue

I found out today that Big Jim's Old South Barbecue in Encinitas California is no longer in business. It was located on historic Coast Highway 101 just north of San Diego, and for retaruant BBQ it was damn good. They had great local beers on tap, a great souther style ice tea and the spicy shrimp were out of this world. Hat's off to Big Jim's, it's always a sad day when one of the few true bbq spots in a region go down.

In memory, here is a review I posted on the old Str8 Smokin' site back in 2004...

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Big Jim’s Old South Barbecue is one of the top BBQ joints in So Cal for many reasons… 1) The food is slow-cooked and delicious 2) They have great service 3) The sides are unique and taste great 4) They are located on beautiful Highway 101 in Encinitas.

Let’s get right down to business… we ordered the BBQ for Two dinner and the Boiled Peanuts appetizer (you won’t find these anywhere else in So Cal). The BBQ42 dinner comes with pork spareribs, beef ribs, chicken, grilled catfish and slightly spicy shrimp. All of the food was great, smokey and tender, but the Shrimp really outshined on this particular day. I couldn’t get enough of them. With our dinner came two sides (we chose beans and the mashed potato fries) and complementary cornbread. These could have been a meal by themselves. We washed it all down with a glass of Bubba’s Sweet Iced Tea and their homemade lemonade. If you want real southern BBQ or just want a bunch of shrimp and sides to share with friends, Big Jim’s Old South BBQ has it all.


Boiled Peanuts and Cornbread Appetizers


Big Jim's BBQ For Two Dinner. Notice the smiley faced mashed potato fries.


The Shrimp was so slammin that we had to give you a close up!

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Thanks for taking the time to read this tribute. RIP Big Jim's, you will be remembered and missed.

~ BBQ 4 Life ~

Keep Smokin',

JF
Pitmaster
$TR8 SMOKIN - Est. 2004
Member CBBQA

$TR8 Myspace

The official STR8 SMOKIN' myspace page is now up! Check it out at www.myspace.com/str8smokinbbq and add us as a friend!

Blog & Site Launch

Whaddup $TR8 $MOKIN' Soldiers! If you are looking at this blog you are one of the first to witness and epic event in BBQ... the relaunch of STR8SMOKIN.com . In addition to many other upgrades, I have started to try this blog thing out as well. This blog will primarily feature BBQ information, but I may include some other random info as well to keep you on your toes.

Thanks for viewing.

~ BBQ 4 Life ~

Keep Smokin',

JF
Pitmaster
$TR8 SMOKIN - Est. 2004

Check One Two!

I just set up this blog and need to see if this bad boy works.

JF