British BBQ Society Forums

Thanks for the update Ray, its great news that there are going to be a couple of classes taking place this year. It is the best way for us improve and understand the American taste for anyone that is thinking about competing in the future.

Agreed Toby. The real truth about what we're doing over here is best learned from those of us who are doing it.

Are you going to smoke on the water in Vegas at the end of March?

I'm not sure. I have signed up to judge but haven't made travel plans yet. It's a couple thousand miles from here so cooking isn't really an option and judging may not be worth the cost of a flight and hotel. I'm not much of a gambler so Vegas doesn't really attract me. But as it gets closer I may get the itch

I for one whole-heartedly concur with much of what’s been said in the last few posts.

Last year the Society held an incredibly successful Pitmaster class which I was lucky enough to help out at. I know that this gave some of the new teams a real leg-up and ensured that they didn’t repeat many of the mistakes that were common in the first season. I believe that it was the first class of its kind and was a truly great day.

To have more than one class happening in 2012 and for those classes to be hosted by people with US competition pedigree is fantastic.

Having watched the numbers grow at competitions growing steadily, to know that the appetite is growing and that opportunities now exist where we can learn more without traveling across the pond pleases me very much. Many people have put a lot of work into raising awareness of our fantastic style of cooking and fostering the appetite for competitive cooking, often this has been a thankless task with cost to the individuals both financial and in terms of time they’ve given up. But these enthusiastic and genuine people have been un-erring in their task and now I feel those efforts are bearing fruit.

We have a great BBQ community forming over here now and I’m proud to have been involved with it for several years now, both on and off the cook site. I’ve made great friends both here and across the pond through BBQ, what a hobby this has turned out to be. Back in 2009 when we went out to the Royal, we had dinner with Ray, Jackie, Fast Eddie and Stuart Powell, I was sitting opposite Ray at the table, he told me that the BBQ scene is just a big family and I tell you what, that’s what we have here now.

I’ll stop waxing lyrical about the British BBQ scene now…

Hi Dr Ray ( as opposed to DrSweetsmoke just like the NHS you have to state which Dr you wish to speak to ) I doubt that I will be up to the required standard for your seminar this year, as I'm only just above the level of "the black dusty lumps go here and the water in there" . Much as I would love to hear your wisdom, having seen you on a few BBQ/Smoking related shows on TV, has any or could any thought be given to filming your tutorials either for online viewing or DVD?
Who knows with luck we'll be in the audience for next time.

Thanks for your time and enthusiasm

No plans for video right now and I doubt that I ever will. The contest techniques change quite often so I think it would be out of date quickly. I try hard NOT to have a lot of video out there unless it's something really timeless like a specific recipe. Out of date and poorly done video clog up searches for the quality videos that I like to do. BTW no one will be allowed to video the class for the same reasons. It's also totally distracting to me and the other students. I'm pretty much of a no-BS guy and the bottom line is teaching the people that come to the class.

Fair enough, thanks

The signup is ready for Dr. BBQ's Ultimate Pitmaster Class in England! Only 30 spots and I think it's going to fill up fast so don't delay if you want to get in. Remember "Mad Cow", the team from Engalnd that actually won the Jack Daniel's cook-off? This class is where they started.
http://grillstock.co.uk/dr-bbq-masterclass

I just booked my flight so this class is definitely going to happen! Thanks to everyone who signed up and to those who have helped to promote it. There are some spots left but I do expect the class to fill up soon so if you're interested let Jon know.