Summer is coming, and so is backyard cooking season – so make 2018 your best, most delicious year ever.
BBQ, grilling, smoking – all things that involve cooking with fire have been red hot the past few years. Thanks to an explosion of cooking related TV shows and dramatic growth of quality BBQ joints from coast to coast (not counting that Brooklyn place that looks like a very bad imitation of Texas that became the butt of jokes on Twitter in the past few weeks), more and more people want to perfect live fire cooking and slow smoking at home. As someone very passionate about outdoor cooking who owns well over a dozen different specialized cooking appliances, writes frequently on the topic, and has judged some of the world’s biggest BBQ competitions, I have to say there’s some bad news: like driving, most people who think they are good at cooking with fire are not, and perfecting these skills on your own involves a lot of trial and error, and those errors cost money, flavor and missed shots at delicious meals. The good news is that there is an easy shortcut to becoming the backyard BBQ king (or queen) of your neighborhood. Just attend a top immersion BBQ camp.
I’ve personally been to two of the following camps, Alisal’s BBQ Bootcamp and Barbecue University at the Broadmoor, and both were fabulous. Alisal is great for those who want to cook over fire more, like they do in Argentina, and it is unique in that it emphasizes America’s least well known major regional style, Santa Maria BBQ, a specialty of central California. It’s also a very cool resort. BBQ U is taught by the world’s leading authority on all things fire, Steven Raichlen, and is incredibly varied, covering every style from cold smoking to cooking meat directly on burning coals. This is the 10th anniversary edition of BBQ U, which was ranked the nation’s Number One barbecue experience by the Food Network. The Broadmoor is the longest running Forbes 5-Star resort on earth and combines this great cooking school with world class golf, lodging, spa and facilities. But the highlight is the amazing assortment of hardware, more top grills under one roof (actually there’s no roof since it is outside) than anyplace you can go. If you’ve ever wanted to learn what a Komodo style cooker is like, how a pellet smoker compares to a wood burner, whether rotisserie is worth it, what the deal is with infrared burners, or any other gear related question, this is the place to go. I’ve previously written a lot about both Alisal and BBQ U here at Forbes.
The Resort at Paws Up in Montana is widely regarded as one the world’s most luxurious dude ranches, and everyone I know who has visited has absolutely raved about it, so that’s another one on my to-do list – and combining it with BBQ can’t be anything but a good idea.
Upcoming 2018 BBQ Camps:
The Ultimate Barbecue Weekend at The Stella Hotel (Bryan, TX April 20-22):
This three-day celebration of barbecue at the Stella Hotel includes a welcome dinner, a barbecue class led by Barrett Black of award-winning Black’s BBQ, lunch at 44 Farms, the largest producer of Black Angus beef in Texas, a barbecue brunch, a beer, BBQ and bourbon event, and more. Here’s the full schedule.
BBQ Boot Camp at The Alisal (Solvang, CA May 16-18 & October 24-26):
For over 60 years the Alisal has treated grilling as a fine art. The BBQ Bootcamp morning sessions cover all the aspects of grilling from the best way to start a fire to what to do with spice rubs; afternoons are free for horseback riding, golf or a visit to the spa; and evenings give you a chance to interact with local guest chefs and winemakers who will be on hand to create feasts designed to further fire-up your grilling passions. You’ll even get to create your own signature spice rub to take home.
Barbecue University at The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs, CO May 24-26 & May 27-29, first session is sold out):
Barbecue University is an intense 3-day very hands-on program designed to help you take your grilling and smoking skills to the next level. Hosted by PBS star, award winning cookbook author, and world-renowned grilling guru Steven Raichlen, this whirlwind of fire, smoke, camaraderie, and great eating will give you one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Dozens of grills and smokers of every style from the best manufacturers are used. Your afternoons and evenings are free to explore and enjoy The Broadmoor.
Montana Master Grillers at The Resort at Paws Up (Greenough, Montana May 25-28):
This BBQ weekend will feature several guest experts, maestros of the grill who have worked their fiery magic all over – from deep in the heart of Texas to Boston’s Fenway Park. Besides the flame-kissed wonders, the resort adds a bevy of beverages and nightly music, making it one unforgettable Memorial Day weekend. There are half a dozen guest chefs plus brewery, winery and distillery partners for craft beer, wine, and spirits. In true Paws Up style, BBQ will be served with healthy doses of stunning scenery, luxurious accommodations and wilderness adventures.
