BBQ Padawan Here, Ready to Learn

Recently, I signed up for Slap Yo Daddy’s BBQ 101 Backyard Pitmaster class. His monthly class is in such high demand, that you have to sign up 2-3 months in advance. I was shooting for the September class, and there were plenty of spots available at the time. But by the time I sent in my registration, it was filled up! So I got bumped to the October class. I can’t wait.

In between winning awards in BBQ competitions all over the place, Mr. Harry Soo has been building his BBQ brand and empire. He recently launched his own Meat Rub, which comes in original, lower sodium, and added MSG. Harry said his runaway best seller by far is the lower sodium version. Of course, after eating tons of BBQ meat, it’ll make you feel just a little less guilty, right?

Not that I’ve interacted with tons of other BBQ or food “celebs” or public figures, but what sets Harry apart is his accessibility and passion. I won’t meet him in person until his BBQ class in October, but just from exchanging emails, reading his website, and his comments, you can just tell he loves sharing his knowledge and recipes (without giving away all his award winning secrets).

Here’s a link to Harry’s Amazon review on the WSM. He gives his tips on how to season a brand new WSM, and his recommendation on NOT using any water in the pan — simply foiling it will give you better and faster bark on the meat. I actually have been experimenting both with and without water, and the only thing with not using water is that until you’ve got it down to a science, you have to carefully watch the temperature so the WSM doesn’t run too hot.

Meat + Smoke + Rub = Joy

As I’m waiting patiently for my next BBQ smoke-out experience (this weekend, maybe?), I’ve been diligently reading up on recipes, researching restaurants, and learning about BBQ competition teams. The OC BBQ Festival is happening this upcoming Saturday June 11th, and I came across SoCal-based Slap Yo’ Daddy BBQ team. The more I learned about this team, the more I was in awe of their success.

Normally when you think of BBQ competition teams and see them on TV, they have these huge, shiny customized smokers that cost upwards of $10k plus. Conversely, the Slap Yo’ Daddy team uses a couple of WSM’s and kettle grills, along with a computer system with a fan that digitally monitors and regulates the temperature of their meats. Since starting in ’08, they’ve been winning awards left and right and are the #4 nationally ranked team in the country. They recently were on TLC’s BBQ Pitmasters show.

Pitmaster Harry Soo uses Asian ingredients, spices and flavors, which distinguishes their BBQ from the competition. Many of his competitors are widely popular in the traditonal BBQ parts of the country, do BBQ competitions full-time, and they have restaurants. Slap Yo’ Daddy is from Southern California, have full-time IT jobs, and still hold their own in the BBQ competition circuit. They truly are weekend BBQ pitmasters. Keep up the great work Slap Yo’ Daddy. I will have to try your BBQ real soon.