18
Apr

Good Reads

Bald Knob Cross, Southern Illinois
My children in front of the majestic Bald Knob cross, the world’s largest porcelain cross, located in Southern Illinois. 

Wishing you Good Friday blessings and the peace and joy of Easter.

Seth Godin on building better, stronger bridges.

So much goodness. “Everyone is  winging it, some just do it more confidently.” “You will miss out on some near soul mates.” “Emotional scenes are tiring and pointless.” “By your 40s, you’ve gotten better at spotting narcissists.”

This clip of Jimmy Fallon and Billy Joel singing “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” made me smile.

Meat prices are soaring. These articles from Brisketman and Daniel Vaughn explain why.

Why simple websites are superior.

Interesting article on butchering via Food Republic.

Solid primer on when and how much to tip.

How to become a productivity rockstar.

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7
Apr

NBBQA Conference: San Marcos

SanMarcos-01After our epic two days of eating our way through Austin, our pit crew traveled down the road to San Marcos, Texas  for the National Barbecue Association conference.

SanMarcos-20Daniel Vaughn, Texas Monthly magazine’s barbecue critic, gave the opening address and took the audience on an historical tour of Texas barbecue. Here’s Daniel with his official Texas costume.
SanMarcos-02Bright and early the next morning we were back at the seminars. Fortunately Brooke Lewis and Cheryl Atkinson from The Shed served fancifully garnished Bloody Marys in their outstanding catering session … .

SanMarcos-21And Randy Twyford interrupted his talk for the traditional 9:22 shot of Gentleman Jack.
SanMarcos-03One of my favorite seminars was learning about the history of Czech and German sausage from Tim Mikeska and Kent Black.

SanMarcos-04-5Each old-line Texas barbecue shrine has a unique, carefully guarded family recipe. You can buy Black’s sausage online here. Mikeska sausage is sold to a number of excellent barbecue restaurants around the country. Click here for more information.

SanMarcos-08“THE magic formula for which mathematicians, engineers, economists, and chefs, all over the planet, have looked for centuries to make money!” ~Tim Mikeska

SanMarcos-09-10One of the extra events for which you could register was a private dinner at Black’s Barbecue, followed by an evening of music at Gruene Hall.

SanMarcos-11Spending time with Edgar Black was honor.

SanMarcos-12A priceless moment – multi-generations from 17th Street and Black’s. Thank you, Rick Browne, for the great shot!

SanMarcos-13After the barbecue feast, we went to the charming town of Gruene to experience Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas.

SanMarcos-14Lively music …

SanMarcos-15-16… amidst storied walls, lined with  photos of all of the stars who’ve played here.

SanMarcos-17Holes in the floor are patched with license plates.

SanMarcos-18Barry Sorkin and Tim Mikeska. Barry serves Tim’s outstanding sausage in his restaurant, Smoque, in Chicago.

SanMarcos-19Cassidy, Laurie,me, and Jenn. These girls make me so proud.

SanMarcos-23One of the highlights of the conference was Friday evening’s outdoor picnic, featuring a variety of Meyer’s Natural Meats, and a steak cook-off. A number of NBBQA pitmasters cooked alongside seasoned steak circuit cooks.

SanMarcos-24Phillip and Mike borrowed a grill and joined in the steak cook-off fun.

SanMarcos-25DennyMike Sherman brought some fresh Maine lobster tails with him …

SanMarcos-26…  and grilled them up on Brad Barrett’s GrillGrates. Lightly seasoned and charred goodness.

SanMarcos-30My Texas barbecue family was out in full force. Thanks to Robert Lerma for making this picture of Keith Schmidt and me.

SanMarcos-27Mike is hoping that this turn-in bribe will help his score.

SanMarcos-28Rhinestone cowboy steak GRAND CHAMPION Kell Phelps, past NBBQA president and editor of the National Barbecue News, was the grand champion. He’s pictured here with National Steak Champion Monte Brown, Diamond W BBQ, and Mike after the final dinner and auction.

SanMarcos-29Our last Texas meal was brunch at Cody’s Bistro in San Marcos with Keith Schmidt. Chicken and waffles — half of a fried cornish game hen over malted waffles with a cayenne-spiked maple syrup. So delicious.

SanMarcos-31bAnd of course, a final stop before departure: Texas Western Wearhouse. They were kind enough to loan us dozens of pairs of gorgeous cowboy boots with which to decorate the tables for our auction and final meal, so we had to check them out. Six pairs of boots, belts, shirts, and more and we were ready to head for home.

If you’re in the barbecue business, kindly consider joining NBBQA and attending next year’s event which will be held in Nashville. We are staunch supporters of NBBQA. Mike is a past president and continues to serve on the board, Becky Streuter, our catering manager has served on the board, and Amy organized several conferences. The  educational opportunities, coupled with with the opportunity to meet barbecue people from all over the country, make this experience valuable. We have met so many of our very good friends through these conferences. Y’all join us!