Show 504, December 17, 2022: Chef Chad Phuong, The Cambodian Cowboy, Battambong BBQ, Long Beach Part Two

Chad Phoung of Battamboung BBQ

We continue with Chef & Pitmaster Chad Phuong, also known as the Cambodian Cowboy, of Long Beach’s Battambong BBQ. It’s real deal Texas-style BBQ with a kick. No gimmicks here…

This is a career change for Chef Phuong and, in a short time, he’s created a tremendous word-of-mouth following for his regular Long Beach BBQ pop-ups serviced by his rolling smoker. His wide acclaim is such that CBS’s Carter Evans featured Chef Chad in “The Dish” segment of “CBS Mornings” (National) in early November.

Phuong learned all about the cuts of meat and pitmastering while working in a meat processing plant in Texas before returning to Long Beach. Chad survived the ravages of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia and emigrated to the United States in 1980 with his Mother and siblings.

On Chef Chad’s regular menu are slow-smoked, 17-hour Brisket, Tri-Tip, Spare Ribs, Pulled Pork, Chicken, Cambodian Sausage, and Pork Belly. Also featured are Brisket Nom Pang and Tri-Tip Nom Pang sandwiches.

Far from the ordinary sides include Cambodian Coconut Corn, Garlic Noodles, Cambodian Slaw and Battambong BBQ Sauce.

Chef Chad doesn’t forget his Vegan guests. His special creations are Smoked Oyster Mushrooms, Smoked Coconut Cauliflower, Jackfruit Sliders and Smoked Vegan Rice.

Battambong BBQ’s regular weekly schedule: Bixby Knolls Farmers Market (Thurs 3 p.m.-7 pm) Ten Mile Brewing (Fridays 12 p.m.-9 p.m.) Trademark Brewing (Sundays 12-7p.m.), Long Beach, CA, United States, California

Battambong BBQ will be one of the featured establishments in the upcoming, inaugural Long Beach Cambodian Restaurant Week running from Sunday, March 19th to Sunday, March 26th.

Show 494, October 8, 2022: Pitmaster Ray Lampe, “DR. BBQ”, St. Petersburg, Florida Part One

Ray Lampe of Dr. BBQ

Ray Lampe (aka Dr. BBQ) grew up in Chicago and after high school spent 25 years in the family trucking business. In 2000 the trucking business had run its course, and it was time for Ray to try something new. He had been participating in BBQ cookoffs as a hobby since 1982, so he decided to take a leap and turn his hobby into a career. In 2000 Ray moved to Florida and began his career as an outdoor cooking expert.”

“In 2018 Ray opened “Dr. BBQ” restaurant, a modern American Smokehouse, in St. Petersburg, Florida with Roger and Suzanne Perry (the proprietors of Datz Restaurant Group.)” The sliced, smoked Brisket is ethereal and the Epic Peanut Butter Pie is a wonder of pure decadence. All the BBQ sauces are house-made.

Since 2000, Ray has been busy in the culinary world. He’s been a judge on Food Network’s “Firemasters,” “Tailgate Warriors with Guy Fieri,” and “Chopped” as well as a judge on “Smoked,” NBC’s “Food Fighters,” and on Travel Channel’s “American Grilled.” Ray is spokesperson for the National Turkey Federation and Dizzy Pig Seasoning Co. and has previously been spokesperson for the Big Green Egg Grill, Cabo Wabo Tequila, Kansas City Steak Co. and The National Pork Board.

Ray has written nine best-selling cookbooks including Slow Fire: The Beginner’s Guide to Barbecue and is currently scoping out his tenth. He has competed in over 300 BBQ competitions and has won over 300 awards. In 2014 Ray was inducted into the prestigious BBQ Hall of Fame.

Pitmaster Ray takes a break from the smoker to join us with tongs in hand.

Show 494, October 8, 2022: Pitmaster Ray Lampe, “DR. BBQ”, St. Petersburg, Florida Part Two

Ray Lampe of Dr. BBQ

Ray Lampe (aka Dr. BBQ) grew up in Chicago and after high school spent 25 years in the family trucking business. In 2000 the trucking business had run its course, and it was time for Ray to try something new. He had been participating in BBQ cookoffs as a hobby since 1982, so he decided to take a leap and turn his hobby into a career. In 2000 Ray moved to Florida and began his career as an outdoor cooking expert.”

“In 2018 Ray opened “Dr. BBQ” restaurant, a modern American Smokehouse, in St. Petersburg, Florida with Roger and Suzanne Perry (the proprietors of Datz Restaurant Group.)” The sliced, smoked Brisket is ethereal and the Epic Peanut Butter Pie is a wonder of pure decadence. All the BBQ sauces are house-made. The 2nd level houses the Burnt Ends Tiki Bar which is an attraction seen in few distinguished BBQ spots.

Since 2000, Ray has been busy in the culinary world. He’s been a judge on Food Network’s “Firemasters,” “Tailgate Warriors with Guy Fieri,” and “Chopped” as well as a judge on “Smoked,” NBC’s “Food Fighters,” and on Travel Channel’s “American Grilled.” Ray is spokesperson for the National Turkey Federation and Dizzy Pig Seasoning Co. and has previously been spokesperson for the Big Green Egg Grill, Cabo Wabo Tequila, Kansas City Steak Co. and The National Pork Board.

Ray has written nine best-selling cookbooks including Slow Fire: The Beginner’s Guide to Barbecue and is currently scoping out his tenth. He has competed in over 300 BBQ competitions and has won over 300 awards. In 2014 Ray was inducted into the prestigious BBQ Hall of Fame.

Pitmaster Ray takes a 2nd break from the smoker to continue with us with tongs in hand.

Show 480, June 25, 2022: Chef / Proprietor Aaron Robins, Boneyard Bistro, Sherman Oaks Part One

Aaron Robins of Boneyard Bistro

“For some 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of hands-on experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked just right.

“If adult beverages spark your fire then Boneyard has a vast selection of appealing beverages at the ready. They feature 42 taps of beer all focused on micro brews and specialty imports. Boneyard Bistro also has over 100 specialty brews in the bottle. When it comes to premium wine they feature at least 10 by the glass and will open almost any bottle you wish with a 2 glass minimum. Boneyard offers one of the largest Zinfandel collections in all of Southern California.” There is also an ambitious premium Whiskey program.

Join them on Mondays for their ever-popular Fried Chicken night. You can get your bird either Nashville Hot or Southern Style with no heat. They are also known for their unusual Kobe Style Beef Chili Filled Donuts with cheddar cheese, mustard, onions and pickles.

Dinner nightly with Lunch on Weekends.

Pitmaster and Chef Aaron Robins is our guest.

Show 480, June 25, 2022: Chef / Proprietor Aaron Robins, Boneyard Bistro, Sherman Oaks Part Two

Aaron Robins of Boneyard Bistro

“For some 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of hands-on experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked just right.

“If adult beverages spark your fire then Boneyard has a vast selection of beverages at the ready. They feature 42 taps of beer all focused on micro brews and specialty imports. Boneyard Bistro also has over 100 specialty brews in the bottle. When it comes to premium wine they feature at least 10 by the glass and will open almost any bottle you wish with a 2 glass minimum. Boneyard offers one of the largest Zinfandel collections in all of Southern California.” There is also an ambitious premium Whiskey program.

Join them on Mondays for their ever-popular Fried Chicken night. You can get your bird either Nashville Hot or Southern Style with no heat. They are also known for their unusual Kobe Style Beef Chili Filled Donuts with cheddar cheese, mustard, onions and pickles.

Dinner nightly with Lunch on Weekends.

Pitmaster and Chef Aaron Robins continues as our guest with a plate of slow-cooked Brisket in hand.

Show 444, September 25, 2021: Chef Susan Feniger, BBQ Mexicana at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders

Susan Feniger of Socalo and Border Grill

BBQ Mexicana, a quick service concept from celebrity Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, is located across from Border Grill restaurant and adjacent to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and inside the new Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders (with two locations.)”

“Inspired by Mary Sue and Susan’s travels to Mexico, where they fell in love with delicious barbacoa and smoked meats, the menu offers a variety of bowls, salads, and burritos filled with mesquite smoked chicken, pulled pork, slow smoked brisket and tofu in addition to aguas frescas, beers and margaritas to go. BBQ Mexicana utilizes seasonal, locally grown ingredients, organic rice and beans, and meats and poultry raised without antibiotics or hormones.”

Also from Chefs Mary Sue and Susan at Allegiant Stadium is their Pacha Mamas cart located near the BBQ Mexicana stand on the 100 Level near the South Entrance. It’s a skewers a la plancha menu.

Chef Susan Feniger is our guest with tongs at the ready.

Show 399, November 14, 2020: Drew Brahs of Harper Barbecue in Costa Mesa

Drew Brahs of Harper BarbecueDrew Brahs of Harper Barbecue (Costa Mesa based) is well-known in the West as the go-to builder (via word-if-mouth and Instagram) of hand-crafted, custom smokers for skilled pitmasters and backyard barbecue fans alike. He crafts everything from small backyard pits to large versions on trailers. Drew is responsible for creating the twin, 1,000 gallon smokers offset smokers used at Danny Castillo’s Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano.

Drew is a fan of the Central Texas style of barbecue. In the early stages of development and construction is his long-in-the works restaurant, Harper Barbecue, in Costa Mesa which will be a Family affair. While the restaurant is being built Drew will shift the smoker enterprise to selling stock items. Website coming soon…

We’ll meet barbecue entrepreneur Drew Brahs.

Show 393, October 3, 2020: Nick Echaore, Executive Chef, Heritage Barbecue, San Juan Capistrano

Nick Echaore of Heritage BarbecueBarbecue afficionados are overjoyed with the launch in August of Daniel and Brenda Castillo’s Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano. They have developed a fanatical following for their Central Texas-style barbecue (that’s cooked low and slow) served in Orange County at popular pop-ups at area craft breweries. Daniel has trained extensively with prominent Texas pitmasters at their respective establishments. Initially the all outdoor establishment is open Wednesday through Sunday and has the capacity to serve several hundred guests per day until the ‘cue runs out.

Pitmaster Danny’s accomplished Executive Chef is Nick Echaore. We’ll pull him away from the intensive pre-opening prep for an update.

Chef Nick has experience across all segments of front and back of house. He comes to Heritage Barbecue from a corporate career at Whole Foods (where he met Pitmaster Danny.) He also spent time at Marche Bacchus in Las Vegas.

Nick is responsible for working with Danny and Lennon (the in-house butcher) to set the menu, sourcing ingredients, recipe development for the creative sides, coordinating schedules with the kitchen team and lots more. He even works the busy order window (just in back) where you’ll see him expertly cutting and packaging the barbecue orders.

Heritage is well-known for their brisket, tri-tip, massive beef ribs, chicken, ribs and sausages. All the proteins are cooked using California White Oak in twin, 1,000 gallon offset smokers crafted by Harper Barbecue in Costa Mesa. Even the selection of from-scratch sides deserve praise. A standout is the Borracho Beans with tri-tip.

 

Show 387, August 22, 2020: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant GroupOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps…

Chef Andrew has been on the road with his family and his travels have taken him to Texas. Central Texas BBQ is very popular locally right now and Chef Andrew will have some meaty observations. We’re talking smoked brisket and sausages with minimal sauce along the way. Chef Andrew also shares his impressions of Whataburger, a bit of a Texas tradition that’s also popular for Breakfast.

We’ll, of course “Ask the Chef.”

Show 383, July 25, 2020: Chef / Proprietor Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue, San Juan Capistrano Part One

Daniel Castillo of Heritage BarbecueBarbecue afficionados have been eagerly anticipating the pending arrival of Daniel and Brenda Castillo’s Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano. They have developed a fanatical following for their Central Texas-Style craft barbecue (that’s cooked low and slow) served in Orange County at popular pop-ups at area craft breweries. Daniel has trained extensively with prominent Texas pitmasters at their respective establishments. The soon-to-open restaurant with the capacity to serve several hundred guests per day (seven days a week) will be all outdoors.

Heritage is well-known for their brisket, tri-tip, smoked turkey, chicken, ribs and sausages. There is even a proprietary barbecue cheesecake. All the proteins are cooked using California White Oak in twin, 1,000 gallon custom offset smokers crafted by Harper Barbecue in Costa Mesa.

Kingsford, the very familiar charcoal briquet firm, has recently launched a cash award program to recognize (and encourage) barbecue chefs nationwide. Chef Daniel was awarded $10,000 in May by Kingsford with no strings attached.

We pull Chef Daniel away from the twin offset smokers for a meaty chat.