Thanks to Dead End BBQ to help me spread the grilling love!
I had the wonderful opportunity to teach a women’s BBQ class at Dead End BBQ in Knoxville, TN. In the case that you are not familiar with Knoxville- let me give you some info. Knoxville is a perfect sized town, not too big or too small, with lots of charm and Southern hospitality, and host to UTK (University of Tennessee, Knoxville).
I was pretty psyched to get invited by George Ewart, owner Dead End BBQ, to go to Knoxville because I knew I got to go to the Mountains, eat good BBQ all weekend, and even catch up with my blogger friends- Chris Grove from Nibble Me This and Larry from Big Dude’s Ramblings.
Ribs, blue cheese coleslaw, green beans and jalapeno cornbread- yes please!!
About Dead End BBQ- George Ewart’s infamous whole-hog block parties, and award winning BBQ team eventually led him to start Dead End BBQ, situated in a converted old gas station turned ‘Que restaurant. You’ll instantly feel at home at this place when you step in. I got to sample a little bit of everything and the food lives up to the restaurant’s tag line “the search is over”. As you all may know, I equally love the side dishes at a cue restaurant and I was smitten with their creamy blue cheese coleslaw finished with bacon bits. When you go, you must try the pulled pork nachos because they are highly addictive. The ribs are competition style- not fall off the bone but cooked to perfection for the perfect mix of moisture, flavor, texture. The brisket was also good.
Do I really have to share? Get your own banana pudding!
Lastly, if you go, please do yourself a favor and order the banana pudding. As a Southern Girl living in South Florida (which is not so Southern), I don’t have the opportunity to get good banana pudding that often. Dead End’s Banana Pudding is a real treat, finished with dainty wafers on the top. You won’t be disappointed!
Thanks again to the wonderful women of Knoxville for attending my class. I hope you fall in love with grilling as much as I have!
Knoxville Part Two
After my grilling class, I met up with local bloggers in the area at Larry from Big Dude Rambling’s house on Lake Telico for a genuine “Texas Style BBQ”.
Flank steak on the grill for Chris’ fajitas… next step: veggies!
Chris from Nibble Me gave a fajita tutorial, I helped as his assistant and made a fire roasted salsa to go with it.
Chris instructs the group on how to make fajitas including marinade ingredients and marinade time. I assist with general perkiness and grilling the veggies. 🙂
Chris taught me the blow torch method for lighting a big green egg. Why didn’t I think of that?
It was great meeting up with other bloggers and sharing ideas on photography, recipes, and just eating good food in general. It was also especially great getting to hang with Chris and Alexis and seeing him in action on his 2 Big Green Eggs. While hanging with them I learned the blow torch method of lighting the BGE. Genius.
Chris and Larry prepare our Texas Style BBQ feast- Brisket, Beef Ribs, Smoked Turkey, Homemade Bread, Homemade Sausage… Hope you brought your appetite!
When in Knoxville, you must check out Dead End BBQ. And, if you are looking for some great Knoxville cooking inspiration, check out these Knoxville based blogs:
Even the dogs eat well at Almost Heaven South.
It’s hard to believe it’s only been one week ago. Marie had her cookout last night and not once did she ask for help nor did I see any dark smoke so you must have taught her well!
It was our pleasure having you visit. Hope to see you again and meet Eddie and Scott soon. Keep up the great work on your blog.
Glad you enjoyed your visit to East Tennessee and it was a treat to meet you. I was hoping someone had a shot of the meat serving table but with you in it as well. Our son is here and is a big salsa fan so we tried the fire roasted salsa on him and he loved it.
Your mom and I Loved your Post on your trip to Knoxville, TN. Awesome town. Looks like you and Chris had a blast. I love forward to meeting Chris and Alexis in the near future. I am sure he can teach me a lot that I do not know about the BGE.
Dad
Now I’m craving for a BBQ. Looks like the dog really enjoyed his bone.