“Nothing is better than when it’s kissed by smoke”
On Saturday, May 27th, during Memorial weekend, Stanley’s NE Bar Room will kick-off their summer Bark-B-Q on the Pawtio with BBQ master and Front of House Manager Steven Fremling. Only available on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm – 8pm (or ‘til gone) throughout summer 2017.
Steven, also known as Steveo, will be grilling up a delicious BBQ feast complete with beer soaked brats, with a new brew he will be featuring every weekend, ribs and mouth watering side dishes for friends and family to enjoy.
Get to know Steveo below and what he loves about the art of grilling.
When did your love for BBQ start?
Steveo: 4 years ago I spent Thanksgiving with my family watching a Marathon of the PBS series BBQ University with Steven Raichlen. Hour after hour I watched him do things on a grill I didn’t know could be done… My wife noticed my interest and surprised me by ordering his book BBQ USA, and his DVD BBQ University (the best of) as a visual reference. I’ve been nearly obsessed with grilling since, and now own all of his books! However, in addition, I come from a family of “foodies.” My Dad always grilled things when I was younger. The classics from steaks and brats, to the adventurous! He would grill anything from wild game such as Grouse, to foil wrapped Pike with butter and dill, to black bear.. My father inspired much of what I hope to surpass in regards to grilling: “Nothing is better than when its kissed by smoke.” He’d say, and “You’ll never beat me.” I think he knows I will… As a parent myself I’m pretty sure of why he said that.. Pretty sure at least.. He probably won’t confirm it if I ask.
What is the best aspect of barbecue and grilling?
Steveo: Cooking Outdoors. Honestly the outdoor BBQ to me is THE SINGLE GREATEST representation of outdoor freedom there is in this life. I’m serious! There’s something magical about waking up on a day off from work, starting the grill, mowing the lawn, tending to the garden/your car/anything that takes time, and checking on a days’ outdoor investment. To see an unassuming pork butt, or rack of ribs transformed over hours of care into something amazing is special. Unlike indoors I get to watch my daughters play in the yard or the kiddie pool, or just stare as the clouds pass by as I sip a cocktail. All the while, the most amazing dinner is making itself on the grill…starting the grill is an outward representation of my will NOT to work today. To me it is deciding to slow down and relax.
What is your favorite cut of meat and why?
Steveo: Ribs. St. Louis style. There’s such an even distribution of fat to protein. From end to end they are a consistent product. Also my passion is pairing my consistent style of smoked ribs with various from scratch dry rubs or BBQ sauces. It’s a very versatile cut. If I chose a second its whole chicken; cheap, easy, there’s a million different ways of grilling and it’s a fun protein to work with.
What advice would you give to someone who is just getting started?
Steveo: Take the time to read a book or two. Direct or indirect? Slow and low? Brined or not? I’m not good at MANY aspects of smoking or BBQ in my own eyes, but I could grill every day for the rest of my life and not touch the level of genius that’s out there! Stay humble, get as many people as you can to verify your talent! Never settle for less than world class as a goal (but never expect to get there…stay humble). When you feel confident- Share it with the world if you can!
What is your favorite tool or BBQ Gadget?
Steveo: Admittedly I’m a bit of a purist.. A meat thermometer is a standard for safety’s sake. Fresh ground salt and black pepper though is really the standard in my home. Any meat on the planet can be made amazing with the right wood smoke (Walnut is my personal favorite) and those two spices.
As some of the readers may be wondering, what is your puppies name and how old?
Steveo: Her name is BO, (short for Bowie). She’s a rescue Catahoula/Beagle mix from Louisiana. She has been an invaluable blessing to our family. I love her very much.
Anything else you would like to add?
Steveo: I’m so thankful to my teammate’s at Stanley’s for their support and collective advice. Making yummy smoked meats is one thing, serving consistent, timely, and amazing food hour after hour is another! This will be a super fun promotion for not only our guests, but for the staff as well!! I’m truly honored to be a part of this team and this community!
Now that you know a little more about the grill master, we invite you and your pups to join us for our Backyard Bark-B-Q on the Paw-tio kick-off, May 20th and all Saturday and Sundays to come throughout summer 2017.