Greetings from Reading

ChrisHewitt Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:24 pm

Hi,

I've just joined the forum having been a 'lurker' for a while. I first came across proper Q when I travellled to Kansas City for business a few years back. Trips back the were sporadic but I recently had the pleasure of living there for a year (on the Plaza if anyone knows KC).

I got hooked on Q and went to the Great American BBQ festival there and spend most Sundays eating Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ which was 5 minutes walk from my apartment. My favourite places to eat Q in KC were (in no order) Jack Stack, Arthur Bryants (you're either a Bryant's or a Gates Person), LC's, SmokeStack, Rob's Bob-B-Q, Oklahoma Joe's (Gas Station) and Beauchamps on the Rail (Great Lamb!)

I took a course in smoking with my wife and a buddy of mine and the Culinary Center with Richard W McPeake and that was really what kicked it off for me as he showed how easy it was to get started using a Weber Kettle. When we left I bought an emergency supply of RibStars Rubs and now have them shipped to me 'under the radar' so-to-speak.

I moved back to the U.K. in March and one of the first things I did was to order a Weber Smokey Mountain. I've got hold of a good butcher who's Ribs put most others to shame. I was talking about smoking to a friend of mine in my local and some random guy just joined in the conversation and said he loved smoking - turns out he lives 400 yards from me so we're going to hook up and get some smoking.

I had my relations over for some Q and whilst I grilled some hamburgers etc for the kids I smoked a leg of lamb as well as some ribs - I kid you not, they were sold on smoking straight away - I should be on commission!

Anyway sorry for the long rambling blurb - I'm glad to find this site and would love to create a Thames Valley Smokers group...

Mack Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:35 pm

Hi Chris and welcome to the forum, not sure how many smoking enthusiasts you have around you, but setting up a group sounds like a great idea.

Ian

bowhnter Mon Jun 30, 2008 5:24 pm

Welcome Chris!

Dr_KY Mon Jun 30, 2008 7:32 pm

Like the others said Welcome Chris and if you have any questions all these guys here have unlimited knowledge and are always willing to help.

All Weather Griller Mon Jun 30, 2008 10:33 pm

Welcome aboard Chris, it would be good if you can get the others guys around you on the Forum, I think in the UK we are a minority group at the minute, but I think we are getting bigger.

Beerz

Adie

ChrisHewitt Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:43 pm

Thanks for the welcomes. I have quite a few questions but hopefully quite a few answers too.

ILBBQS.com Tue Jul 01, 2008 3:25 pm

Welcome to the group! You're among a braintrust of barbeque information here; including the current British Barbeque Champion (Dr_KY).

Though I'm a long way from the Thames Valley Smoker's Club, I have some experience with associations and would be happy to help anyway I can from this distance; and honored to someday make the ranks of such an organization. Anything to help promote the art.