Lighter Fluid or Charcoal Chimney?

Lighter fluid is really not necessary for starting a charcoal grill or smoker.  With a charcoal chimney and a few pieces of cardboard you can achieve the same smoke and fire without the lighter fluid (and without the odor).

Simply add lump charcoal to the top of the chimney and add some corrugated cardboard either in the top or in the chamber below.  It doesn't take much. Three or four 3 inch strips of cardboard will likely be plenty. I do this inside the grill or smoker for safety. Always remember: safety first.

Bacon Paradise

I received this video and a short e-mail today from the Travel Channel.

You can see more on the Travel Channel Wednesday at 10 eastern.

Here are two of the bacon hotspots that will be featured on the show.

Restaurant 3: This is the “house that bacon built”, with a menu focusing specifically on the sensational treat.  In Arlington, Virgina, Restaurant 3 is a palace of pork inspired by southern-style cooking.  This hog heaven features everything from Bleu Cheese Chips with bacon and Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops to a Bacon Studded Waffle and Maple Bacon Ice Cream.

All Good Cafe: In Dallas, the All Good Cafe is home to the thickest, tastiest, crispiest peppered bacon on the planet.  This infamous diner offers great food, a low-key atmosphere, and the perfect spot to catch the hottest local bands.  Before even walking through the door, patrons can smell bacon and are quickly reminded of their mother’s home-style cooking.

Man vs. Food Episode at The Pit in North Carolina

I wish we had a place like this nearby.

My favorite line in the video:  "Vegetarians, you might want to change the channel right now."

Any Chowder Fans Out There?

We visited a local seafood festival today and Linda had some Tony's Clam Chowder from a World Champion.  It's too close to soup for me, but Linda raved about it.

While Linda ordered some chowder, I snapped a couple pictures of the 8 x 16 fully licensed concession trailer.

The graphic design on the trailer really make it stand out in a crowd of other vendors.

Want to try some and see if you think it lives up to World Champion status?  You can order 1/2 gallon or 5 gallons and have it shipped to your door on the Order Page of Tonyschowder.com 

Can't get enough clam chowder? Then here's a video from the 2010 World Champion Cook-off:






And after watching this video, I think Eric might have a future career as a motivational speaker.