The Biggest Things You Missed at the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Expo
The Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA) hosted its HPBExpo 2023 event in Louisville, showcasing innovative barbecue and grilling products.
What You Missed at the 2023 Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Expo
This week’s guest article is written by Ed Reilly, a self-described “BBQ-ologist” who has worked in the industry for 35 years, including in sales for Weber, Char-Broil, Sunbeam, Old World Spices, and B&B Charcoal. He’s also a certified judge in five different sanctioning bodies. You can reach Ed on Instagram and Facebook. If you would like to write a guest article for The Smoke Sheet, please get in touch.
When North America’s largest indoor and outdoor trade association puts on a show, it’s not a bad idea to show up. The Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA) hosted its annual HPBExpo in Louisville, Kentucky two weeks ago. This year’s event had more than 1,000 attendees and 270 exhibitors, all gathered at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
There was plenty of room for vendors to show off their newest products for indoor and outdoor venues. While other things were happening outside of barbecue, my focus at the event was to see some of the latest products released or coming soon for the barbecue and grilling world.
Innovative Products to Look For
During the first day at the show, there was a noticeable lack of typical heavyweights in the barbecue and grill business. Weber, Traeger, and Big Green Egg did not participate in the event this year. But that opened the floor for the other national brands, and quite a few new companies showed up for the first time to showcase their products. Many of the companies have been in business for years but just haven’t participated in the HPBExpo.
One of the coolest items I saw was a 100% digital pellet grill from Coyote Outdoor Cooking that operates just like an oven. Simply fill the pellets and press the weatherproof touch screen to get perfect results every time.
Next, it was back to basics with Barebones, a certified B Corporation with their simple-but-rustic outdoor gear. They specialize in taking historical designs and updating them with modern conveniences, like the classic railroad lantern with LED lighting. Funny enough, the popular TV series Yellowstone was even represented with a line of BBQ gear made by Proud Grill.
One of the neatest new inventions I saw was the battery-operated pellet grills by Kentucky-based Halo. It has several pellet grills that have ‘cut the cord’ and are operated by high-powered rechargeable batteries. The company is also known for making one of the most powerful griddles available on the market today.
Outside the Expo center, there was a fenced-off parking lot where dozens of outdoor grills, fireplaces, and fun activities were set up to experience them firsthand. One such item that caught my eye was from Relic Outdoor, which has a modular cast-stone pizza oven designed to last a lifetime.
Two of the most popular booths were from NomadiQ and Tagwood, and they couldn’t have been more different from each other. The NomadiQ is a small portable gas grill designed to go anywhere and grill anything. The Tag Wood is a huge fire table designed around Argentine-style cooking celebrations. You can grill, smoke, roast, boil, sear, smolder, and bake all at one time on these versatile cooking systems.
Finally, one of the more interesting new products was from FinaMill. The company offers a spice grinder that you don’t have to fill, as it uses a variety of specially designed refillable pods that hold spices, seeds, or even cheeses.
Fun at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and a BBQ Competition
They also had a mini Kentucky Bourbon trail around the Expo where you could try some famous Kentucky bourbons without driving hundreds of miles. Bourbons available to sample included Old Forester, Rabbit Hole, Jefferson’s, Jim Beam, and Castle & Key Distillery. My favorite among them was Jefferson’s Ocean, which is aged in barrels on the sea.
And of course, you can’t have a barbecue show without a BBQ competition, right? The HPBExpo also hosted the Tailgate Cookoff, where four teams met head to head and competed for the grand prize.
Teams that competed included Operation BBQ Relief, The Smo“KING” Outlaws, SideTrack BBQ, and House Of BBQ Experts, with the event emceed by David Olson from LiveFire Republic. The House of BBQ Experts out of Quebec took the grand prize with their potato-encrusted and seared Beef Wellington.
The evening wrapped up with a glass of Kentucky bourbon sipped by the warm flames in the fire garden provided by Maxtrol. Things are simply looking great in the outdoor living and barbecue categories. Now I can’t wait till the next HPBExpo in Nashville in 2024!
Ed Reilly
BBQ-ologist
—Boomin Barbecue, one of the Minneapolis area’s top BBQ operations, shared why it moved to Wisconsin. (Photo by Abby Sherman)—
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Buzzy BBQ operation Boomin Barbecue shared the reasoning behind their decision to move their operation from the Minneapolis area across the state line to Wisconsin. According to a post on Instagram, city officials in Minneapolis removed the ability for BBQ restaurants and food trucks to use traditional wood-burning offset pits to cook food. “Our fans continually ask us to come back to Minneapolis, and some refuse to support us until we move back. We could not make this food in Minneapolis even if we wanted to. The city removed our ability to use our smokers November of 2022. We tried finding a solution with other local municipalities within the state line, but to no avail. Trust us, we tried. Like many businesses, the easiest solution was to cross state lines to Wisconsin.” READ MORE.
In last week’s issue of The Smoke Sheet, guest contributor Monk from the Barbecue Bros. wrote about some of the different BBQ options available at Disney World in Florida. The Orlando Sentinel’s Dewayne Bevil offered a preview of the new Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant scheduled to open in Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park this week. According to Bevil, diners receive “a platter of house-smoked items, including ribs, brisket, barbecue chicken and a pork sausage that’s dubbed, There’s a Sausage in My Boot. There’s a plant-based option that includes a cauliflower dish with bratwurst and Impossible chop.” READ MORE.
After less than two years, Jousting Pigs BBQ in Kansas City has closed permanently. Owner John Atwell confirmed that the restaurant location at Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas would be shuttered. The original Jousting Pigs BBQ location, which operated inside 3Halves Brewing Co. in Liberty, Missouri, recently closed in November of last year. Jousting Pigs had made an impact as one of the top craft barbecue options in Kansas City, so it is sad to see it close. READ MORE.
ADDITIONAL READS
Bell Heir’s BBQ on the South Side of Chicago continues the city’s smoked meat traditions with rib tips and brisket.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ has moved from fast casual counter service to full table service at the Homewood location in the Birmingham area.
Pitmasters Dayne Weaver of Dayne’s Craft Barbecue and Rene Ramirez of 225 BBQ were named rising star chefs by CultureMap Fort Worth.
Lucy’s BBQ in Indiana studied under Texas pitmaster greats — and it shows.
Here are 35 great side dishes for those who know BBQ is about more than just ribs, according to Delish.
Tasting Table shares the different spices you can use to elevate your Alabama White Sauce recipe.
CBS News highlights where you can find the best deals on barbecue grills for spring 2023.
—Ray’s BBQ has been a staple of the Los Angeles BBQ scene since 2014.—
WATCH
The Family Behind LA’s Best Texas BBQ — Munchies
Ray's BBQ has brought residents a taste of Texas-style BBQ to the LA area since 2014. From the mouth-watering, slow-cooked brisket to the tender ribs and succulent sausage, the place has something for everyone to enjoy. Watch as we learn why the Ramirez family continues to carry on Rene "Ray" Ramirez's legacy after his untimely passing and get a behind-the-scenes view of the passion put into every dish. WATCH HERE.
LISTEN
Meathead and Max Good — The BBQ Central Show
Host Greg Rempe is joined by Meathead Goldwyn of AmazingRibs.com and the pair talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI). They examine how AI might potentially impact websites that depend on traffic generated by search engines. Meathead previews a presentation he will give on the subject at the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology. After Meathead, Greg is joined by Max Good, who was also checking out new BBQ and grilling products at the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Expo held in Louisville. Good discusses the best and worst of the show and discusses future trends of 2023. LISTEN HERE.
READ
Blackstone Griddling: The Ultimate Guide to Show-Stopping Recipes on Your Outdoor Gas Griddle — Josh Hunt
Conquer the art of outdoor cooking with this one-stop guide to mastering your Blackstone griddle. Want to know the best methods for searing, sautéing and indirect cooking on your griddle, or the easiest way to clean and care for your Blackstone? Are you looking to season your griddle for lasting protection and flavor and serve steaks so perfectly medium rare they’ll earn you a “well done” from family and friends? Thanks to this all-encompassing guidebook from griddling pro Josh Hunt, you’ll confidently commandeer your Blackstone in no time. PRE-ORDER HERE.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
—Cornish Game Hens have a great individual-sized presentation and cook quickly and easily. (Photo by Christie Vanover)—
Grilled Cornish Game Hens
By Girls Can Grill
Grillmaster Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill describes this recipe of Grilled Cornish Game Hens as an easy recipe she turns to when she wants “an amazing dish without a lot of effort.” Cornish Game Hens are a special, smaller breed of chicken that usually weigh between 1-2 pounds. Vanover includes a cumin-lime vinaigrette marinade in the recipe but a store-bought substitute may be used if you are short on time. Try this dish if you want a dinner that looks extravagant without all the unnecessary hassle.
EVENTS
Don't miss out on awesome BBQ events this spring and summer like Brisket King NYC in Queens, NY.
March 31-April 1, 2023: Hogs For the Cause — New Orleans, Louisiana
The Hogs For the Cause barbecue competition and festival is back in 2023 for its 15th anniversary. The event will be held at the UNO Lakefront Arena festival grounds. Proceeds go to fight pediatric brain cancer. MORE INFO HERE.
April 2, 2023: Houston Barbecue Festival — Humble, Texas
The Houston Barbecue Festival will return for its 10th anniversary this April. Tickets are now on sale for the event that includes some of the state’s best pitmasters and barbecue joints such as CorkScrew BBQ in Spring, Brett’s BBQ Shop in Katy, Harlem Road Texas BBQ in Richmond, Tejas Chocolate & BBQ in Tomball, and more than a dozen of Houston’s most popular ’cue restaurants. MORE INFO HERE.
April 26, 2023: Brisket King NYC — Queens, New York
The 12th Edition of Brisket King NYC will be held outdoors at the huge Pig Beach BBQ location in Queens, NYC this April. The event will feature brisket dishes from upcoming barbecue pitmasters and chefs. Historically, Brisket King has featured many pitmasters before they were household names, so you’re also getting a look at the future of the barbecue scene. MORE INFO HERE.
April 29, 2023: 3rd Annual Jeff Michner BBQ Benefit — Queens, New York
Join the crew at Pig Beach for the 3rd Annual Jeff Michner BBQ Benefit, a full-day meat smokin’ extravaganza organized in honor late friend, Pig Beach BBQ Executive Chef Jeff Michner, who passed away suddenly in 2018 at age 36 leaving behind his wife Sara and daughter Hayes. This all-day “swine around” will feature more than 25 indoor and outdoor food stations helmed by celebrated chefs and barbecue royalty, plus complimentary beer, specialty cocktails, and non-alcoholic refreshments. MORE INFO HERE.
May 5-6, 2023: The BBQ Fest on the Neuse — Kinston, North Carolina
The 42nd annual BBQ Festival on the Neuse kicks off soon in Kinston, NC. The large festival will include a whole hog cookoff, food competitions, shopping, arts and crafts, wine garden, children’s activities, and more. Expect a good time for families and BBQ enthusiasts. MORE INFO HERE.
May 17-20, 2023: Memphis in May — Memphis, Tennessee
Recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious barbecue contests, the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a four-day competition held in Memphis. Teams representing the best of barbecue that have been honing their craft for years compete for the title of World Champion and a share of the more than $145,000 in prize money. The event will be held again at Tom’s River Park after a hiatus. However, based on the reduction in space in the new Tom Lee Park the event organizers expect the contest will be limited to 150 teams. MORE INFO HERE.
May 27-28, 2023: Denver BBQ Festival — Denver, Colorado
The Denver BBQ Fest, held at Empower Field at Mile High (where the Broncos play), is a huge event that brings barbecue fans together to get a taste of great local and national barbecue bites. On top of the top-notch food, there’s also live music and great drinks to enjoy. To get a taste of this event, be sure to read writer Ed Reilly’s recap of the 2022 Denver BBQ Festival. If you’re near Denver, don’t miss this. MORE INFO HERE.
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