🔥 This episode is sponsored by Harder Charcoal & Exhibit Supply! 🔥 🎬 A Cinematic BBQ Documentary Series by The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast Episode 4 of our Open Fire MeatUp series is pure fire, flavor, and culture — a celebration of competition, tradition, and community cooking on a massive scale. Filmed on the ground in Hondo, Texas, this episode captures some of the most high-energy moments of the weekend, from a fiery wing showdown to hands-on cultural cooking demonstrations and one of the most impressive whole-animal cooks of the entire event. Brandon (@bkccooks) and Alton (@thedawgfathasbbq) take you through the action as the Open Fire story continues to unfold. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll experience: 🍗 Melinda’s Wing Battle 2025 A full-throttle wing competition featuring some of the most creative cooks in the game: Chuck Matto of @ChucksFlavorTrain Maciek Zurawski of @GrillinWithDad Mel Chmilar Jr. of @DarkSideoftheGrill Kevin Ortega of @KO.BBQ (returning winner) Chris Binotto of @Chef_Binotto Sunny Lynn Moody of @SunnyLynn_GrilledFit / @MoodSwingBBQ Big flavors, bold techniques, and serious heat — all cooked live over fire. 🌮 Authentic Taco & Salsa Demonstration A masterclass led by Alejandro Gutiérrez of @AlejandroSoyParrilleroMX, one of the most respected live-fire cooks in Mexico. Alejandro breaks down: Traditional taco preparation Fresh salsa building from the ground up Cooking with cabrito and whole ingredients Why simplicity, fire, and respect for ingredients matter This segment highlights the deep cultural roots that make open-fire cooking universal. 🔥 Argentine-Style Whole Steer Cook A massive, show-stopping whole steer cook led by Javi Mejía of @BigJavs_BBQ, prepared in traditional Argentine asado style. This is live-fire cooking at its highest level — patience, precision, and premium beef cooked low and slow over open flame. This episode is about more than food. It’s about fire as a shared language, tradition passed hand-to-hand, and the joy of cooking together in the open air. 📅 The Open Fire Series Continues This is Episode 4 of a multi-part cinematic documentary filmed at Open Fire MeatUp 2025. More episodes are coming — featuring more pitmasters, cooks, cultures, and unforgettable moments from Hondo. 👇 Join the conversation: • Which cook or demo stood out to you most? • Wings, tacos, or whole animal — what’s your fire preference? • Who should we feature next? More fire. More flavor. More stories. 🔥 Stay tuned — the Open Fire story continues. Harder Charcoal – The premium fuel for serious pitmasters. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or grilling hot and fast, Harder XL Briquets and Lump Charcoal deliver clean, consistent heat with that authentic wood-fired flavor. 👉🏽 Use code BLACKSMOKE at checkout for a discount on your order! 🌐 https://www.hardercharcoal.com Exhibit Supply – Trusted by food vendors, BBQ teams, and event pros nationwide. From heavy-duty canopies to custom food tents, Exhibit Supply keeps your setup looking sharp and built to last. 🌐 https://www.exhibitsupply.com 👉🏽 Before you do anything else — check out the site below!🎙️ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BlackSmokeBarbecue 📲 Connect With Us Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/blacksmokebarbecue/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksmokebarbecue Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/blacksmokebarbecue
