This week, I’ll be reviewing my preconceptions on judging from last week, now that I have one competition behind me as a CBJ (Certified Barbecue Judge).

I’ll also be talking about something new I tried with ABT’s that I really liked, as well as reviewing Alton Brown’s latest short series, Feasting on Asphalt.

By week’s end, I’ll do another update on my improvement, or lack of improvement after judging a barbecue competition!

Today, though, I want to relate something I found interesting, in a
very good way.  I got involved in outdoor cooking for real just three
years ago, when I bought two things: a charcoal grill and Steven
Raichlen’s book How to Grill, followed quickly by BBQ USA.
These things got me outside, using lump charcoal, finding out how to
indirectly cook, directly cook, play with fire, and make great stuff.
it wasn’t long after that I got a Chargriller smoker, after getting
onto the Barbecue Bible forum.

As I got more into barbecuing and expanded my online reading beyond Steven’s forum, I started reading some posts that seemed negative toward Mr. Raichlen.  I’ve come to believe it’s all a matter of perspective.  A lot of people that barbecue now do so with the aid of Steven Raichlen’s books; if that’s how they got started, then he’s doing a good thing.  I like his BBQ USA book for the huge variety of things in it, and the fact that he does a great job of giving credit to other people for providing inspiration and recipes. 

Earlier this year, I bought a few Steven Raichlen products, with somewhat varying success.  Last weekend, I saw this post, asking for feedback on products.  Specifically, I bought insulated rubber gloves, 20" tongs and a large charcoal chimney.  I like the first two and use them a lot, though I sent some feedback to Nancy, Steven’s personal assistant.  The chimney was a bit of a disaster, I have to say.  It just didn’t hold up to the heat of lighting good lump charcoal.

Not only did Nancy respond to my email, but I got an email from Steven today answering my feedback.  The best part is that he’s paying attention, and they’ve redesigned the chimney.  It’s a huge chimney, so for the new ones online or locally.  He also spoke directly to my feedback on the other products.  I like both the gloves and the tongs, but it’s great to know that he’s actually concerned about the products and not just putting his name on somebody else’s stuff.