Famous Dave Anderson, BBQ legend and founder of Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que, along with Charlie Torgerson, director of culinary, will be featured in Food Network's Best In Smoke competition, a new four episode program that premieres Sunday, May 8, 2011.
Aric Nissen, Famous Dave's vice president, marketing and R&D said, "Famous Dave's is extremely proud that Food Network has recognized Famous Dave Anderson as one of six of the best BBQ masters in the country to compete in Best In Smoke," says Aric Nissen, Famous Dave's vice president of marketing and R&D. "In fact, participating restaurants will be serving Blackberry BBQ Ribs and Blackberry BBQ Lettuce Wraps that were inspired by Dave from the Best In Smoke competition."
Dave Anderson founded Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que in his quest to serve authentic, legendary pit BBQ to people across the country. "Dave's passion for BBQ is unmatched," Nissen says. "Most people are surprised to learn that we have 'scratch' kitchens, using the freshest of ingredients and that we smoke, cook, and grill our menu items right there in the kitchen. Our BBQ is smoked for up to 10 long hours in smokers on site at each location. That is what makes all Famous Dave's locations authentic BBQ joints."
The Best In Smoke series premieres on Sunday, May 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Six of the best barbecue masters hailing from cities across the U.S. meet in New York City to face off for a $50,000 grand prize and the right to claim the title of Best In Smoke. Hosted by Bryan Caswell (season three contestant on The Next Iron Chef), this competition tests the competitors' endurance and skill as they take on multiple challenges in a day with limited resources and cook for vastly different audiences.
From barbecue to desserts to single bite hors d'oeuvres, no food is off limits. Contestants show off their personal style and quick wit throughout the competition, but a final mad dash to three separate venues around Manhattan and Brooklyn will determine which competitor will be awarded the coveted title of Best In Smoke. At the end of each week's episode, viewers will learn which competitors advance to the next round of the competition.
Host Bryan Caswell kicks off the competition on the premiere show by challenging the six teams to create their best "single bite" for the judges. Once the clock starts, it's an all-out scramble and the competitor who cooks up the best "single bite" wins immunity from elimination and joins the judging panel for the next round. Then, the competitors devise the ideal BBQ hors d'oeuvre for an upscale art gallery opening. The fate of the finalists hangs on the opinions of the gallery guests who decide which competitor is safe from elimination.
Famous Dave's will use innovative social media to make the show more available to guests and fans. Founder Dave Anderson and Charlie Torgerson will host an "After the Show 'Que & A' " on Monday, May 9, that will be live-streamed from a Minneapolis Famous Dave's restaurant. The show will be hosted online on the Famous Dave's website so fans from all over the world will be able to view the after show live at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT. Fans will be able to submit questions, and Dave and Charlie will answer them live, along with sharing special moments and behind-the-scenes insights. If Dave and Charlie make it to the next round, the live-streaming after shows will continue airing online on Monday nights.
