Question for the California Brethren out there...

Southern Home Boy · 11-15-2012, 01:39 PM

Hey, y'all. A friend of mine is considering taking a BBQ class taught by Jim Modesitt of "Big Jim's BBQ" in San Raphael. He asked me if I'd ever herad of him before and whether or not I thought it would be worth the $175 for a five hour class by the guy. I'm a Midwestern boy and have never heard of Big Jim before, so I'm reaching out to the Brethern to see what I can find out. What's this guy's reputation? Anyone help me out? Thanks.

Ryan Chester · 11-15-2012, 01:45 PM

Never heard of Big Jim myself. I compete regularly on the CA circuit.

landarc · 11-15-2012, 01:48 PM

I have no idea of that name either. Let me do a little looking.

landarc · 11-15-2012, 01:52 PM

Apparently he has won at least one IBCA rib cook, he seems to be a good promoter of himself and he has a book out. It could be interesting.

Ryan Chester · 11-15-2012, 01:56 PM

IBCA is dead in CA.

landarc · 11-15-2012, 02:06 PM

He won in 2010 at the San Francisco West Coast Country Music Festival

The more I look at the guys website, the more I think he is a caterer and chef, who is selling BBQ as his niche. A lot of what he is doing is clearly catering to a California party/festival clientele. There is nothing wrong with that, but, there are some really good classes that come through here, maybe for more money, but, with competitors that are known quantities.

Last year, Darry at Eggs by the Bay hosted a class by Rhythm and Que, Slap yo' Daddy did classes in both ends of California. There are many others. Even the CBBQA offers an excellent course on competition BBQ.

shares · 11-15-2012, 03:05 PM

Your friend would do very well taking David Bouska's Butchers BBQ Tell All class, in So Cal coming up, Dec 28, 29th

Ryan Chester · 11-15-2012, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shares

Your friend would do very well taking David Bouska's Butchers BBQ Tell All class, in So Cal coming up, Dec 28, 29th

I agree.

R2Egg2Q · 11-15-2012, 03:22 PM

He competed in Oakland last year when it was an IBCA comp: http://www.cbbqa.org/wiki/index.php?...onship#Overall

19th out of 25 overall.

ThomEmery · 11-15-2012, 03:41 PM

Where does your buddy live?

sfbbqguy · 11-15-2012, 05:26 PM

Wow, this is sort-of wierd...I was meeting my BIL for a beer at the Marin Rod & Gun Club in San Rafael last Sunday and Big Jim was conducting his class in the main room of the club. I originally thought "Man, how'd I miss this event?" I thought it was a club funtion but I guess he rents out the space from the club.
Nothing against Big Jim but $175 seems a bit steep to me.
Also seems like BBQ just takes some time to learn. There are so many differnt cookers, meats, processes you just have to join the Brethren and start cooking. Use your $175 to build a UDS and go.

That being said... SHB, tell your friend I'd be happy to help im build a UDS and get him on the right track if he lives close by.

norcaljr · 11-15-2012, 06:15 PM

This guy does living social/groupon deals all the time for his class. I'm not paying $175 for any class that's for sure.

landarc · 11-15-2012, 06:52 PM

He should go out to Dave Bart's shop this Saturday and introduce himself to the Brethren, learn who is who there and start to learn from Dave. He can learn enough from the guys like Dave and John, who needs to pay.

That being said, the Butcher's BBQ class is what I mean by, there are some well known folks in CA, that would be well worth the time and money to learn from. If Thom, Ryan and Scott (shares) all say it is good, that is the class I would go to.

R2Egg2Q · 11-16-2012, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norcaljr

This guy does living social/groupon deals all the time for his class. I'm not paying $175 for any class that's for sure.

Yup, $85 sounds a lot better than $175: http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/1...evel-bbq-class

If your friend is more interested in making great backyard Que than competing then this could be another option: https://www.livingsocial.com/events/...q-101-workshop

The CA BBQ Institute instructors are experienced KCBS Competition cooks and some of them are Brethren.

Quote:

Originally Posted by landarc

He should go out to Dave Bart's shop this Saturday and introduce himself to the Brethren, learn who is who there and start to learn from Dave. He can learn enough from the guys like Dave and John, who needs to pay.

That being said, the Butcher's BBQ class is what I mean by, there are some well known folks in CA, that would be well worth the time and money to learn from. If Thom, Ryan and Scott (shares) all say it is good, that is the class I would go to.

He would be welcome at the Bash this Sat! There will be lots of folks out there willing to share some pointers.

I've heard good things about Butcher's class as well.

swamprb · 11-16-2012, 06:56 AM

I really like the way CBBQI markets their classes with Livingsocial. Excellent way to reach the audience. $125 is a freaking bargain to learn from those pitmasters.

11-15-2012, 01:39 PM	#1
Southern Home Boy is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-14-10 Location: St. Louis, MO Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Question for the California Brethren out there... Hey, y'all. A friend of mine is considering taking a BBQ class taught by Jim Modesitt of "Big Jim's BBQ" in San Raphael. He asked me if I'd ever herad of him before and whether or not I thought it would be worth the $175 for a five hour class by the guy. I'm a Midwestern boy and have never heard of Big Jim before, so I'm reaching out to the Brethern to see what I can find out. What's this guy's reputation? Anyone help me out? Thanks. __________________ Pro Q Frontier, UDS (Little Red), "Turtle Drum" UDS, CG Gasser KCBS CBJ#61160

11-15-2012, 01:45 PM	#2
Ryan Chester is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 02-06-09 Location: Orange County, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Never heard of Big Jim myself. I compete regularly on the CA circuit. __________________ Ryan Chester - The Rub Company & Smoqued California BBQ

11-15-2012, 01:48 PM	#3
landarc somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 06-26-09 Location: San Leandro, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I have no idea of that name either. Let me do a little looking. __________________ "perhaps...but then again...maybe not..." careful there son, those ribs are boiling hot... \_\|_/ (='.'=) Here there be bunnies... (")_(")ooo Pacific Rim BBQ Bob's Brew and Que

11-15-2012, 01:52 PM	#4
landarc somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 06-26-09 Location: San Leandro, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Apparently he has won at least one IBCA rib cook, he seems to be a good promoter of himself and he has a book out. It could be interesting. __________________ "perhaps...but then again...maybe not..." careful there son, those ribs are boiling hot... \_\|_/ (='.'=) Here there be bunnies... (")_(")ooo Pacific Rim BBQ Bob's Brew and Que

11-15-2012, 01:56 PM	#5
Ryan Chester is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 02-06-09 Location: Orange County, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	IBCA is dead in CA. __________________ Ryan Chester - The Rub Company & Smoqued California BBQ

11-15-2012, 02:06 PM	#6
landarc somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 06-26-09 Location: San Leandro, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	He won in 2010 at the San Francisco West Coast Country Music Festival The more I look at the guys website, the more I think he is a caterer and chef, who is selling BBQ as his niche. A lot of what he is doing is clearly catering to a California party/festival clientele. There is nothing wrong with that, but, there are some really good classes that come through here, maybe for more money, but, with competitors that are known quantities. Last year, Darry at Eggs by the Bay hosted a class by Rhythm and Que, Slap yo' Daddy did classes in both ends of California. There are many others. Even the CBBQA offers an excellent course on competition BBQ. __________________ "perhaps...but then again...maybe not..." careful there son, those ribs are boiling hot... \_\|_/ (='.'=) Here there be bunnies... (")_(")ooo Pacific Rim BBQ Bob's Brew and Que

11-15-2012, 03:05 PM	#7
shares On the road to being a farker Join Date: 07-18-08 Location: San Jose, Ca Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Your friend would do very well taking David Bouska's Butchers BBQ Tell All class, in So Cal coming up, Dec 28, 29th __________________ www.TooAshamedToName.com Competition BBQ

11-15-2012, 03:22 PM	#9
R2Egg2Q is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 08-15-10 Location: Pleasanton, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	He competed in Oakland last year when it was an IBCA comp: http://www.cbbqa.org/wiki/index.php?...onship#Overall 19th out of 25 overall. __________________ -John XL BGE, Large BGE, Small BGE, Mini BGE, Superior Smokers SS-Two, Hasty Bake Gourmet, Imperial Kamado, UDS (Darth Maul), Thai Charcoal cooker, Webers: 18.5" WSM, WGA, Summit S-620 NG; Stoker, Stealthy Black Thermapen, custom BGE & Weber handles by brethren martyleach IMBAS Certified MOINK Ball Maker CLICK HERE to join us in a BBQ Brethren Throwdown!

11-15-2012, 03:41 PM	#10
ThomEmery Babbling Farker Join Date: 08-20-05 Location: Indio Ca. Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Where does your buddy live? __________________ Catering, Contests, and Community Service http://bbqthom.ning.com/video/our-wells-cargo-trailer Serving Jesus and great BBQ :) Team What Wood Jesus Q?

11-15-2012, 05:26 PM	#11
sfbbqguy is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 08-18-08 Location: Corte Madera, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Wow, this is sort-of wierd...I was meeting my BIL for a beer at the Marin Rod & Gun Club in San Rafael last Sunday and Big Jim was conducting his class in the main room of the club. I originally thought "Man, how'd I miss this event?" I thought it was a club funtion but I guess he rents out the space from the club. Nothing against Big Jim but $175 seems a bit steep to me. Also seems like BBQ just takes some time to learn. There are so many differnt cookers, meats, processes you just have to join the Brethren and start cooking. Use your $175 to build a UDS and go. That being said... SHB, tell your friend I'd be happy to help im build a UDS and get him on the right track if he lives close by. __________________ 2004 Weber Performer GREEN UDS Orange Super-Duper Fast Taylor Made 9deg. R7TP w/S-Fujikura 6 Rescued 2002 Weber Genesis Silver B Gasser SJG Tamale Pot Mini Smoker (SJG was a rescue) 18" Gold (rescue) SJS (rescue) and a Pyro FIL

11-15-2012, 06:15 PM	#12
norcaljr Found some matches. Join Date: 04-04-11 Location: Castro Valley CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	This guy does living social/groupon deals all the time for his class. I'm not paying $175 for any class that's for sure. __________________ 22.5 Weber kettle Gold, 22.5 Weber WSM, Weber Summit S-420, La Caja China #2,Q 200

11-15-2012, 06:52 PM	#13
landarc somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 06-26-09 Location: San Leandro, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	He should go out to Dave Bart's shop this Saturday and introduce himself to the Brethren, learn who is who there and start to learn from Dave. He can learn enough from the guys like Dave and John, who needs to pay. That being said, the Butcher's BBQ class is what I mean by, there are some well known folks in CA, that would be well worth the time and money to learn from. If Thom, Ryan and Scott (shares) all say it is good, that is the class I would go to. __________________ "perhaps...but then again...maybe not..." careful there son, those ribs are boiling hot... \_\|_/ (='.'=) Here there be bunnies... (")_(")ooo Pacific Rim BBQ Bob's Brew and Que

11-16-2012, 06:56 AM	#15
swamprb somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 10-27-06 Location: Bothell WA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I really like the way CBBQI markets their classes with Livingsocial. Excellent way to reach the audience. $125 is a freaking bargain to learn from those pitmasters. __________________ Brian - Left Hand Smoke BBQ PNWBA 2010 Team of the Year BGE's/WSM's/BWS Gater/BDS Clones/Weber Performer w EZ-Que/Cajun Bandit/Rib-O-Lator Test Pilot/La Caja China/BBQ Guru/Weber 1000 RK Drum Coffee Roaster Follow Left Hand Smoke on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/pages/Left-H...462391?sk=wall KCBS CBJ/PNWBA CBJ www.pnwba.com