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Question for the California Brethren out there...

S

Southern Home Boy

is Blowin Smoke!
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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.
 
I have no idea of that name either. Let me do a little looking.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
norcaljr said:
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.
Click to expand...

Yup, $85 sounds a lot better than $175: http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/1727-san-francisco-citywide/deals/510146-five-hour-competition-level-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/524162-nine-hour-bbq-101-workshop

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

landarc said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
Thanks, Guys. My friend lives in Novato. I doubt he's interested in competing, I think he just saw the Groupon deal and wanted to know what I thought. Having no info on the guy, I thought I'd hit up the Brethren to get the skinny.

As always, you guys never fail to come through. :clap:

I told him I'd teach him myself next time he comes into town. Hell, I'd do it for free if he bought the meat. I'd even go to Restaurant Depot with him and show him how to pick out meat.

I just don't think he'll be in St. Louis any time too soon. At least not with a couple days to spare to get a good BBQ 101 going.
 
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