In the one-week countdown to the smokiest and sultriest BBQ battle in town, the Smokin’ Showdown, this week’s show came to you live from the Catalina BBQ Co. at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort!

Hank Rowe, Chef Danny Perez, Matt Russell, David Slutes, Leah Flannigan & Jeff Ronstadt

Hank Rowe, Chef Danny Perez, Matt Russell, David Slutes, Leah Flannigan & Jeff Ronstadt

Our celebrity co-host was reigning Iron Chef Danny Perez, the resort’s executive chef and director of food and beverage. Danny updated us on all that’s been smoking lately at the Catalina BBQ Co., while talking about what he’ll be looking for as lead judge at Smokin’ Showdown. We also welcomed Jeff Ronstadt, Showdown co-founder, who shared some personal stories about his journey with the event’s adopted non-profit, the Steele Children’s Research Center. We were also graced by the presence of Leah Flannigan of Merit Foods, who talked about pork butts and her company’s ongoing commitment to this annual event (Merit is donating all of the pork butts for the competition!). What’s a BBQ without beer? Hank Rowe with Catalina Brewing Company had lots to say about his spectacular suds and how he believes they’ll pair nicely with the ‘cue at the Showdown. David Slutes of Hotel Congress, the event venue, then shared all of the details for the event, including his personal strategy for making the most out of this epic BBQ battle. Let the games begin!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:51 — 12.6MB)