Smokin' (by Schwartz)

Last night Joel and Karen had some folks over to celebrate the return of Ron and Patricia and introduce Joel's father's day present to a wider audience. It was a great evening all around.

All the smokin' had been done well before the guests arrived for dinner, but Joel kindly agreed to strike a few poses with his new best bbq buddy. Note the sad Weber off to the side. I'm surprised he lets it sit on the same deck.

Always the educator: "This is where the fire goes."


"And this is where the meat goes." Careful with the scotch!


Bags o'meat


Here are the finished products. First up, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, perfectly moist. Joel may look goofy but the man sure knows his way around a bbq.


Pork, also perfect (and so juicy it didn't need sauce):


As always at Karen and Joel's, the sides were spectacular too. Corn salad:


Baked beans (this bowl and wine cooler, the plates, and platters were made by Amy Schwartz):


Here's my laden plate:


One very happy Cosmo.


Ron and me. We're SO glad to have them back!