Slap Yo’ Daddy BBQ Team wins rib cook off TLC reality show BBQ Pitmasters
By Kathleen McIntosh
Smokin’ TImes Editor
kathleenbbq@gmail.com
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Submitted photo
On the BBQ Pitmasters road with Mark Tung,
“Roadie” Gary Notley (Notley Que BBQ Catering), and Harry Soo. |
Three years ago Harry Soo walked into a CBBQA backyard BBQ event in Southern California. Before he knew what was happening, he was wrangled into a seat and got to judge BBQ from some first-time cooks. We don’t know what his scores were, but you could pretty much guarantee that he enjoyed the event because three years later, he’s one of America’s most popular and well-known BBQ cooks around.
His BBQ resume reads like a who’s who of BBQ, with Slap Yo Daddy BBQ Team taking the CBBQA Rookie Team of the Year in 2008. That was just for starters.
He went on to win several Grand Championships, including 2009 Bakersfield Biggest Baddest BBQ State Championship and Qu’en for Kids BBQ Cookoff State Championship in Costa Mesa, California.
Most impressively and making KCBS BBQ history with a 1st place in all four meat categories in a state championship, Slap Yo Daddy took the Grand Championship at the Way Out West BBQ Championship in Stockton, CA.
If you had asked Harry Soo at that first backyard event what he would be doing in 2009 and 2010, he probably could not have predicted that he would be on the TLC reality BBQ Pitmasters traveling around the country with some of the best known names in BBQ. Or that his ribs would beat out all the other contestants on that show. Or that he would take Reserve Grand Champion (2nd out of 161) teams at the 2009 Great American BBQ Open in Kansas City, KS. Or that he would have his own online store, Facebook, blog, website and Pit Masters BBQ class.
When asked about the T.V. show, Harry says that he was at first quite intimidated by all the celebrity cooks who seemed to know each other very well. He didn’t let that stop him, and true to California style, he arranged a potluck get together prior to the filming of one of their contests. Everyone came and brought their favorite dishes. Harry did his now famous New Style Sashimi which everyone loved. After that, they all became good friends and went on to compete and cook for several episodes.
Harry’s BBQ Wisdom is simple:
1. BBQ is ready when it is ready (so don’t hurry).
2. Less is more. Less smoke, less rub, less add-on’s.
3. Opening your smoker is bad.
4. Too tender is good.
5. Foiling is good.
6. Grilling is not barbequing. BBQ is low and slow.
7. Always have fun when you BBQ, even if the results are otherwise.
“I’ve been inspired by foods from around the world in all the many beautiful countries I’ve traveled to,” said Harry, a former 747 pilot. “I cook from the heart with passionate appreciation of the culture and cuisine I’m trying to emulate. I’ve received three marriage offers so far from those who’ve enjoyed them immensely!”
This is truly a man who has a passion for life and cooking and the people around him. Thank you, Harry Soo, for sharing that passion and showing that life and cooking can be fun and simple.
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