Good morning y'all

[Daba's BBQ]

I am new to the Forums and this site, so hello everyone

I have been smoking meat for several years. My first rig was a WSM, then I went to an upright electric - didn't like it. I just bought a Traeger Pro Series 34 back in March and I love it. It took a few cooks before I understood how to work it, I'm still learning :). But everything I make has been nothing short of epic - if I do say so myself. all joking around, this site and everyone on it, have been amazing, very supportive, and helpful.

A bit about me - I owned a wine bar/restaurant here in NYC and I was in the hospitality/travel industry until Covid hit and I lost my job in March 2020. A few weeks later I learned I had a spinal tumor, a broken back, and severe spinal issues. Surgery in July, but the recovery has been hell. It went well but not 100%. I took early retirement in December and have focused 100% on bettering my cooking and smoking capabilities.

 

[SmokinAl]

Welcome to SMF!
That’s quite a story!
Glad to hear you on the mend!
Al

 

[uncle eddie]

Howdy from one of the fly - over states - central Missouri - and welcome to SMF.
I think smoking meats is excellent recovery therapy...keep after it and be sure to post some pics!

 

[Daba's BBQ]

Welcome to SMF!
That’s quite a story!
Glad to hear you on the mend!
Al

Thank you

 

[Daba's BBQ]

Howdy from one of the fly - over states - central Missouri - and welcome to SMF.
I think smoking meats is excellent recovery therapy...keep after it and be sure to post some pics!

Here are some of my creations. I am attempting my first brisket for July 4. 11 pounder; starting my cook at 10 pm on Saturday night. Pics to follow

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

Welcome from East TN! Like Al said glad you are on the mend from a horrible 2020. How are the meat prices up in NYC right now?

 

[Daba's BBQ]

Welcome from East TN! Like Al said glad you are on the mend from a horrible 2020. How are the meat prices up in NYC right now?

Certain places they should ask the customer to put their hands in the air since they are robbing us. King Kullen is having a sale on baby backs, $3.99 per pound - great price. Steaks are out of control up here. Pork chops and chicken are low and good buys. I buy the vast majority of my meats online, usually via Wild Fork. The quality is amazing, especially their ribs and tri-tips

 

[Colin1230]

Welcome to the forum Daba, from Kansas City. Glad you joined us. Those ribs look really good.

 

[MadMax281]

Welcome to SMF from Houston.

 

[Brokenhandle]

Welcome from Iowa! Glad you joined us!

Ryan

 

[kilo charlie]

Welcome to SMF!

Hope you've gotten your brisket plan figured out!

 

[Daba's BBQ]

I hope so. Starting Saturday night around 10pm at 250. Run through the night, check it around 7am. If all is well, pull, wrap in butcher paper and smoke for several more hours. Check temps, jiggle, tenderness, etc. If all good, remove, wrap in a blanket and let it rest until dinner at 6:30pm

 

[kilo charlie]

I hope so. Starting Saturday night around 10pm at 250. Run through the night, check it around 7am. If all is well, pull, wrap in butcher paper and smoke for several more hours. Check temps, jiggle, tenderness, etc. If all good, remove, wrap in a blanket and let it rest until dinner at 6:30pm

Sounds like you've got it close enough... don't forget to take pictures and report back!

Also keep a notebook for your reference for future cooks

 

[Daba's BBQ]

Sounds like you've got it close enough... don't forget to take pictures and report back!

Also keep a notebook for your reference for future cooks

Yes to both. Pics to follow

 

[Wurstmeister]

Welcome to the Forum From South Carolina's Thoroughbred Country. The brisket plan sounds great and the ribs are a work of art! Glad to hear your up and running after a disastrous 2020. Looking forward to your brisket post. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
John

 

[Daba's BBQ]

Welcome to the Forum From South Carolina's Thoroughbred Country. The brisket plan sounds great and the ribs are a work of art! Glad to hear your up and running after a disastrous 2020. Looking forward to your brisket post. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
John

Thank you very much. Pics on Su day! Fingers xrossed