Outdoor kitchens have been gaining popularity across the country; at The Hearth and Grill Shop, we take care of every step from conceptualization to completed kitchen. We also supply premium outdoor grill components and built-in grill accessories for projects nationwide and abroad. Whether starting from scratch or remodeling, we provide the best solution while balancing form and function to have a truly enjoyable outdoor space with design and installation services. To ensure durability, ease of use and your satisfaction, we only carry top quality built-in grills and accessories made by the best manufactures; established in 1937 as the first built-in grill manufacturer, Fire Magic continues to build outdoor grills in Southern California that are the highest quality and the hottest grills on the market. Fire Magic uses only 304 commercial-grade stainless steel for its entire construction to make it superior in all weather conditions, even down to its cast stainless steel burners, which are covered by a lifetime warranty.

The Fire Magic Echelon Diamond series has back-lit knobs and built-in halogen lamps for easy grilling at night. The optional Magic View window lets you see what you're cooking without lifting the hood!

Fire Magic offers a full line of accessories to compliment and be seamlessly integrated into your outdoor kitchen including a variety of side burners, warming drawers and even vent hoods (for an enclosed kitchen), along with any combination of storage and access doors and drawers desired; Fire Magic also offers easy to install, pre-fabricated grill islands that take only minutes to assemble. Other top quality built-in grills that we offer include: American Outdoor Grill [AOG] (manufactured by Fire Magic), Broilmaster, Holland Grill and Weber; all of our outdoor built-in gas grills are available in either natural gas or propane gas (LP) configurations to best suit your needs.

Fire Magic also offers built-in charcoal grills, but our most popular charcoal grill here at the shop is the Big Green Egg.In 1974 Big Green Egg was established in Atlanta, GA and is the single company responsible for the popularization of kamado style cookers that has increased rapidly over the last few years. Don’t be fooled by imitators! Using a Big Green Egg, with its brilliantly versatile range, ensures astounding cooking qualities, credited to its overall design and exclusive heavy-duty ceramic walls (covered by a lifetime warranty).  Stay in and enjoy bread, pizza and much more, made on your very own brick oven! Where do all these components go? We’ve got you covered offering custom island building projects framed in galvanized steel or done entirely in masonry, either being finished to your liking; granite countertops add durability and value to your outdoor space.

True is the leading manufacturer of commercial refrigeration and their new line of home products – True Professional Series includes outdoor rated glass door refrigerators.

Don’t forget the drinks! We carry commercial-grade, outdoor-rated refrigeration to meet your demands (manufactured by True in America) offered in several different customizable combinations. We also stock icemakers by Hoshizaki capable of making 92lbs of ice a day while only measuring 15″ wide. When planning the design, why not do a raised bar and incorporate a glass rack, kegerator, sink and built-in blender to create the perfect gathering place at any party? All of these products will fit in perfectly with your grill island.

These premium fireplaces can be finished to show no visible metal for a true masonry look at a substantially lower cost!

To take your outdoor kitchen to the next level, add on an outdoor living space! We offer pergolas, arbors and screened patios to extend the open concept living space into your outdoor kitchen. Nothing says home more than a hearth; extend the outdoor season by adding warmth with an outdoor wood-burning or gas-burning fireplace (whether vent-free, direct-vent or vented gas logs). Each category also offers contemporary alternatives for a more modern look and feel. We also do custom built or manufactured wood-burning fire pits and gas-burning fire pits (whether natural gas or propane (LP) gas).

All of our outdoor products are designed to the highest standards and built to exact specifications to withstand the elements; you won’t be disappointed! As authorized dealers for all of our products, your purchase is covered by the full warranty, unlike several other online dealers. Our local clients can always rely on our expert service crew to keep their outdoor appliances in tip-top shape year round.

Let’s get building!

Thanks,

Hayes Hatcher

This past Saturday was great fun at the Hearth & Grill Shop as it hosted the 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off.  We want to thank you for your participation in this years Backyard Challenge.  We had a record year for contestants with 26 teams entering for the 7th Annual Even.  Judging was very competitive and the margins between tesams were very close.  A total of $6,500 plus in Cash and Prizes went to teams for the 2011 event.

We would also like to thank this years sponsors: Big Green Egg, Music City Metals, Broilmaster, Weber, Firemagic, American Outdoor Grill, Tennessee Golf Cars and their representatives.  Thanks again to Collin Johnson, Ed Reilly and Don Murphy for their time, demonstrations and cooking demonstrations.

The Judges also deserve a special thanks for the difficult job they had eating all of the delicious chicken, ribs and desserts.  It is a horrible job, but someone had to do it!

The weather was great-though a little hot, the teams were competitive and dedicated.  Hearth and Grill Shop had a record Staurday and everyone had a good time.  Thank You!

Congratulations to all of those that place in categories and a special Congratulations to our Grand Prize winners Blue Moon BBQ.  If you did not place this year then please try again at our 8th Annual Backyard Challenge Cook-Off next Spring 2012.  Who knows what will happen, just ask Glen of Papa Rocks BBQ who won 1st Place in the Chicken Charcoal category on his very first competition!

Your dedication and passion to Bar B Q and Friendly Competition is truly appreciated.  Please feel free to forward a link of this blog to family and friends so they can see all the fun we had.

Sincerely,

Jeff M. Lunsford

“Chef Jeff”

The Hearth and Grill Shop

Click Here for Pictures of the Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook Off

Click Here to see a short video clip of each Grill Teams Leader sharing who they are.

Grill Team "Alley & Holcomb" 3rd Place Winner, Gas Division, Chicken Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Grill Team "Blue Moon BBQ" 1st Place Winner, Gas Division, Rib Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Grill Team "Mind If I Smoke" 2nd Place Winner, Gas Division, Rib Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Grill Team "Big B's BBQ" 3rd Place Winner, Gas Division, Rib Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Grill Team "Pappa Rock's Bar Be Que" 1st Place Winner, Charcoal Division, Chicken Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Grill Team "Blue Moon BBQ" 2nd Place Winner, Charcoal Division, Chicken Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Grill Team "The Smokers & Drinkers" 3rd Place Winners, Charcoal Division, Chicken Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Grill Team "Team Manwagon" 1st Place Winner, Charcoal Division, Rib Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Grill Team "The Q Crew" 2nd Place Winner, Charcoal Division, Rib Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Grill Team "Alley & Holcomb" 3rd Place Winner Tie, Charcoal Division, Rib Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Grill Team "The Smokers & Drinkers" 3rd Place Winner Tie, Charcoal Division, Rib Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Grill Team "L.A. Grillers" 1st Place Winner, Desert Category, Hearth and Grill 7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-OffPig Nation Grill Team at the Hearth and Grill Backyard Challenge June 4, 2011

The Hearth and Grill Shop will host its 7^th Annual Backyard Challenge Amateur  Bar-B-Q Cook Off on Saturday, June 4^th, 2011.  Teams will compete for over $6,000.00 in cash and prizes.  The team entry fee of $75.00 qualifies each team for the Gas and Charcoal Divisions.  For each Division there is a Chicken and Rib Category.  1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place prizes will be awarded in each category.  By participating in both divisions and each of the categories, a team is then eligible for the Grand Prize of a Big Green Egg.  There will also be a Dessert category that does not factor into the Grand Prize judging, however big on bragging rights.

Team set up begins as early as 4:30 pm on Friday, June 3^rd, 2011, with meat inspections beginning at 6:00 pm that night.  All contestants must be set up by 8:00 am Saturday morning.  Judging begins at noon on Saturday with prizes awarded at 3:00 pm.

Big Green Egg, Firemagic, Weber, Tennessee Golf Cars, and Broilmaster Grills will be sponsoring the event, which not only includes the Backyard Challenge, but also cooking demonstrations, door prizes, free bottle water and sodas.  There will also be the Biggest One Day Sale of the year that day.  Gas and Charcoal Grills, Gas Logs, Fireplaces will all have a special One Day Sale Price lower than the rest of the year.

For more information contact:

Jeff M. Lunsford

“Chef Jeff”

The Hearth and Grill Shop

535 Thompson Lane

Nashville, TN 37211

615-255-4551

chefjeff@hearthandgrill.com

See below for official rules or CLICK HERE for Downloadable PDF.
CLICK HERE for the official ENTRY FORM in PDF.

BACKYARD CHALLENGE OFFICIAL RULES

1)      Entry fee will be $75.00 to enter in either or both divisions: Charcoal or Gas

2)      Chicken and Pork Rib (no country ribs). You must enter both the Gas and Charcoal divisions and have entries in both the Chicken and Rib categories to be eligible for Grand Championship.

3)      All meat must be inspected, in original store wra

pper and in a cooler with ice, and must be held at 40 degrees.

4)      After meat is inspected, you may begin to marinate products. Meat inspection will start at 6:00pm Friday though 8:00am Saturday.

5)      No food products are to be sold or given to public from cook site.

6)      A 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winner will be awarded in for both Divisions in each category.

7)      Turn in times: 12:00 Chicken; 1:00 pm – Ribs; 1:45 pm – Dessert.   2:30 –3:00 pm Awards.

8)      You will have five (5) minutes before and five (5) minutes after the hour to turn in your entries to judges.

9)      Containers for judging turn-in will be provided. You must turn in at least 6 samples. Example: 6 ribs; 6 chicken thighs, etc.

10)  Entries will be judged on appearance, tenderness/ texture and taste in accordance with Kansas City BBQ Society rules.

11)  When you finish cooking, a container will be provided for your hot ashes, excess grease etc. please use this container to avoid fires and help keep your area clean.

12)  Your cooking area must be as clean as you found it. Garbage containers will be provided. Must have a gray water container and cleaning containers with a solution of water and bleach.

13)  Do not have any open fires on the ground. Use a charcoal starter (chimney or start the fire in your cooker). All grill fires must be contained.

14)  You will have a 10 x 10 cook site area designated for you. Those needing more space need to notify the Backyard Challenge coordinator for possible consideration as available.

15) Access to electricity and electric extension cords will be available on a limited basis and may not be available to all areas of the competition.  Those requiring an electric outlet need to notify the Backyard Challenge coordinator prior to the event for possible consideration, as available.

16)  You may cook with gas, wood, or charcoal.

17)  Water and ice will not be provided.

18)  The decisions by the judges will be final. A MANDATORY cooks meeting will be held Saturday, June 4^th at 8:00am to go over rules and questions.

19)  No pets, fireworks, or firearms are allowed on grounds.

20)  Failure to follow the above rules may cause your entry to be disqualified.

21)  Value of Awards will be in excess of $6,000 in cash, prizes, and products.

22)  Set up times will be Friday June 3^rd, 6-10pm & June 4^th , 6-8am. NO exceptions. Overnight security will be provided for the event and access to restrooms will be available.

23)  You must be 18 years of age to compete. 18 or younger, a parent or guardian must be present at all times.

24)  Hearth and Grill Shop, vendors, sponsors and any other participating entities shall not be held liable for any injury or loss.

Competition Tips: Don’t forget tables, chairs, awning, or other covering. Have plenty of water and ice on hand.  If you are competing in the Dessert Category – Freezer space is extremely limited.  Consider a Dessert that does not require Frozen Items, i.e. Ice cream.  Do a checklist of what you will need. Containers will be provided for judging turn- in. Plan ahead to have fun.

Grand Champion Prize: ~ Large Big Green Egg*

1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd place cash and prizes awarded in each category.

Sponsors: Big Green Egg, Firemagic, Pepsi Bottling Group, Broilmaster, Weber, and Music City Metals

Disclaimer: Rules and /or prize category awards subject to change in regards to sponsorships.

Location: Hearth and Grill Shop

535 Thompson Lane

Nashville, TN 37211

(615) 255 4551

Pictures of Last Years Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

The Hearth and Grill Shop Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

The Hearth and Grill Shop Awards Great Prizes each year for the Winners

Last Years Contestants Preparing their Pork Ribs

The San Rafael Quartet Provides Wonderful Music all day long

Smokers and Grills of all sizes participate each year

Participants take their Grilling very Serious on this Day at Hearth and Grill Shop

Some Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off Teams fine time to lay back and rest

Some participants get in some much needed sleep after a long night of getting ready

Ribs and Chickens are Items of the Day...Can't you Smell It???

The Big Green Egg is a Popular Choice of Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off Participants

Oh My....Can you do it any better then this???

Each Team prepares their BBQ for the Judges

Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off Teams Receive Points for Presentation

Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off Judges take their judging very serious

Each Backyard Challenge Judge totals his own points for each entry

Desserts are also a big part of the day at the Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off

Peach Cobbler in a Cast Iron Skillet in the Smoker...Whoa!!! I can't wait!!!

Spring has sprung and Easter is this Sunday.  This Saturday The Hearth and Grill shop will feature a simple and delicious Grilled Leg of Lamb cooked ot perfection on the Big Green Egg.  The preparation time is minimal and the outcome is a flavorfull grilled lamb dish, just in time for Easter.  There is not a better way to celebrate Easter, than bringing the wonderful Spring flavors of lamb, lemon, olive oil and fresh herbs together.

Best Grilled Leg of Lamb with Olive Oil infused with Fresh Herbs

1  7 to 8 lb leg of lamb, butter flied

For the Marinade :

2  Onions, peeled and sliced

8  Cloves of garlic, crushed

2  Cups dry white wine

1  Cup extra-virgin olive oil

1  Tablespoon chopped Thyme

Fresh black pepper to taste

Combine the onions, garlic wine, olive oil and herbs in a shallow dish, and then season with pepper to taste.  Place the lamb leg in the dish and turn over to coat well.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours up to over night.

For the Herb infused Olive Oil:

1  Bunch fresh Parsley, rough chopped

1  Tablespoon Fresh Thyme, rough chopped

1  Tablespoon fresh Oregano, rough chopped

1  Clove garlic, rough chopped

1  Lemon

1 1/2  Cup extra-virgin olive oil

Using a blender pulse the herbs and garlic together.  Squeeze in the juice from the lemon and then stream in the oil to produce a flavor, green oil.  Reserve.

Preheat the grill.  Remove the lamb from the marinade and season with salt.  Over medium heat, place the lamb on the grill and cook until medium-rare, about 10 to 12 minutes per side.  Remove the lamb to a warm platter and cover with a piece of aluminum foil to keep warm.  Allow the lamb to rest for 10 minutes before carving to reabsorb the natural juices.  Remove the rested lamb to a cutting board, but reserve the platter.  Carve the lamb into slices and arrange back onto the platter.  Garnish with fresh herbs and drizzle with the infused olive oil.

To celebrate 37 years of sales, installation and service in the Nashville, TN area the Hearth and Grill Shop is making the entire month of April 2011 Half Price Installation Month.

1/2 Half Price installation on all Gas Grills, Fireplaces, Gas Logs and Wood Stoves.  Every item sold in the Month of April is eligible for 1/2 half price installation in the Nashville area.

The Hearth and Grill Shop will be exhibiting many of it’s top quality Gas Grills, Built In Grills, Smoker Grills and Fireplace products at this years HBAMT Home Show.  This years show has a new home at the Williams County AgExpo Park in Franklin, TN February 25, 26, 27, 2011 just off I-65 South at Peytonsville Road at Exit 61 with plenty of free parking.  The Home Show has been a Middle Tennessee Tradition for over 40 years.

The Hearth and Grill Shop will have a full staff of experienced Sales and Technical Staff to answer all your questions.  Hearth and Grill works with Residential Home owners and Construction Contractors in selecting the highest quality solution for all your Outside Grill enjoyment or any of your inside the home Fireplace needs.  Come out and see us this weekend!  We are happy to help design any type installation you are seeking.

Here are a few photographs taken on Saturday of our exhibit and staff answering questions in our booth.

Owner and Founder Jeff Lunsford of Hearth and Grill Shop, Nashville, TN

The Big Green Egg has dramatically changed the way many of us smoke and grill at home.  The flexibility, heat retention, and temperature control offered by Big Green Egg has made it one of the most popular grills on the market today.

The Hearth and Grill Shop is Tennessee’s largest volume Green Egg dealer now for two years running.  We have extended that margin further by receiving our largest shipment of the Big Green Egg to date.  On November 18^th, our docks received 156 Big Green Eggs, in all four available models.. Extra Large, Large, Medium, and Small.  Along with the Big Green Egg purchase, we acquired nests and assorted tables to accommodate any patio or deck.  The Hearth and Grill Shop also has the largest selection of “Eggcessories” in Nashville.  Everything from Plate Setters to Vertical Turkey Roasters can be found on our shelves with sales staff available for instructions on all the Eggs and Eggcessories.  The Hearth and Grill Shop also stocks the largest inventory of warranty parts to keep your Big Green Egg grilling and smoking through the holidays.

For Sales, Service, and Warranty Parts visit Tennessee’s Big Green Egg Superstore!  The Hearth and Grill Shop.

Grand Champions: Smokers and Drinkers

The Ash Holes... Second Prize

Ol Zeke's BBQ....Third Place

And it just keeps getting better! A record 20 teams competed for over $6,500 in cash and prizes, once again making the Hearth and Grill Shop’s Annual Backyard Challenge a big success. With cooperation from Mother Nature, the day shone beautiful with contestants showing up and showing off their smoking and grilling skills.

The judges tasted 19 different entries for ribs, 17 for chicken and six desserts. All the entries boasted their own flavor and flair from tangy and spicy to sweet and smoky. The judges came to their final decisions, but the biggest consensus was that it wasn’t an easy task. “It was like trying to pick out your favorite child. You just can’t.” said one judge, who wishes to remain anonymous. But in the end, the Grand Champion was  The Smokers & Drinkers.  Coming in a close second were team “Ash Holes”, and Ol Zeke’s BBQ took third.

For the Charcoal – Ribs category, the Ash Holes took first place, followed by Team Manwagon and The Smokers & Drinkers. For the Charcoal –Chicken category, it was Smokey Chews walking off with the first prize, with Ol Zeke’s BBQ and Team Manwagon following up in third. The Gas – Ribs category went to The Smokers & Drinkers, with Ash Holes in second and Ol Zeke’s BBQ in third. In the final category, the Gas – Chicken, first prize went to Rusty Nails, with The Smokers & Drinkers next and Pond Switch Smokers in the third slot.

You could see by the enthusiasm of all of the contestants, judges and spectators that the Annual Backyard Challenge will be around for a long time. “This is a great way to start the summer” said a spectator as he sipped on a cold beverage and inhaled the cornucopia of aromas from all of the grills and smokers.

Everyone from the Hearth and Grill Shop want to extend a thank you to all of the participants for making this a record turn out for the Annual Backyard Challenge. We can’t wait till next year.

If you would like to see all the photos from the 6th Annual Backyard Challenge, here to check out all the yummy pictures and find yourself or your friends!!  To see al of the videos, visit youtube.com/hearthandgrill.

The Hearth and Grill Shop will host its 6th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off on Saturday, June 5th, 2010. Teams will compete for over $6000 in cash and prizes. The team entry fee of $75, qualifies each team for the Gas and Charcoal Divisions. For Each division, there is a Chicken & Rib Category. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded in each category. By participating in both divisions and each of the categories, a team is then eligible for the Grand Prize of a Big Green Egg. There will also be a Dessert category that does not factor into the Grand Prize judging.

Team set up begins as early as 4:30pm on Friday, June 4th with meat inspections beginning at 6:00pm that evening. All contestants must be set up by 8:00am Saturday morning. Judging begins at noon on Saturday with prizes awarded at 3:00pm.

Big Green Egg, Firemagic, Weber, and Broilmaster Grills will all be sponsoring the event, which not only includes The Backyard Challenge, but also cooking demonstrations, door prizes, live music, free bottled water and sodas. There will also be the “Biggest One Day Sale” of the year that day. Gas and Charcoal Grills, Gas Logs, Fireplaces will all have a special ONE DAY SALE PRICE lower than the rest of the year.

See below for official rules or in PDF.

Get the official “Entry Form” in PDF.

For more information contact:

Jeff M. Lunsford

The Hearth and Grill Shop

535 Thompson Lane

Nashville, TN 37211

615-255-4551

chefjeff@hearthandgrill.com

Backyard Challenge rules:

1) Entry fee will be $75.00 to enter in either or both divisions: Charcoal or Gas

2) Chicken and Pork Rib (no country ribs). You must enter both the Gas and Charcoal divisions and have entries in both the Chicken and Rib categories to be eligible for Grand Championship.

3) All meat must be inspected, in original store wrapper and in a cooler with ice, and must be held at 40 degrees.

4) After meat is inspected, you may begin to marinate products. Meat inspection will start at 6:00pm Friday though 8:00am Saturday.

5) No food products are to be sold or given to public from cook site.

6) A 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winner will be awarded in for both Divisions in each category.

7) Turn in times: 12:00 Chicken; 1:00 pm – Ribs; 1:45 pm – Dessert. 2:30 –3:00 pm Awards.

You will have five (5) minutes before and five (5) minutes after the hour to turn in your entries to judges.

9) Containers for judging turn-in will be provided. You must turn in at least 6 samples. Example: 6 ribs; 6 chicken thighs, etc.

10) Entries will be judged on appearance, tenderness/ texture and taste in accordance with Kansas City BBQ Society rules.

11) When you finish cooking, a container will be provided for your hot ashes, excess grease etc. please use this container to avoid fires and help keep your area clean.

12) Your cooking area must be as clean as you found it. Garbage containers will be provided. Must have a gray water container and cleaning containers with a solution of water and bleach.

13) Do not have any open fires on the ground. Use a charcoal starter (chimney or start the fire in your cooker). All grill fires must be contained.

14) You will have a 10 x 10 cook site area designated for you. Those needing more space need to notify the Backyard Challenge coordinator for possible consideration as available.

15) You may cook with gas, wood, or charcoal.

16) Water and ice will not be provided.

17) The decisions by the judges will be final. A MANDATORY cooks meeting will be held Saturday, June 5^th at 8:00am to go over rules and questions.

18) No pets, fireworks, or firearms are allowed on grounds.

19) Failure to follow the above rules may cause your entry to be disqualified.

20) Value of Awards will be in excess of $5,000 in cash, prizes, and products.

21) Set up times will be Friday June 4^th, 6-10pm & June 5^th , 6-8am. NO exceptions. Security will be provided for event.

22) You must be 18 years of age to complete. 18 or younger, a parent or guardian must be present at all times.

23) Hearth and Grill Shop, vendors, sponsors and any other participating entities shall not be held liable for any injury or loss.