Posts Tagged ‘Logs’

7th Annual Backyard Challenge BBQ Cook-Off, June 4th, 2011

Saturday, May 14th, 2011

The Hearth and Grill Shop will host its 7th Annual Backyard Challenge Amateur  Bar-B-Q Cook Off on Saturday, June 4th, 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.  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, however big on bragging rights.

Team set up begins as early as 4:30 pm on Friday, June 3rd, 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 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 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 4th 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 3rd, 6-10pm & June 4th , 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*

1st, 2nd, & 3rd 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!!!

Shopping for Vent Free Gas Logs

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

 

When shopping for gas logs, the first question you will be asked at The Hearth and Grill Shop is whether you would like vented gas logs or vent-free gas logs.  There are several factors that will go into your decision.

 

Before that decision can be made, here are a few things to be aware of. The way vented and vent-free gas logs operate are completely different. They are not interchangeable and an old set of vented gas logs cannot be turned into vent-free.  Vented gas logs operate more closely to a real wood fire than they do their vent-free cousins.

 

Example of a vent-free firebox
Example of a vent-free firebox

The Hearth and Grill Shop offers over fifteen choices for vent-free gas log sets from three of the leading manufacturers in the United States. Empire Comfort Systems, Real-Fyre by Peterson and Vanguard offer a variety of sizes and styles sure to please even the most discerning eye.

 

But before you can make that decision, let’s go over some of the logistics of vent-free gas log products.

 
A vent-free gas log system operates with the damper closed on a wood burning fireplace or in a UL listed vent-free firebox. Fire box manufacturers include Vanguard, Empire Comfort Systems and Martin Industries. 100% of the heat produced from a vent-free gas log set emits into the room making it not only attractive but an efficient source of heat on a blustery day. With a vent-free gas log set, power outages won’t leave you in the cold. Vent-free gas logs require no electrical power and will be a welcome source of viable heat even if you are in the dark.

 

A vent-free gas log set also uses a fraction of fuel compared to their vented cousin.
The question often comes up as to exactly how do vent-free gas log operate with the damper closed on a fireplace? The first thing that makes a set of gas logs vent-free is the burner is designed to use 99% of all the gas that comes into it. Since all of the gas is combusted, the only byproducts are heat, water vapor and carbon dioxide(the same thing we breathe out).  Vent-free gas logs are not designed to be a primary heat source. They are designed to be an attractive, efficient, and dependable source of supplemental heat. Extended use of vent-free gas logs as a primary heat source isn’t recommended, as water vapor emitted can cause mildew issues over an extended period of time.

 
The second part of the vent-free gas log equation can’t be overstated. It is extremely important that the gas logs themselves  be set up and operated strictly per the manufacturer’s instructions. The gas logs and burner are designed to have the flame move up between and around the logs, but not to be in contact with the gas logs. Proper installation and placement of the logs are paramount in successful and satisfying operation of vent-free gas logs.

 

There are several different types of controls for a vent-free gas log system. The most cost effective is manual control on the valve of the unit. This manual valve turns the unit on and off and the flame up and down. Please bear in mind a manual control unit cannot be upgraded to another control type. The next option is the remote ready or Millivolt units that can be turned on and off from a switch or an on/off remote control. The remote ready units also have the ability to be controlled with various forms of thermostats or a wall switch. Due to the number of different types of control and the fact a remote can be added at any time, the remote ready units are the most popular. Variable flame remote controls are available from some manufacturers, such as, Peterson and Empire Comfort Systems. Variable remote control units boast the capability of being able to control your flame as well as turning it on and off.

 

The dimensions of your fireplace and the type of controls will determine what size vent-free gas log will be best for any fireplace. A masonry fireplace is only limited in size by your individual taste and have no specific standards for size. Every bricklayer or mason can make a fireplace the size a homeowner desires. When considering a vent-free gas log set, it is important to have the following measurements available when coming to The Hearth and Grill Shop.

 

Please measure:
1. Across the back wall of the fireplace
2. Across the front of the fireplace
3.The depth and height of the fireplace.

 

These dimensions with the controls and gas line

factored in will ensure the perfect size logs for a fireplace.

It's important to always consult a professional for the best results

It's important to always consult a professional for the best results

The positive features of Vent Free Gas Logs are:
o The best heat output the fireplace may obtain.
o Higher efficiency and less gas consumption.
o Less pollution
o Availability of various types of controls.

 

Though a vent-free gas log set has many features that their vented cousin can’t claim, a draw back of a vent-free set is that by nature of the way it must operate to be vent-free, their realistic look of wood can’t be reproduced as intricately. Also, with many new products, proper installation of a new vent-free log set will help eliminate the odors associated with its initial use. Another factor to take into consideration is that vent-free log sets emit enough heat that a hood may need to be installed. The hood will eliminate any possibility of damage caused from heat emissions from operating your vent-free log set with a closed damper in a fireplace setting.

 
The Hearth and Grill Shop has been proud to carry our vent-free products from Empire Comfort Systems, Real-Fyre by Peterson and Vanguard for over twenty years. Efficiency, dependability, appearance and savings on your gas bill have made vent-free gas logs a great investment and one of the most sought after items by The Hearth and Grill Shop customers.