TR: The Big Orion Cookout - 8/8/2009

RootDKJ · Aug 9, 2009

Ok folks, here's what you've been waiting for. I had a great time. With out a doubt, some of the best BBQ I've had. I was on my A game. My best ribs to date. Corned beef was off the charts as well.

I'll break down the TR down into two sections. First up: Pics and photo stories, followed by Learning and Tips. Text that actually discusses preparation methods will be in bold.

Car loaded up

The goods

Clear day on the GWB

Arrival

Nice place...there's more scenery shots later

I think I'm in the right place

Orion schwag

Hmmmm

Getting my prep area ready

Keithray and Cincinnati Jack checking temperature on 2 pork shoulders

That's my Orion on the left

My plan was to get the 4 pound Corned Beef in 1st, then get my ribs ready. I timed it pretty well (for once).

Here's the corned beef seasoned up. Last summer I bought some Weber Kickin' Chicken seasoning. I didn't like it on chicken at all, but did like it on hamburger and I used it twice on corned beef in the Orion with great results. About 1/2 a Long Trail Blackbeary Wheat went into the drip pan.

They do look nice when they are all shiny and new...

RootDKJ · Aug 9, 2009

My corned beef is in. I used 50% Hickory and 50% Cherry. I knew I wanted Hickory smoke flavor in my ribs, but I wasn't sure how it would be with the Corned Beef (previous Corned Beef cooks were done with only Mesquite or Cherry). I knew Cherry goes well with ribs also, so I took a gamble.

On an interesting note, think I was the only one using a wood chip blend. I over heard Christian (the owner of Orion Outdoors) mentioning to someone else that he wasn't big into blends, but I have a feeling he might give that a try in the near future

Well seasoned

Buffalo Man's ribs going in.

A macro shot of Buffalo Man's ribs

He gave his ribs a yellow mustard rub, then applied his own spice rub.

"Cajun Ken" getting his brisket ready

He cut cross-hatches into his Brisket to get more moisture up in there. Great idea Ken!

Here's my ribs, with the membrane removed off the back.

Here's me pouring on my rub. A quick side note here. Everything I used was off-the-shelf products I got at the supermarket or BJ's. The rub I'm using is Jakes Grillin Pork Rib

Close up of my ribs

Flames

This Orion is going to get some salmon soon. To get more smoke flavor into it, Christian recommended lighting it up and waiting until the wood chips start to smoke up real good before putting the salmon in and the lid on.

Salmon going in...

RootDKJ · Aug 9, 2009

Ok, back to my ribs. Here's some pics of them going in, and you can see the corned beef in the bottom. I let the rub sit on for about 20 minutes, and the ribs went in 40 minutes after the corned beef.

Keithray had suggested that at some point to take a walk around the park and enjoy the tranquility. I ran some stuff I wouldn't need out to the car, took a quick safety break and went for a walk. I'll admit, this place is a nice little slice of paradise, except for the way over friendly guy who felt it necessary to tell me his life story and then gives me his bussiness car and tells me to email him next time I come to the park. His card fell into some burning charcoal.

uke:

RootDKJ · Aug 9, 2009

Ok, back at the cookout.

Very well seasoned (Keithray)

Buffalo Man's ribs coming out

My ribs coming out. I had two and a half racks fall down! :-o Talk about falling off the bone!

Inside mine

Ribs getting sauced up on the grill. Used Sweet Baby Ray's

RootDKJ · Aug 9, 2009

Money shots of my ribs. Go get a napkin to wipe up! These came out so well. Not to sound egotistical, but these were my best ribs to date. So amazing.

This is one of my favorite pics

Corned beef - This too came out so much better than I expected.

Me and Christian

RootDKJ · Aug 9, 2009

So, what did I learn (or things to try in the future)...

Mustard rub on ribs (I've done this on brisket though)
Slice cross hatches into brisket
Fire up the Orion before putting the meat in for a smokier flavor
- I think that putting in my ribs, 40 minutes after the corned beef helped make them more tender (along with the beer).
Let the rub for a bit before putting the ribs in
Walmart lump charcoal burns better than Kingsford
I'm sure there's more...

Christain is one cool dude who really enjoy's his BBQ. I hope to smoke up ribs with him again one day.:beer:
Oh yeah...everyone had amazing BBQ. For a region of the country not really known for good BBQ, the Northeast can kill it!

Beetlenut · Aug 9, 2009

Oh man,... I should NOT have read this TR at 11:30 at night! Now I'm hungry and have a wicked hankerin for BBQ! Dam you Root! Man that looked good! I may just have to invest in an Orion!

Glenn · Aug 10, 2009

Wow! Very impressive Root! This TR delivered! Now I'm hungry for ribs...and it's just after 8AM!

severine · Aug 10, 2009

Wow! Looks like a delicious day! :beer:

o3jeff · Aug 10, 2009

Looks like some good bbq'ing there.

I ended up firing mine up last night since Stop and Shop had ribs for $1.50lbs. I meant to take pictures but my company started to dig into them before I could grab the camera.

Grassi21 · Aug 10, 2009

great tr. the wife and i lived in an apt. 1 mile away from the cove for 3 years. great little park. lots of dog walking for us over there.

RootDKJ · Aug 10, 2009

Grassi21 said:
great tr. the wife and i lived in an apt. 1 mile away from the cove for 3 years. great little park. lots of dog walking for us over there.

I was surprised on how nice it was. If we were to plan a day at the beach, I'd seriously consider taking the 1hr 20mins drive North to Cove Island, opposed to driving almost 2 hours to get down to the Jersey shore.

Warp Daddy · Aug 10, 2009

Rooter --------------------YOU are the Doctor of Ribology ------------awesome report , drooling ==BTW luved the sihirt -- got one myself but the dude is tossing his golf clubs in a pond ---LMAO

RootDKJ · Aug 10, 2009

Warp Daddy said:
Rooter --------------------YOU are the Doctor of Ribology ------------awesome report , drooling ==BTW luved the sihirt -- got one myself but the dude is tossing his golf clubs in a pond ---LMAO

Would that be an R.D or Ph.R? I need to get this right for my business cards

Grassi21 · Aug 10, 2009

RootDKJ said:
I was surprised on how nice it was. If we were to plan a day at the beach, I'd seriously consider taking the 1hr 20mins drive North to Cove Island, opposed to driving almost 2 hours to get down to the Jersey shore.

We never did the beach thing there. But our older dog Crosby has swam there a number of times.

We miss that place...

Warp Daddy · Aug 10, 2009

Phd./r :d ;d ;d

gorgonzola · Aug 10, 2009

pretty meaty report root, nice!

RootDKJ · Aug 10, 2009

Warp Daddy said:
Phd./r :d ;d ;d

Ok...that needs a little explaining :dunce:

Moe Ghoul · Aug 10, 2009

Awesome display of playing with meat until its smoked. Rub will do that.

RootDKJ · Aug 10, 2009

Moe Ghoul said:
Awesome display of playing with meat until its smoked. Rub will do that.

Oh, I got a good laugh on that one my friend! Kudos!

Post of the Day here folks! :beer:

TR: The Big Orion Cookout - 8/8/2009

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