Ep 4. Lone Star Load-Up

In the fourth episode of the fourth season of Man, Fire, Food, titled Lone Star Load-Up, host Roger Mooking sets his sights on Texas to uncover some of the most delicious and unique grilling and smoking techniques from the Lone Star State.

The episode begins with Roger visiting the small town of Groesbeck, where he meets up with expert pitmaster Gary Scott at his famous BBQ joint, Big Daddy's BBQ. Gary shows Roger his trademark cooking style using a massive offset smoker, which he fills to the brim with meats and sausages. Roger is blown away by the sheer volume of food that they're cooking up, including pork ribs, brisket, lamb, turkey legs, and a variety of sausages, all of which are flavored with a secret blend of rubs and sauces.

Next up, Roger heads to the city of Austin to visit the iconic LeRoy & Lewis BBQ food truck, where he hooks up with pitmaster Evan LeRoy. Evan shows Roger an innovative way of smoking meats using a "direct smoke" method, which involves cooking the meat directly over the coals, rather than indirectly in a smoker. Roger can't believe the delicious flavors that this method produces, and he savors each bite of LeRoy & Lewis's signature brisket sandwich, which is loaded with pickles, onions, and creamy horseradish sauce.

Roger's next stop takes him to Lockhart, Texas, which is known as the "BBQ capital of the world." Here, he meets up with pitmaster Wayne Mueller at the legendary Louie Mueller Barbecue, which has been serving up mouthwatering meats since 1949. Wayne shows Roger the traditional method of smoking meats using a massive brick pit, which produces an intense, smoky flavor that no other method can replicate. Roger is amazed by the attention to detail and dedication that goes into the smoking process at Louie Mueller, and he can taste that dedication in every bite of their famous beef ribs.

Finally, Roger rounds out his trip to Texas by visiting the small town of Uvalde, where he meets up with true cowboys and pitmasters, the Struve family. The Struves have been raising cattle and smoking meats for generations, and they show Roger how they make their signature lamb chops, which are marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice, then cooked over a wood fire until they're juicy and tender. Roger is blown away by the rich, full-bodied flavor of the lamb chops, and he knows that he's experienced something truly special on his journey through Texas.

Overall, Lone Star Load-Up is a mouthwatering and educational episode of Man, Fire, Food, showcasing some of the most unique and flavorful grilling and smoking techniques in Texas. Roger Mooking takes viewers on a journey through the Lone Star State, introducing them to expert pitmasters and cowboys who are dedicated to creating some of the most delicious meats you'll ever taste. Viewers will be inspired to fire up their grills and smokers and try some of these tasty techniques themselves, in their own quest to become true BBQ masters.