3 EYZ BBQ BLOG

We are pleased to announce our newest sponsor...

2012-01-07T15:41:00.002-05:00

The Ingredients Store

Home of the Award winning FAB Marinades.

Check them out!

http://www.theingredientstore.com/

Its a wrap

2011-10-24T19:53:00.002-04:00

Thats it folks. The 2011 BBQ season for 3 Eyz BBQ is all done. We finished the year competing in 19 contests, of which we finished in the top 10 a total of 14 times!

What? Want more stats? OK, the team has now competed in 87 contests over just 5 years and have racked up a total of 220 awards with 8 Grand Championships and 8 Reserve Grand Championships.

One might think we are getting tired. Quite the opposite actually. Planning is already underway for the 2012 tour :)

Details to come........

Keystone BBQ Classic

2011-10-09T14:49:00.003-04:00

I'm sure our regulars here appreciate my thought provoking and logical posts, which is why you keep coming back for more. So, let me apologize in advance for this one. In regard to our finish in Harrisburg this weekend, I think I said it best on BBQ Pitmasters last year.

"That just Fuc*ing sucks!"

Here's hoping for a better post after the National Championship in Arkansas next weekend. I can tell you that we are coming in hot and ready to cook up some Championship quality BBQ.

Laurel, MD Grand Champions!

2011-10-02T08:51:00.002-04:00

3 Eyz BBQ wins the Sam's Club Regional Invitational BBQ contest in Laurel, MD and moves on to compete in the $100,000 National Championship in Bentonville, Arkansas! After a crappy score in chicken (21st), we took 1st in ribs, 8th in pork and 4th in brisket in one of the strongest fields of teams we have ever competed against.

I'd be lying if I didn't say it felt good. But now, gotta get ready for next weeks LONG road trip.

Award Ceremonies & Freudian Slips

2011-09-15T11:18:00.002-04:00

I'm going to let you all in on one of my favorite award ceremony activities - paying attention to Freudian slips.

What are they? Well Wikipedia defines them thusly:

A "Freudian slip", is an error in speech, memory, or physical action that is interpreted as occurring due to the interference of some unconscious ("dynamically repressed") wish, conflict, or train of thought.

So how about an example? This past weekend in Hedgesville, WV I knew that Chix Swine and Bovine won the contest after their 2nd place chicken call. How? Easy, the announcer after calling the team up and waiting, said something like "geez, I really wish these repeat winners would just sit closer." Ahhem, at this point, no one was a repeat winner, because the awards just started!

How about another? This same announcer said to my teammate Chris, "its really ok if you don't want to keep coming up to take pictures...". How's that for a signal you didn't win?

Or, yet another. At the Annapolis Maryland contest we won earlier in the year, the announcer asked if we were getting tired walking up for all those awards during our 1st call of the day! A dead give away for sure.

Why does this happen? Well, I'm no psychologist, but I believe the announcers are looking ahead at the results and specifically who won. Armed with this information and the fact that there is down time while competitors walk to get awards, they try and say cute and witty comments to keep the crowds attention. And more often that not, out comes a Freudian slip!

So, enjoy your next awards ceremony and please let me know if you catch any slips!

Calibrating Competition BBQ

2011-09-05T10:39:00.002-04:00

So a more thoughtful post today. Your a competition BBQ cook and your having trouble in a category. What do you do? Was it just the judges fault? Did you do something wrong? Or does your food just really suck? No one is going to answer those questions for you, your just going to see your name toward the bottom of the results sheet.

Well, the judges are judges and you can't change what they think or do. So, forget about them.

Did you do something wrong? Well, that for you and your team to analyze. If you did, fix it next time. If you didn't, sounds like its time for a change.

Sounds simple, just change something. Its not, because every change can be positive or negative. And if you change more than one thing, there is no way to know how each individual change impacted the overall dish. Which is why I usually only change one thing at a time. Maybe tweek a sauce, or a rub, or a marinade, or a brine. Then see how each individual change impacts the whole. That usually will get the job done, but requires patience since it may be the 1st change or the 30th that finally gets things dialed in.

Or, if you don't have patience or something is beyond tweeking slowly, just ditch it and change everything. Thats exactly what I did this past weekend. I used a completely different flavor combination, but one that I used in my very first KCBS competition ever. This got us a 6th place call in chicken and you would have thought we won the lottery.

Lets see what next week brings....

Wanted – Future teammate of 3Eyz BBQ competition team

2011-08-17T08:41:00.000-04:00

3Eyz BBQ is looking for a full time team member. No experience or money is required, only a love of competition and BBQ. A thirst for Patron and a shunning of Political correctness is preferred but not mandatory. The Candidate will have to endure a 1-year “apprenticeship” and must be able to lift heavy objects, deal with multiple type A personalities, work in hot and/or cold environments, sleep in uncomfortable surroundings, be willing to travel, like Five Finger Death Punch, listen attentively, take criticism and not complain. Duties to include selling rub, doing dishes, changing trash, making boxes, cleaning smokers, and a variety of other support tasks. The Candidate will be mentored and gradually be taught how to cook 3Eyz style competition BBQ and responsibilities will increase over time. After the apprenticeship is successfully completed, the candidate may be asked to officially join the team.

Please submit resume to dan@3eyzbbq.com no later than September 2nd. Serious candidates only please.

Reserve Grand Champions at Bel Air, MD

2011-08-14T12:30:00.003-04:00

3Eyz took 1st place in ribs, 3rd in pork and 6th in brisket this weekend and finished 2nd overall out of 61 teams. We have a one week break and then its time for New Holland, PA!

Thanks to Scott Walker for the pic.

A Thank You to Our Customers

2011-08-06T13:25:00.002-04:00

3Eyz BBQ just wanted to take a moment to thank all of our customers. Our sales have been steadily increasing and we have even been sold out of rub several times! That, my friends is a good problem to have. These sales would not be possible if all of you were not using the rub and especially passing the word to your favorite retailers and friends. It always makes me smile when we pick up a new retailer due to our customers. So, whoever it was that is responsible for our newest retailer in Mount Airy, MD, please send me an email at dan@3eyzbbq.com. I have a special bonus for you :)

So, to all of you - THANK YOU!

BTW - we are finially getting close to producing our new beef rub. More details soon.

Que and Cruz

2011-07-17T14:35:00.002-04:00

Just got back from competing at Que and Cruz in Louisa, VA. As always Bill Small puts on a top notch contest! We did good with a 7th place overall out of 61 teams with a call in ribs (4th) and a call in brisket (10th). Looking forward to hitting Easton next weekend!

**Big congrats to Big Ugly BBQ for a perfect 180 in desert!

6 In a row

2011-06-12T20:47:00.002-04:00

Wow - this coming weekend in Frederick, MD will be 6 contests in a row. Thats a lot of work! Results are up on the website, but seems like ribs and pork are hitting, chicken is either 1st or 30th and brisket is also hit or miss. Will it all come together this weekend? Only time will tell .....

Wish us luck!

Annapolis, MD - Grand Champions!

2011-05-15T08:10:00.002-04:00

Dan H, Chris and Tracy cooked on the new trailer for the first time, and I'm thinking we'll keep it. It is an awesome addition to the team and helped us walk as Grand Champions at the inaugural Annapolis competiition this weekend. 1st place Chicken, 1st Place ribs and 8th place in Pork and Brisket. I won't lie, it felt good to have everything click again after a dismal Salisbury, MD finish.

Next up, Roc City!

I like it!

2011-05-08T12:58:00.002-04:00

Cooked on it for the first time and it feels VERY comfortable. Can't wait for its first comp next weekend. Here is a pic:

And it beats the sh*t out of a canopy! Thanks to Extreme BBQ Trailers for the custom build.

Trailer update

2011-04-30T07:32:00.002-04:00

Well Kaiti and I made it back to the East Coast with our new toy, the official 3-Eyz mobile invasion unit. Made by the great folks at Extreme BBQ Trailers, this beast is sure to turn some heads at Annapolis in two weeks. Bringing it to the house today to install some e-track and finally empty my garage (Teri will be so happy). We'll have some graphics applied and it will be ready to rock n' roll! Sorry George, new sound system is also be installed, so it will be louder and more obnoxious................................

Will post some pictures later!

Salisbury, MD

2011-04-17T17:49:00.002-04:00

A great start! 5th place ribs out of 116 teams. Pretty nice :) That is until we see the results of the other categories. I mean, when you have to turn to the second page of a results sheet, its never really a good thing. Check out the web page for those double digit numbers.... Rather than get down though, we are already plotting and scheming on how to improve in Annapolis. And with "only" 48 teams there, we have already moved up in the rankings!

Gearing up

2011-04-09T13:13:00.003-04:00

Well 3Eyz comp season is almost here. Salisbury, MD is just a couple days away and we are all prepped and ready to roll. We are looking at about 18 competitions this season, so stay tuned!

Update

2011-02-22T20:10:00.002-05:00

Uggghh, is it time to start competing yet? No....not yet up here in Maryland. We are busy planning our season and beginning to pay our entry fees though. The schedule is shaping up to be another busy one, but a BIT less than 2010.

Although the competition gear may still be stowed away, trust me, you all are lighting up the rub sales. We've gone out of stock twice in the last couple weeks due to high demand. I'm guessing that there is quite a bit of planning and stocking up going on across the country right now!

So, just wanted to say THANK YOU to all our customers :)

More "off season"

2011-01-16T14:11:00.002-05:00

So what are the guys from 3eyz up to? Not much really. I know I've spent more time on the cruise forums lately than BBQ as Tracy and I will be going on our first cruise next month. Chris has getting to know his family again, and Dan Mc has cooked enough BBQ at his restaurant to think about opening a salad bar (I made this up).

Tuesday, the team will be heading for some stress relief at the Music as a Wepon Tour up in Hershey, PA. Can't go wrong with Korn, Disturbed and Sevendust.

And since Little Rock has been postponed, it looks like the off season is extended to April....now where did I put that remote control?.....

The off season

2010-12-13T20:19:00.002-05:00

Man did we have a busy season. Full time jobs and 23 comps is quite the handfull. Whats strange is that after the season is over, all I want to do is compete again. Give me 2-3 weeks and I become one with my couch (which is where I am now!).

That said, gimme another couple weeks and planing for next season will be well underway. Not to say we haven't done anything, just been ssssllllloooowww. We have a new sponsor, Huntington Customs, a new Sponsored team, Whiskey Bent BBQ and a couple new retailers too. Plus, its true, this season we WILL have A/C and heat in a bigger trailer. Thats living large to us, well, as long as we don't look at Black Cat BBQ's rig, lol.

So, bear with us, things will get active around here again soon. For now, enjoy your time with the family and the Holidays!

I just like this pic

2010-12-13T19:53:00.002-05:00

Smithfield, VA

2010-11-14T16:23:00.002-05:00

3Eyz @ Smithfield, VA Thanks to Mike Fay for the pic!

Another season down

2010-11-14T13:33:00.002-05:00

As my grandmother used to say..."well, thats it then!". Another season done and in the books. We finished with a total of 21 contests for 2010 and 14 of those were top ten finishes. We are thrilled with those stats but there is always room for improvement. And thats what the offseason is for, dreaming, scheming and practicing!

For now though, time to watch some football!

A weekend off

2010-10-30T10:26:00.002-04:00

Well, thats 7 comps in a row and I'm pretty beat up. My arm hurts from trimming, injecting and lifting, my feet hurt from standing so much, my back is tight from driving, my legs are still scraped up from wearing shorts all weekend, every weekend. Still one more comp next weekend in Smithfield, but have one weekend off to recover. So what do I do?

Cook and judge BBQ of course! I'm cooking some ribs now and judged my first comp last night at the Galvinells Hog Fest. It was a great experience and made me want to judge a KCBS contest. The presentations and food ranged from "sucked real bad" to "outstanding".

So....more next weekend after 3Eyz competes in a MBN contest!

Sorry

2010-10-10T10:31:00.002-04:00

I know, I know, lack of posts recently. For that I am sorry. Just finished contest number 5 in a row and there isn't much time to anything other than work and compete. We still have Chambersburg next weekend (Chris and Dan going head to head again), going to the Jack (Big Ugly's team) and then Smithfield, VA MBN contest.

And then? Try and forget BBQ for a couple months. No practice, no new recipes, no packing, just nothing. At least, thats the plan........ we all know I can't do that.

Once we are done with this year, I'll post my thoughts from our marathon season and trust me, I have many!

In the mean time, "good smoking luck", lol. :)

Check it out

2010-09-13T21:33:00.001-04:00

3Eyz BBQ to appear this Thursday on TLC's BBQ Pitmasters season 2. Check it out!!

3Eyz Hits Saudi Arabia!

2010-08-22T11:32:00.002-04:00

3Eyz BBQ sent a care package to Major Brian Clark in Saudi Arabia to say thank you for all they do for us. Here is a pic, I take it they like the rub!

Turning the corner

2010-08-22T11:03:00.002-04:00

At least that's what we hope we just did. After having things on auto pilot the first half of the season, we've been less than stellar this summer. But at Dover this weekend we pulled out a 1st in ribs and a 3rd in pork. It was nice to do some walking at the awards ceremony.

Big congrats to Tuffy of Cool Smoke for kicking our butts two weeks in a row!

Also, thank you to all our rub customers. Sales have really been going up, especially at competitions! THANK YOU!

BBQ Pitmasters season 2

2010-08-11T21:17:00.003-04:00

OK everybody, its time for season 2 of BBQ Pitmasters. This time with 3 Eyz BBQ!!!

It starts tomorrow (Thursday) on TLC at 10 Eastern / 9 Central. Please post a comment to tell us what you think!

Want a sneak preview? Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVa7an1WaA8

A Fantastic night

2010-08-08T13:28:00.002-04:00

Tracy and I met my parents at a restaurant in the inner harbor of Baltimore on Friday night. Started out with some seared Ahi Tuna, then moved onto a Veal T-bone with some Lyannaise potatoes and finished it all off with some chocolate sin cake. Damn was that a good meal! That veal T-bone was truly amazing. And the price was right too, as my pops picked up the bill, awesome!

A break....... A what?

2010-08-05T20:38:00.002-04:00

Yep, a couple weeks off. Some time off is feeling pretty good after a very busy first half of the season. Heading to Ruths Chris tomorrow with my parents and a seeing a ball game on Saturday.

Not to fear though as another 3 in a row is on tap. Bel Air, Dover and New Holland. And I'm ready, cooling vest and cooling bandana in the comp supplies which means it will be 70 degrees. I'll start the rain dance on Monday, cause we need some crap weather for these comps. I'm about sick of the heat.

Oh, and be sure to check out BBQ Pitmasters next week on TLC. The premier is set for Thursday at 10pm EST. And check out future previews. Ya never know when you may catch a glimpse of the 3eyz guys :)

BBQ Pitmasters Season 2

2010-07-25T12:10:00.002-04:00

TLC has posted some new videos for season 2 of BBQ Pitmasters. Looks like Diva Q is cooking gator! Check em out!

http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/bbq-pitmasters/

Louisa

2010-07-18T19:28:00.003-04:00

Well, thats not Louisa, but it did feel like that! Friggin hot, again. Where the hell is the rain? Thundrstorms, tropical storms, cold, snow, you know? 3Eyz Weather!

We finished 18th out of 59 teams, not our best showing, but respectable. We'll have a chance to do better soon as we are signed up for Easton, MD nxt weekend.

Big thanks to Big Ugly, little Ugly, Tracy and Brian for helping me get things done. I almost scratched this one due to logistical issues.

Also, congrats to Black Cat on the win. Here is to hoping you get the DE draw to get you out of the VA draw :)

Washington, DC

2010-06-28T19:53:00.002-04:00

Sucked wind, choked, got creamed, ate some humble pie, tanked, screwed the pooch, you pic the phrase. How about, we just sucked......

That about sums up this weeks performance! See you all in Louisa :)

Look who came to visit!

2010-06-28T19:49:00.003-04:00

Its Casey Vader

More Marietta pics!!

2010-06-13T20:12:00.004-04:00

The First Brick! 1st place Brisket!

Dan, Lucas, and Aunt Diana with the Reserve Brick!

Waiting like sardines for awards....

Booyah!

Thanks for the pics, Patsy!

Marietta, OH!

2010-06-13T18:13:00.003-04:00

We got a visit from a new team member at this comp! A lucky praying mantis, I named it Beatrice...lol. It started out on Dan's shoe, and then continued to bless the rest of our site, guess it worked!

I wanted to make sure that I took a few minutes to thank everyone who showed at the comp in Marietta, Ohio this weekend! Tommy, Sasha, Rhonda, Grant, Pam, my Dad Rick (who also let us stay at his house), My Uncle Donnie and Aunt Diana, my cousin Patsy, her husband and their son Lucas (who clapped for the first time ever at the awards ceremony!) , Scott and Rachel.

I promised my Uncle that I would make a little "Ode to Uncle Donnie", for the delicious Long John Silver's he delivered prior to turn ins. He truly saved the day!

It was great to be close to where I was born and to get to hang out with my family, and still compete and bring home the RGC "brick". We had a good time, even though the heat was brutal, and I swear I lost 10 lbs in sweat alone.

I also got to meet a really cool fellow min pin lover and I was able to get a pic with them!

Reserve Grand Champions!

2010-06-13T16:35:00.003-04:00

Just back from our first Ohio competition. We walked 4 times, 9th ribs, 9th pork, 1st brisket and was awarded reserve grand champions!

Dan H and Chris with their bricks

Our good luck Mantis

Now for a short break and onto DC.

Behind the scenes - Tracy

2010-06-07T21:09:00.005-04:00

You folks have been really lighting it up lately in rub purchases and for that, we at 3Eyz BBQ say thank you!

But ever wonder how you get that rub? Especially when everybody on the team works a full time job and we are signed up for 20 competitions this year. Well the answer is Tracy Hixon.

She wears many hats. Banker, shipper, saint (she is Married to Dan H after all), and box maker specialist at the comps she comes to.

So I guess my point is, while Chris, Dan Mc, Jason and Dan H get recognized at the awards ceremonies, she does not, so please say thank you when you place an order and say hi when you see her at a comp.

I speak for the team when I say "thank you" to her via this post. Here is a pic of Tracy from DC.

Repeat! Upper Marlboro, MD

2010-06-06T11:17:00.003-04:00

Our very first repeat GC at a contest and our (well Dan H's at least) first 1st place brisket award! Feels good. Special thanks to Chris for riding the red eye from LAX to join us and Dan Mc for busting his butt to be there. No one could ask for better teammates!

Roc City Ribfest

2010-05-31T11:06:00.002-04:00

Back from Roc city. What a competition. Sun, beach, beer, friends - just amazing. Oh yea, and there was a competition. Actually 3. KCBS BBQ on Sunday, Ribfest on Saturday and NEBS grilling on Saturday. We entered all but the grilling.

I'm still tabulating the scoring, but I do believe this competition will get an "A" from us and MAYBE the designation as the best event we have ever done. Our site was top notch - front row beach access. Shade, lots of room. Close to fresh coffee (free), catered dinner (free), delivered ice (free), bathrooms (free of course) and far enough away from the main stage.

If the organizers of Roc City Ribfest are reading.....We are in for next year if you promise to hold that spot! Looking forward to it already.

Results? Ribfest - 6th out of 104 teams. KCBS - 5th out of 69 teams with a 2nd in pork and ANOTHER 6th place rib call. As Chris Hart (I-Que) said, "just sooo consistent!". Thanks Chris and congrats on a great weekend for you and your team.

Twitter

2010-05-23T14:07:00.001-04:00

Hey folks,

For those of you that don't know and would like occasional updates, 3 Eyz has a Twitter account. Simply enough, it's 3eyzbbq. Go figure. Stop on by and be sure to "follow" us for updates and news. Thanks!

-- Jason 3 Eyz

Middletown, DE

2010-05-23T11:35:00.002-04:00

Well, taking about 2 hours to recover from this weekend, and will then start prepping for next weekend. Maybe 5 in a row wasn't such a great idea.....NOT. Lovin it.

1st place ribs pic below btw.

Ribs

2010-05-22T12:20:00.001-04:00

-- Jason 3 Eyz

Middletown, DE

2010-05-21T23:10:00.001-04:00

-- Jason 3 Eyz

Reserve Grand!!

2010-05-16T13:02:00.002-04:00

Dan H and Chris took home RGC honors at Green Lane, PA this weekend!

Special thanks to Chris for getting the bad luck out of the way on his trip to the comp. Job well done!

And an update. We have actually signed up for 5 in a row, not 3. Woohoo, back to back to back to back to back comps. And once we are done with that, on week six, we'll probably be grilling at home. We need help......

Gearing up for a triple header!

2010-05-09T15:42:00.003-04:00

Yep, the years first 3 in a row. Green Lane, PA, Wilmingon, DE and Roc City, NY starting next Friday. Insanity? Maybe, but we are hoping to hit our stride soon. I'll be updating the website after each comp so check back weekly!

Gallbladder special

2010-05-06T20:33:00.001-04:00

Well, wound up in the ER on the last day of vacation in FL last Friday. Flew home Saturday and saw my local doctor. 2 days later and a visit to the surgeon and my gallbladder is now history. Just got home today. Hello percoset.

-- Jason 3 Eyz

New Podcast

2010-05-02T14:07:00.001-04:00

Check out Dan Mcgrath and Dan Hixon's podcast from Salisbury at:

http://hotsauceweekly.com

Its official

2010-04-18T11:13:00.003-04:00

That's Chris Hall on the left, better known as "Big Ugly" to many. This pick was taken at the Front Royal competition last October when Chris was helping 3Eyz. He also cooked with the team in Talledega and this last weekend in Salisbury (where we finshed 10th overall btw).

And, you'll be seeing MUCH more of him in the 3Eyz camp because he is now officially part of the 3Eyz team and business. Please feel free to haze him at future comps, congratulate him or offer your condolences.

We are very happy to have Chris on the team and look forward to another 17 or so comps this year!

Big D's Pizza and BBQ

2010-03-26T21:26:00.001-04:00

Check out the link on the right hand side to our leading retailer of BBQ rub. This place is selling it like hotcakes. And damn well they should, because its Dan Mc's shop. Stop over to get a pizza, try some great BBQ or just pick up some rub.

If you want a special treat, ask fr the 3Eyz BBQ platter!

Enjoy :)

"THE INCIDENT"

2010-03-26T20:43:00.004-04:00

So let me paint the picture.......

We drove 18hrs to get down to North Little Rock Arkansas. 3 of us, Chris, Daniel P and Dan H took 2 days off of work to go and compete against the best BBQ cooks in the world. And this wasn't just for bragging rights, this was the worlds richest bbq competition..... $100,000.00 in total prize money. This was, for lack of a better description, the shit. This was THE event, the time you want to shine.

So fast forward to Saturday morning. Everything was going ridiculously smooth. The smoker, hit its stride after 5 months of inactivity flawlessly. Temps were rock solid, meats were on target. The weather? Simply amazing. Chris and Daniel were well rested after a night in the hotel, Dan H, not in bad shape without having to fight the smoker. In a word, things were PERFECT.

So, it was quite the shock when a bit after 10am, the chicken (which had been meticulously trimmed, marinated, rubbed and shaped) hit the ground. All of it hit the ground, every piece. And the ground, no, it wasn't grass, nor dirt, nor pavement, but gravel! Without missing a beat, Dan H (who had been the one loading the chicken int the smoker) called for water, lots of it. In perfect sync, the members of 3eyz bbq rinsed, scrubbed, rinsed, scrubbed, rinsed, washed, dried, rubbed, shaped, and replaced the chicken on the rack. Time from ground to smoker? 12 minutes flat.

And it actually turned out good. 84th of out 238 teams. Overall, we finished 34. The lesson on this one? No, I'm not telling you to drop your chicken. But do not freak out, don't give up, don't throw in the towel. Make it work, no matter what.

The best part? Our neighbors gave us a bottle of rub. Written on the duct tape label was "3eyz chicken rub". In the bottle? You guessed it........gravel. I love BBQ people :)

2009 MABA Team of the Year!

2010-03-09T19:46:00.001-05:00

A terrible discovery....

2010-03-06T11:36:00.003-05:00

For those of you that haven't tried top shelf liquor - DON'T. Why? Well, once you taste a tequila like Patron, its impossible to go back to Cuervo. I tried last night, you know, to save money.....

Next time I think I'm going to do that, I'll save money by not buying anything. Ugghhh, nasty.

So, the lesson is, only go for those higher price bottles if your going to stay with those, otherwise, everything else is going to taste like crap.

Sorry, had to get that off my chest.....

Wow

2010-03-02T22:54:00.002-05:00

OK, so there has been a lack of posts recently. My bad. But what do you expect? I mean, it is the off season after all. That will soon be changing though as Little Rock is only a couple weeks away!

We are gearing up and will be ready to roll soon. And the team is restructured. What the heck does THAT mean? Hmmm, not ready to say. But rest assured, its a good thing! I will say this, the "official" unvailing will be in Salisbury, MD.

I've updated the website, and have 75% of the 2010 season listed. Looking like a total of 18 contests, man thats a lot of work.

So.....check back for updates, they will be rolling again!

Team of the Year Trophies!

2010-01-28T10:58:00.002-05:00

Dan Mc and Dan H with the awards from the KCBS Banquet in Philly. Thansk to VA BBQ Pirates for the pic!

Que and Cruz Video

2010-01-17T17:13:00.002-05:00

Check out this teaser from the guys at dM Works!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boJdA5tThLE&feature=player_embedded

New Retailer

2010-01-15T15:44:00.002-05:00

We are proud to announce our newest retailer - Ruff's Barbeque! Please check out his website and if in CO be sure to stop into his store.

http://ruffsbarbequeshoppe.com/index.html

2009-12-23T10:04:00.004-05:00

Darn, I mean...woohoo

2009-12-18T23:36:00.003-05:00

The truck is back! The insurance company of the other driver actually paid $9,350.00 for the truck to be repaired rather than total it. So, as you can tell, I'm thrilled :)

Now the big decision. Keep it, or trade it on on a bigger truck? Decisions, decisions......

RIP Mike Grudzinskas

2009-12-08T15:21:00.003-05:00

I saw some terrible news today. Mike from I Smell Smoke passed away Saturday in his sleep following the Arizona Contest. Although I didn't know Mike well, I shared some laughs with him and saw him at many a contest. My thoughts are with him, his family and ISS.

Thanks to WooDoggies for the pic of Mike at the 2009 Jack.

Fairway BBQ - New Retailer

2009-12-03T09:34:00.001-05:00

So new in fact, that the rub is still on its way. Keep an eye out for this site as he is just getting cranking with a new store. Please check in periodically - link on the right and here:

www.fairwaybbq.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T17:11:00.000-05:00

Some hidden press

2009-11-22T19:03:00.001-05:00

Tracy ran accross this today. If your reading Scott Wykoff, thanks for following the team!

http://scottwykoff.wbal.com/2009/10/bbq-dreams.html

ByeBye Blue Pickemup Truck

2009-11-19T20:16:00.001-05:00

hmmm. any coincidence Dan's "beloved bbq truck" sported my team trailer hitch cover? Or was it really my beloved blue pickemup truck?? :(

A sad, sad day

2009-11-18T20:29:00.005-05:00

My beloved BBQ truck. It survived countless BBQ competitions. Mud, rain, heat, cold, no problem. Hauling countless pounds of gear to local comps and out to KC. It stood up to everything. It even carried the Titans (Tracy is a fan) hitch cover without complaint. But today, a Goliath (actually a Tacoma, but a Goliath sounds better), fell victim to an automobile accident. Is it terminal? dunno, but the axle is smashed, the front bumper disintegrated, wheels busted and tires shreaded. We are awaiting the official diagnosis.

For me? Why a brand spanking new tattoo the shape of a seatbelt! And it hurts, really hurts, but I'll live I think. But I do want to say thank you to the inventor of seatbelts, saved my hide today.

Another New Retailer!

2009-11-17T12:54:00.001-05:00

3Eyz Rub will be available very soon at Tarheel Fireplace and Grill. Please check them out!

http://tarheelfireplaceandgrill.com/

Thinking Back

2009-11-10T20:17:00.007-05:00

So, last March we started the season in Little Rock, AR. Prior to that we had a catering gig in St. Louis, so we had to buy our comp meats in St. Louis rather than bring our own from Maryland. The weather was looking to be cold and rainy, so we decided to do our prep the night before. The problem? We were staying in a hotel! Dan Mc asked the hotel manager if we could use the kitchen and the answer was NO. So, we decided to improvise.......

The moral of the story. Well, do what you need to do. OR, next time your at a hotel, wash your hands when you hit that light switch :)

P.S. We did clean up well, but there still was a giant sack of trimmings in the trash!

5-0 BBQ - New Retailer

2009-11-07T15:26:00.001-05:00

3EyzBBQ is pleased to announce another new retailer!

5-0 BBQ

You can visit them via the link on the side of the page, or here:
http://5-0bbq.com/

Say WHAT?

2009-11-05T21:30:00.001-05:00

Yep, Tracy is putting up the Christmas tree. Just checked the calendar and it is in fact November 5th.

Really? Yes, really.......

New Retailer!

2009-11-02T13:32:00.001-05:00

3EyzBBQ is pleased to announce a new retailer:

Central Meats in Chesapeake, VA

You can visit them via the link on the side of the page, or here:

http://www.centralmeats.com/

Finished

2009-11-01T17:29:00.002-05:00

All done for the season. Damn I'm tired.

Finished 7th in ribs and 7th overall in the Mud-A-Que in Talladega, AL. Great experience, but 3 in a row with 2 travel comps and I'm pretty beat up.

BIG thanks to Chris from Big Ugly BBQ for doing the comp with me and driving the entire way. Some pics to follow soon.

Talladega

2009-10-30T17:35:00.002-04:00

Friday at Talladega. 108 teams is the official word. Weather is holding up ok, just breezy and about 66. Visited briefly with Chix Swine and Bovine BBQ and walked around some of the track vendors. This is certainlt one cool event. There is even a F-16 here sitting on the ground. Pretty neat.

2009-10-29T22:18:00.001-04:00

Many teams here already. Track is a zoo. Never seen so many RV's, very impressive. Planning on heading back to site at 11am tommorrow. Will post some updates..

2009-10-29T22:17:00.001-04:00

@Talladega. Dropped trailer, got dinner and checked in the hotel. Mmmmm Patron nightcap! Chris passed out already-drove the whole way, wow...

Dan - 3eyzbbq

2009-10-25T09:25:00.001-04:00

I'm back from the Jack. Now I'm going to check all the forums, unpack, repack, catch up on work and get ready for Tallegega in a couple days. Wow, busy, busy!

2009-10-23T17:55:00.000-04:00

-- Jason 3 Eyz

TP?

2009-10-22T11:04:00.001-04:00

Best text ever. Sitting at the airport waiting to board flight. Dan sends me text: "pick up real TP". Apparently spot a pot provided tp ain't gonna cut it. Lynchburg here I come!!

-- Jason 3 Eyz

2009-10-21T23:47:00.001-04:00

On the road!

Almost time

2009-10-21T10:55:00.002-04:00

To head to the Jack that is. Trying to wrap up work and then will be leaving town this evening. Dan Mc will be the primary driver and will be undoubtedly powered by Monster, caffeine and 5 hour energy drinks. Dan H will attempt to stay awake.

I have to be honest. Nervous as hell. This is the big one, the one you hope to get into. I hear lots of stuff like "just enjoy it", "take it all in", "your a winner just being there". etc. I have trouble with stuff like that. I'm very competative, and I ain't going to sight see. All I can do is cook our best food and hope for the best.

Thank you all for the well wishes, they mean a lot!!

Rain for the Jack!

2009-10-18T15:51:00.001-04:00

Yes, I do believe its true. I think we'll be bringing the rain for the Jack to keep our streak alive. Timing is uncertain but looks like Hurrican Rick will be providing the moisture.

Crazy Weather!

2009-10-18T09:23:00.003-04:00

As if yesterday's soggy mess wasn't enough... I woke up this morning around 6am... and this is what I found! It's October 18th! Why is there SNOW on my deck???? This has gotta be the most bizarre weather year ever! (Sorry the pic quality sucks.. taken with my blackberry in the dark..lol) I had to take the pic, in case it melted before Dan gets up... so I can prove it really did SNOW!

Random BBQ pics from this year!

2009-10-18T09:19:00.003-04:00

Dr Tom prepping for Front Royal!

My sister Wendy, my Mom, and Dan's dad at Front Royal

Me, my Mom and Sister at Front Royal ( Their first Comp!)

Will, Dan and X at Pickin in the Panhandle

GAB Rub Trophy.... Finally came in the mail!

2009-10-18T09:18:00.002-04:00

Reserve Grand Trophy Dover 2009

2009-10-18T09:15:00.000-04:00

Dover 2009!!!

2009-10-18T08:24:00.003-04:00

SO aside from being a soggy freezing mess, I had a good time at Dover with the "Dan's". Me, my Dan, and Dan Mc competed in the beautiful Dover Delaware comp this weekend, and amidst the TLC filming crews and some of the big dogs of BBQ we made out very well! We took reserve Grand Champion! The trophy is about as big as I am, I will attach a pic later. First place went to Ocean City Pig Assassins! I must say my beautiful boxes have got to be the driving force beind our wins....LOL!

May I mention, I really need to see some sunshine? Me and Snoop are about to go postal if we can't get some Vitamin S soon!!

So this was my last comp of the season, Dan has the Jack next weekend and Talladega the following weekend... which means I am about 3 weeks away from getting my living room back!!!!

Wooohooooo!

Owings Mills Times Article

2009-10-14T12:27:00.001-04:00

http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/community/102238/grill-seekers/

Surprise!

2009-10-14T09:39:00.000-04:00

Dover forecast. RAIN and COLD. Thats 3Eyz weather right there!

Pic From Seaside Heights, NJ

2009-10-13T15:03:00.002-04:00

Chris, Casey and Dan H
Congrats go to Big Ugly on their RGC!

A nasty surprise

2009-10-10T20:49:00.002-04:00

OK, you competition guys will understand this. For everybody else, I apologize.

So I open the fridge and there before me is one of my "Jack" briskets turning brown from a blown cryovac. WTF! I bust out the brisket, grab the vac sealer and get to work. But it ain't trimmed and my bags barely fit around it, resulting in a monumental struggle. Then what? I cut the damn bag too short. So, I have to try again. This time I get it right, the brisket is now triple wrapped and sealed once. The final fix? I mark it as a "Dover" brisket and pour myself a drink.

Big news? Probably not, but damn aggravating to say the least. That why I'm sharing :)

Random Thoughts...

2009-10-10T12:32:00.003-04:00

Well this week at work has been rough and I have slacked off on packing and organizing for the next 3 weekends, but that is what tomorrow morning is for. Hard to believe that Dover, DE is next week (81 teams I hear) and that the "Jack" is right after that. Oh and after those 2, I have Talledega. So, no more 36 team contests for me this year, it gets even harder from here on out.

I have also been very surprised and pleased to see that our KCBS rank is up to 5th in ribs and 20th overall. Of course that will fluctuate and who knows where we will finish, but it is amazing we ever even got on that list. There are some pretty elite teams on that top 25!

With the season ending soon the nerves are coming back and that is a good thing. Keeps me on my toes. I'll keep you all updated with results.

Front Royal, VA

2009-10-04T09:15:00.002-04:00

Dan H and Chris from Big Ugly's BBQ accepting the GC trophy yesterday. (Thanks to Tom Adams for the pic)

Front Royal, VA

2009-10-01T09:51:00.002-04:00

Gearing up for Front Royal, VA this weekend. I'll have Chris from Big Ugly helping me this time and Tracy will also be there Friday. I'm told Mutha Chicken will be around for Dover in 2 weeks, we'll see if he's still in competition shape!

Yep, the forecast calls for rain again, but we'll be prepared as always. We are also entering a peoples choice category which I'm pretty sure is a first for us. It'll be pork blind tasting and the butt is supplied, so why not right? And $500 for first place is pretty decent.

So, no American Royal this weekend, instead Front Royal will have to do!

Comfort

2009-09-30T20:34:00.003-04:00

Comfort and Competitions don't exactly mix for the 3 Eyz team. While others are chilling in big RV's or pull in with a trailer full of goodies, we usually have a pickup truck of supplies to get the job done. Next season, that may change. So far, its the little things that make a difference.

This past weekend at Seaside Heights, NJ I experienced a first. Now I've done quite a few competitions in the 4 years I've been competing and never have I seen a flushable port-a-potty. Yea, you got it, I'm blogging about a crapper. Well before you laugh, this crapper had an LED solar powered light for when its dark, flowers in it for your feminine side, a sink, air freshener, copious TP and a floor lever to release the stuff to the abyss. Pretty friggin cool if you ask me.

The achilles heel? Well it leaks when raining. Oh well, it seemed perfect!

I'll even give them a free plug;
http://www.johnnyonthespot.com/celebrity_restrooms.php

And the result is......

2009-09-27T19:19:00.002-04:00

Big Ugly Reserve Grand Champs out of a 28 team field. Wow!

And in case your wondering, yes, we got about 2 inches of rain. Sound like a broken record?

NJ Weather

2009-09-25T09:16:00.001-04:00

The streak continues! Or is forecasted to at least. Here is the weekend forecast for Seaside Heights, NJ.

Saturday Night: Rain likely, mainly after 11pm. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind around 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday: Showers likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. East wind 10 to 16 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible

Yay, another inch of rain. Its been good luck so far......

Seaside Heights NJ

2009-09-21T10:52:00.002-04:00

I am in the midst of prepping for one heck of a contest weekend. I'll be heading to Seaside Heights, NJ to give Big Ugly's BBQ a hand at the Saturday/Sunday KCBS contest. But the prep is outright ridiculous. Instead of bringing all my comp supplies, worrying about prepping all the meat and finding garnish and help for the weekend, I am going to have to pack the truck with one cooler, drinks and some rub to sell. I'm thinking the zero gravity chair is also a must.

Ahhhhh, no worries for a change. Maybe I'll actually bring a camera and take some pictures, that would be different!

And in other news, gearing up for October. 4 contests, yikes. My basement already looks like a convenience store stocked with paper towels, sauces, charcoal, etc. The first October contest will be Front Royal, VA. Much closer than the American Royal that same weekend and looking forward to it.

Restaurant Depot

2009-09-19T15:09:00.003-04:00

I now have a card for Restaurant Depot. Wow, I can do some serious damage at that place. And next time, I'm bringing a jacket, so I can properly peruse the walk in without freezing. Can't wait to find a reason to go back. I'm sure I'll think of something :)

Wedding Day

2009-09-15T13:25:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to send a congratulations to my cousin Donnie and his bride to be Pam. They are getting married this Friday. I'll be in the wedding as well as my little guy as one of the ring bearers. Donnie has always been a big supporter of the team, coming out to several competitions (some as far as several hours away). So much, so they are giving out bottles of our rub as wedding favors!!! Congrats to both of them and here's to a healthy and happy life together!

Sharing a nice email

2009-09-14T10:47:00.005-04:00

"Hey Guys,

I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to talk to my daughter and I at the Pickin in the Panhandle. It made all the difference. We took 3rd in Chicken and 3rd in Ribs for 2nd Overall. We really had a great weekend thanks in large part to meeting you guys and your generosity with your time. Hope to see you again. Take care.

Brian and Kelly
Hoos Smokin"

**Brian and Kelly - CONGRATS! We hope to see you at a KCBS contest soon, Great Pic!! - Dan H

Our first international visitor!

2009-09-13T20:59:00.001-04:00

From Ho Chi Minh City, China. Greetings and welcome to 3 Eyz BBQ!

I know that because of the neat little thing on the bottom right hand side of the page......