Wordless Wednesday

Wood in New York City

I don't know if I want to reveal this.

But it is Christmastime.

No, I want this to be my secret. It's hard enough to find in Brooklyn.

But if more people know about it, then more people will buy it and it'll be more likely that the store will continue to stock it.

Oh, alright. Here goes....

Eagle Provisions, 628 5th Ave Brooklyn NY 11215 718-499-0026, besides stocking one of the largest and most diverse beer selections in New York, is selling Wicked Good Charcoal and wood chunks and chips from The Woodman!

I picked up some cherry wood - 3lbs for $7.99. They also stock hickory, oak, apple, olive, alder, wine barrel staves, ash and many more. No more searching the tri-state area looking for wood. I've found my source, even if it is a tad expensive.

Now I need to go cook something!

Photos of Eagle Provisions courtesy of Erin Zimmer and Serious Eats New York

Willie B's - Bayshore's Finest

Yesterday I paid a rare visit to Willie B's Award Wining BBQ located at 222 Fifth Ave., Bayshore, NY 11706 and I'm glad I did. Wilie B's has long been on my list of recommended restaurants and I haven't been out there since before my car accident in April. Willie has some of the best chicken, brisket and ribs on Long Island and I encourage you to stop in and try it out.

And, he's now selling Wicked Good Charcoal. Wicked Good is something of a legend in the New York and New England BBQ circles and I think this is the only place on Long Island where it can be purchased at the retail level. In addition to the charcoal, Will's also selling hard wood for smoking. You can buy oak, maple, cherry and even olive. Olive? Olive.

Father's Day Recommendations

OK boys and girls, Sunday is Father's Day. Does dear old dad like to grill or barbecue? Still don't know what to get him? Well, I have a few recommendations for the outdoor cook.

• A Weber Charcoal Chimney Starter. It's only about $10 and will allow dad to light the fire without charcoal lighter. He'll notice a huge improvement in taste of his finished product.
• A year's subscription to The National BBQ News. This newsletter covers the barbecue circuit, has some great recipes and is one of my must reads.
  
• Paul Kirk's Championship Barbecue Sauces: 175 Make-Your-Own Sauces, Marinades, Dry Rubs, Wet Rubs, Mops, and Salsas. A cookbook? Yup a cookbook for Dad. This is one of my fall back books and I can't recommend it enough. It's so much more than a cookbook, it actually teaches you how to create your own recipes.
• Looking for a gas grill? Take a look at the Charbroil TEC Series. I truly believe you can't find a better gas grill for the price. I've written two reviews about the grill, which you can check out here and here.
• Looking for a charcoal grill? Take a look at the famous Weber Kettle. It's a classic and worth every penny. Be sure and buy Dad the larger 22 1/2" model. It's a much more versatile piece of equipment than the smaller version.
  
• Believe it or not, I'd be thrilled if my kids bought me some real charcoal or hard wood for cooking. The instant light stuff, well, it's another four letter word that can't be used on a family blog. The real stuff is cheaper and better. Don't know which charcoal to buy? Take a look at The Naked Whiz. He reviews and tests all the brands.
• If you're looking to really impress the old man and your pockets are deep, why not consider purchasing him A Big Green Egg, Primo or a Kamado? They are a unique Japanese inspired ceramic grill that can do everything from cold smoke to grill pizzas. Not too many Dads have one and he'll be the envy of the neighborhood.
  

And finally, just be good to Dad on Father's Day. He needs a break, even if he denies it.