The Chicago Meat Collective is teaming up with Shawn Smith and Mike Shaker at Heffer BBQ to (finally!) bring you a class on smoked meats! Shawn and Mike will talk through fire building and maintenance, different styles of smokers (from their massive offset smoker used for the restaurant, to home-style smokers like the Weber Smokey Mountain, plus why Green Eggs are overrated!), and walk through the diverse offerings on Heffer BBQ's menu.
Class will include detailed demonstration of trimming and prepping a variety of cuts for the smoker, discussion and demonstration of how to maintain heat and proper airflow in different styles of smokers, a tasting of some of Heffer's offerings, and a drink ticket to cash in at Whiner Beer for each participant.
The CMC is doing things a little differently in 2025! We will be offering quarterly, long form workshops, each focused on a different protein. These will be in-depth, feature sessions by collaborators including local chefs and butchers, and include meals and refreshments. Each workshop will include hands-on butchery instruction with a small class size, as always! Our next workshop will be in April 2025 and will feature lamb. Keep an eye out for tickets!
In the meantime, if you’re looking to learn from us, please reach out to mccullough@chicagomeatcollective.com to inquire about private classes. You can view some private class options here.
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Earlier Event: August 10
Driftless Weekend
Later Event: August 24
Beef Primal Series - Loin