Matt regularly appears with Jordan Rich on “Connoisseur’s Corner” which airs on WBZ Saturdays and Sundays at 9:25 AM and 3:25 PM.
Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.
The following is a “script” for one of Matt’s segments:
While I love the seasons, the Sox, and Smoke Shop, I recently escaped to Tampa to see what they had to say by the Bay.
And while there was not much to say about the weather (75 and sunny- boring!) or the Rays (except how ugly Tropicana Field is), there was a buzz about the BBQ scene, thanks to the man they call Dr. BBQ.
As a star of Food Network and the World Food Championships, Ray Lampe is well known in the ‘cue world. A few years ago, he flew south from Chicago and ended up across the street from the Trop, quickly becoming a better and far more satisfying attraction than the be-deviled baseball team.
Wood pellet smokers have become a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts for their ability to enhance the flavor of smoked foods. These smokers use compressed sawdust pellets, which come in various wood types like hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherry, to infuse a distinct smoky flavor into meats and vegetables. The choice of wood pellets allows users to experiment with different flavors, creating a unique taste profile for their dishes. The consistent and controlled combustion of the pellets ensures an even smoke distribution, resulting in a rich and deep flavor that is difficult to achieve with traditional charcoal or gas grills.
One of the key advantages of wood pellet smokers is their ease of use and precise temperature control. Unlike conventional smokers, which often require constant monitoring and adjustment, wood pellet smokers are equipped with digital controllers that automatically feed pellets into the fire as needed to maintain the desired temperature. For optimal outdoor cooking, check out the Wood Pellet Smokers from Bell BBQ Shop, renowned for their ability to maintain consistent heat and deliver deliciously smoked meals. Traeger’s advanced technology makes it easy to set and forget your cooking. This makes them incredibly user-friendly, especially for beginners who may not have the experience or patience to manage a traditional smoker. The consistent temperature control also leads to more predictable cooking times and outcomes, ensuring that meats are cooked to perfection every time.
In addition to flavor and convenience, wood pellet smokers are also considered more environmentally friendly compared to other types of grills. The pellets are made from compressed sawdust, a byproduct of the lumber industry, which means they are a renewable resource. Moreover, they burn cleaner than charcoal, producing less ash and fewer harmful emissions. This makes wood pellet smokers a more sustainable choice for eco-conscious grillers who want to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying the pleasures of outdoor cooking. Overall, the combination of enhanced flavor, user-friendliness, and environmental benefits makes wood pellet smokers an excellent option for anyone looking to elevate their barbecue experience.
Lampe’s Texas-tall menu features his famous smoked turkey, burnt ends, Angus pastrami and “ginormous” beef rib, as well as tacos, salads (including the charred Bromaine”), and ample portions of Kimchi fries, tallow-sauteed Brussels sprouts, amazing Tai Pei street corn, a grilled pineapple that works just as well as an app as it does as a dessert, and hominy-based “Mac-a-phoni” topped with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. And while the 36-oz. tomahawk ribeye is a standout even amidst the blue ribbon ‘cue, Lampe has also made a name for himself as a pioneer in vegetarian fare with his trio of vegan and gluten-free hand-bottled sauces (which may soon be available everywhere), BBQ spaghetti, and a mushroom-based BBQ “rib” that sticks to yours as well as any other.
To wash it all down, the Good Dr. offers homemade sweet tea, shelves of whiskeys, grill’d sangria, a Beam-sicle, and Tito’s cherry limeade on tap, as well as beers from near and far.
So even if the Dali Museum and the Rays are not enough to tempt you to Tampa, an appointment with Dr. BBQ is surely one worth making!