My North Carolina buddy Tommy Teague is a passionate backyard grill master. Cooking with him at his 40th birthday party inspired me to scale back ingredients to maximize flavor.

We barbecued pork butts with just salt, pepper, and cayenne, along with a killer mop sauce.  That was the spark that inspired this book. My focus here is on technique rooted in campfire cooking. I love this book, and feel especially proud about how it all came together.

Come see me this summer!

Wednesday, May 23 – Birmingham, Alabama

6:00 p.m. Bottega, 2240 Highland Avenue South; Reservations: info@bottegarestaurant.com

Friday, June 8 – Greenwood, Mississippi

6:00 p.m. Turnrow Book Company; Reservations: 662-453-5995

Saturday, June 9 – Charlotte, North Carolina

Sunday, June 10 – Chicago, Illinois

1:45 p.m. Better Homes & Gardens’ Chill & Grill Festival, Main Stage, Waveland Park

Sunday, June 10 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

6:00 p.m. Bacchus Restaurant, 925 East Wells; Reservations: 414-765-1166;

Tuesday, June 12 – Dallas, Texas

6:30 p.m. Central Market, 5750 E. Lovers Lane

Wednesday, June 13 - Austin, Texas

6:30 p.m. Central Market, 4001 North Lamar Boulevard

Thursday, June 14 – Houston, Texas

6:30 p.m. Central Market, 3815 Westheimer Road

Friday, June 15 – St. Louis, Missouri

12:00 p.m. Mike Shannon’s Outfield, 620 Market Street

7:00 p.m. Left Bank Books Downtown, 321 N. 10^th Street

Saturday, June 16 – Oxford, Mississippi

5:00 p.m. Off Square Books, 160 Courthouse Square

6:00 p.m. City Grocery, 152 Courthouse Square; Reservations: 662-232-8080

Thursday, July 19 – VANCOUVER, British Columbia

6:00 p.m. Le Crocodile , 909 Burrard Street; Reservations: 604-688-6755

Saturday, July 21 – SAN FRANCISCO, California

3:00 p.m. Omnivore Books, 3885 Cesar Chavez Street ; 415-282-4712