05-19-2024 Harford Magazine - Flipbook - Page 38
‘SLOW
& LOW’
Barbecue experts share tips
for your summer cookout
BY AMANDA YEAGER Harford Magazine
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBARA HADDOCK TAYLOR
T
uffy Stone began his culinary career in a French kitchen, focusing on
haute cuisine. But he’s probably better known for his skills in a more
humble arena: the barbecue pit.
You may recognize Stone from his appearances on the reality show
“BBQ Pitmasters,” where he travels the country competing in barbecuing contests
with his team, Cool Smoke. His knowledge of the craft and attention to detail have
earned him the nickname “The Professor.”
Stone was in Bel Air in October for the MD State BBQ Bash, an annual
competition and street festival that assembles professional and amateur barbecue
teams for a day filled with smoke, live entertainment, prizes and, of course, some
top-notch barbecue. Stone took home the top prize.
With another summer of grilling and barbecuing on the horizon, we spoke with
the pitmaster and some other local barbecue pros for their tips and tricks on how
to achieve fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender brisket and perfectly smoked pit beef.
First Sergeant’s BBQ
David Crump spent 30 years in the Army, rising in the ranks to sergeant major
before retiring from the service. His favorite position, however, was as a first
sergeant tasked with leading and training soldiers.
“He bonds the unit,” Crump said of the first sergeant’s role. “That was the best
job I had in the military.”
Crump strives to create a similar sense of community at First Sergeant’s BBQ,
the restaurant he runs with his two daughters, Jessica and Vanessa, at Aberdeen
Proving Ground. Between smoking ribs, pulled pork and chicken legs, he walks
the dining room, lobbing jokes at fellow servicemen and women and checking in
on veterans who have become regular customers.
Jessica Crump, general manager at First Sergeant’s BBQ, puts barbecue sauce on a pulled
chicken sandwich. The restaurant is located on Aberdeen Proving Ground.
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| Summer 2024 | harfordmagazine.com