BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Miscellaneous Topics => General Discussions => Topic started by: squirtthecat on January 11, 2010, 08:33:03 AM

Title: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 11, 2010, 08:33:03 AM
"Cajun family hopes to bring their cooking secret to the world"

http://www.herald-review.com/news/local/article_7a14f14f-0366-517a-9f43-629a1a04aca7.html

I've just started seeing his Soileau's Bayou Blend and Chili seasonings in the local stores.  Will have to pick up a few to try out!

[edit]

Blogspot link until they get a real website up and running.

http://www.thebayoublend.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: FLBentRider on January 11, 2010, 08:49:48 AM
Nice story.

I'll look in my stores.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: KyNola on January 11, 2010, 09:39:36 AM
Neat story Squirt.

Thanks for sending it along.

KyNola
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: dbondy on January 11, 2010, 11:02:11 AM
Kool story STC, thanks for sharing it. :)
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 11, 2010, 06:51:43 PM
Squirt, where did you see it at?
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 11, 2010, 07:00:32 PM
Quote from: hal4uk on January 11, 2010, 06:51:43 PM
Squirt, where did you see it at?


County Market.   Both on Monroe on Veterans... 
Just a little container w/ a guy in a black Indiana Jones hat.  Couldn't figure out where it came from.

Worth a try!
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 11, 2010, 08:04:52 PM
Ya'all know what I'm gonna do!!! Give this lad a little help if he's interested. Why?? Cause its the neighborly thing to do.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Quarlow on January 11, 2010, 08:15:04 PM
So what ya gonna do for the man? Ya goin' ta buy a case or three.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 11, 2010, 08:20:47 PM
Quote from: Quarlow on January 11, 2010, 08:15:04 PM
So what ya gonna do for the man? Ya goin' ta buy a case or three.
I gonna be getting me a bottle or two of each and do a little review and give the Man some world wide exposure via our handy little newsletter. Hopefully help his sales a wee bit.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Quarlow on January 11, 2010, 08:29:51 PM
You the man Ten.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Gizmo on January 11, 2010, 08:50:06 PM
I am going to have to make a call as well. 
I know a couple of Soileau's here in SoCal that are transplants from Louisiana as well.  I sent one of them an email to see if they are related and passed along the link to the news article. 
They are my link to the annual LSU Crawfish Boil.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 11, 2010, 08:50:37 PM
TP - I'm gonna get some anyway at CM - you want me to send you some?
(at least I'm gonna TRY - if enough people around here read that, they might clean out the shelves)
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: FLBentRider on January 12, 2010, 03:05:43 AM
Quote from: hal4uk on January 11, 2010, 08:50:37 PM
TP - I'm gonna get some anyway at CM - you want me to send you some?
(at least I'm gonna TRY - if enough people around here read that, they might clean out the shelves)

You might be sending us ALL some...
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 12, 2010, 04:42:03 AM
Quote from: hal4uk on January 11, 2010, 08:50:37 PM
TP - I'm gonna get some anyway at CM - you want me to send you some?
(at least I'm gonna TRY - if enough people around here read that, they might clean out the shelves)

I'm going grab a few bottles today...  The store down from our office has it.  Not sure if they have the chili seasoning or not.

Hal, the CM on Veterans has it on an end cap, down past the deli. (with all the Riley's stuff)

Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 12, 2010, 03:38:14 PM

I picked up 3 batches each of the Bayou Classic seasoning, and his chili seasoning mix.

Had a taste of the BC seasoning...  It's really good!   Has a nice ZING to it.   Can't identify what all is in it...  (ingredients listed as salt, cayenne, and 'spices')


Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 12, 2010, 04:17:17 PM
WHERE THE HECK DID YOU GET IT?????

I made a special trip to County Market...
I was going to buy a BUNCH of it.

All I could find was the Chili Seasoning....
It was in a TINY packet for $5.69!!!

I have a couple of bucks in my pocket, but it's the principle of the thing...
That's RIDICULOUS!
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 12, 2010, 04:26:18 PM

I found it at that Country Market on Wabash.   I'll look at the CM near the office.  I know they have it.

Looking at the prices now...   About 30 cents more than you saw.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 12, 2010, 04:29:19 PM
Are you kidding me????
For that tiny packet of CUMIN?
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: FLBentRider on January 12, 2010, 04:33:56 PM
How about a pic ?
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 12, 2010, 04:37:55 PM

Chili seasoning was the same price as the bottle seasoning...

$5.99 each.


Cut him some slack..   This dude doesn't have a McCormick factory cranking this stuff out.



Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 12, 2010, 04:38:25 PM
Quote from: FLBentRider on January 12, 2010, 04:33:56 PM
How about a pic ?

One moment!   Setting up the shot now...
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 12, 2010, 04:39:38 PM
This is turning out to be quite the review right here.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 12, 2010, 04:46:58 PM

QuoteHow about a pic ?

Sorry - can't do the 'macro' mode on my camera for some reason..

Here we go.

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CbvAIVzmFFM/S00Xkrpo5gI/AAAAAAABC5s/6y_vJQKOcRU/s800/DSC00271.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CbvAIVzmFFM/S00XmhgvtSI/AAAAAAABC58/w6TnlFVOkwg/s800/DSC00272.JPG)

Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 12, 2010, 04:49:16 PM
Quote from: Tenpoint5 on January 12, 2010, 04:39:38 PM
This is turning out to be quite the review right here.

You should see us when we've been drinking and cooking..   :D
No worries, it's all good.

I know when Hal gets off work, and the traffic he had to fight his way through to get to that store - only to not find what he wanted.  :o
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 12, 2010, 04:52:25 PM
I thought I was cutting him some slack...   :-\
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 12, 2010, 04:53:34 PM
I see that would be $1.71 an ounce is this something we want to pursue or do you guys think it might be too expensive for the average user?
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 12, 2010, 04:58:34 PM
That was exactly my thinking...
Of course, Squirt might slap me (while I'm warming up the pork butt he gave me in the oven)   ;D
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: FLBentRider on January 12, 2010, 05:00:47 PM
To be honest I'm not sure I'd fork over $6.00 for the SECOND package....

Chili is somewhat about doin' it on the cheap... cheap meat, etc...

I used to use the Wick Fowler mix, found a clone on the 'net.... a tweak here or there... now I can probably make a batch of my chili mix for under $2.00 worth of spices and that makes a gallon.

but I'd still TRY the $6.00 chili mix.

And who knows, maybe the retailers saw the same article you did. Around here they call that gouging....

OTH, if they are flying off the shelves at that price... what is the marketing-speak... "whatever the market will bear"
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 12, 2010, 05:05:58 PM
On the package it read cumin, chili pepper, salt, corn starch, garlic...
I'm sure it's good.  I love cumin in my chili.  That's why I have a monster JUG of it in the cabinet.

I knew (being a small shop) that a tiny 89 cent packet would probably be $2 or $3...
But $5.69?

It just seems like he wouldn't get many sales no matter what.
Heck, I wanted to help the guy out...
Doesn't that seem way too high?  Is it just me?
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 12, 2010, 05:11:47 PM
FL, if they ARE flying off the shelves at $6 a smidgen...
Keep your eye out for "Squirt and Bubba's El Fantastico Premium Whatver-You-Want mix"...
A mere $1 an ounce...  Come and get it!

Of course, we'll have to say we're livin' in Squirt's hoopty for the press release.

Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 12, 2010, 05:15:59 PM

I agree, It is expensive.   I thought I was paying a lot at this little Mom & Pop place. (everything there was pricey)


I will give it a shot..   I'm doing the chili cookoff thing for MrsSTC's school (No Swine Left Behind), so I'll dump it in and tape the label to the list of ingredients we are supposed to publish.

The bottle of seasoning is good - I will give him that!

Will employ 2 impartial judges to further comment on it in the near future...
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 12, 2010, 05:19:53 PM
After a conversation on the phone with Mr. Soileau. I will be holding off on doing a review of his product in the newsletter. He is currently unable to meet a high demand if it should come. Once his new building is complete he will contact me and we will proceed from there.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: FLBentRider on January 12, 2010, 05:21:21 PM
Well you go Tenpoint5...

Nice little bit O' research there.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 12, 2010, 05:38:00 PM

Good plan, Chris.

Suffice to say, I bought *all* that this little Mom & Pop store had in stock..
(a whopping 3 of each)

Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 12, 2010, 05:44:31 PM
Mmmm.
Awrighten.

Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 13, 2010, 06:36:53 PM

Since Hal couldn't find a bottle of this stuff yesterday, and had a minor meltdown in the process, I ran one by after work today...   

(neat book by the way, what ever are you planning?)

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CbvAIVzmFFM/S06A8GCq_sI/AAAAAAABC9s/Vf_WRdMNK_g/s800/0113101633-01.jpg)


Now I know why he was grousing about the price.   He's saving up for this coming Summer's NATURAL GAS BILL!!

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CbvAIVzmFFM/S06A6djr3cI/AAAAAAABC9k/tCSrnZ7mYwM/s800/0113101633-00.jpg)


HOLY MOLEY!
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: classicrockgriller on January 13, 2010, 06:40:31 PM
That thing is off the chain!

News Flash! There is no heat in the city tonite cause hal is cookin.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 13, 2010, 06:41:01 PM
Minor?  I think they call it a conniption fit.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 13, 2010, 06:48:10 PM
Quote from: classicrockgriller on January 13, 2010, 06:40:31 PM
That thing is off the chain!

News Flash! There is no heat in the city tonite cause hal is cookin.

Yeah!

Now get your butt up here and help us wrestle it in place.  The friggin' grates alone (they split into 6 sections) are every bit of 5-7 pounds each
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: classicrockgriller on January 13, 2010, 06:54:55 PM
If I was there at least there would be two of you guys workin.

I'll hold the Beer!
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on January 13, 2010, 06:59:47 PM
Nice looking grill there Hal!

Now fire that bad boy up and get rid of this cold weather!  ;D
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 13, 2010, 07:01:15 PM
Quote from: classicrockgriller on January 13, 2010, 06:54:55 PM
If I was there at least there would be two of you guys workin.

I'll hold the Beer!

We'll take all the help we can get  :D
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 13, 2010, 07:03:07 PM
Quote from: HawkeyeSmokes on January 13, 2010, 06:59:47 PM
Nice looking grill there Hal!

Now fire that bad boy up and get rid of this cold weather!  ;D

I wish it was that easy...
Ohhh.. Geee... "Built-In"...
It's pencil-sharpening time...
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 13, 2010, 07:26:57 PM
Quote from: hal4uk on January 13, 2010, 07:03:07 PM
Quote from: HawkeyeSmokes on January 13, 2010, 06:59:47 PM
Nice looking grill there Hal!

Now fire that bad boy up and get rid of this cold weather!  ;D

I wish it was that easy...
Ohhh.. Geee... "Built-In"...
It's pencil-sharpening time...

Don't forget the power supply for the LEDs and headlights. (and 4.5' rotisserie rod :o)


Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: classicrockgriller on January 13, 2010, 07:30:14 PM
You could roast a midget on that thing!
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: HawkeyeSmokes on January 13, 2010, 07:36:56 PM
Quote from: classicrockgriller on January 13, 2010, 07:30:14 PM
You could roast a midget on that thing!

A midget and a goat!

Hmm, a tiny cabrito roast!  ;D
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 13, 2010, 07:45:01 PM
Quote from: classicrockgriller on January 13, 2010, 07:30:14 PM
You could roast a midget on that thing!

Naw...  Gotta save the midgets.  ;D
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 13, 2010, 07:45:17 PM
It is insanely huge...    260 pounds shipping weight.   72,000 BTUs.

I can't wait to burn the hair off of my hands/wrists/forearms sous chef-ing at his next big party!


Hal, we're gonna need some longer tongs...
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: classicrockgriller on January 13, 2010, 07:52:37 PM
Good God, not you two in longer tongs.

I can't look. ;D
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 13, 2010, 07:58:06 PM
Quote from: squirtthecat on January 13, 2010, 07:45:17 PM
It is insanely huge...    260 pounds shipping weight.   72,000 BTUs.

I can't wait to burn the hair off of my hands/wrists/forearms sous chef-ing at his next big party!


Hal, we're gonna need some longer tongs...


CRG has a point...
We'll worry about beach tongs later...

For now..  If you see a plump waddling critter on the road...
TAKE AIM.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Tiny Tim on January 13, 2010, 08:05:02 PM
Quote from: hal4uk on January 13, 2010, 07:58:06 PM


For now..  If you see a plump waddling critter on the road...
TAKE AIM.


Hey, hey, hey....leave me outta this.














;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: squirtthecat on January 13, 2010, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: hal4uk on January 13, 2010, 07:58:06 PM
CRG has a point...
We'll worry about beach tongs later...

For now..  If you see a plump waddling critter on the road...
TAKE AIM.

I can easily see 6 of those 89 cent/pound fryer chickens fitting on that rotisserie rod..
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 13, 2010, 08:22:53 PM
Quote from: squirtthecat on January 13, 2010, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: hal4uk on January 13, 2010, 07:58:06 PM
CRG has a point...
We'll worry about beach tongs later...

For now..  If you see a plump waddling critter on the road...
TAKE AIM.

I can easily see 6 of those 89 cent/pound fryer chickens fitting on that rotisserie rod..


Yeah... but CRG bought me a new camera...  And roast armadillos make better pictures!
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 13, 2010, 08:28:15 PM
TT, We swerve for midgets...  ;D
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: classicrockgriller on January 13, 2010, 08:32:08 PM
You two just ain't right! ;D
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 14, 2010, 06:47:10 AM
Hal you find any prospects in the book that your behemoth of a grill might fit into?I would suggest page 30 or 50 would look good. I would make Squirt build the Adobe oven off to the side just to keep him occupied
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 14, 2010, 05:58:18 PM
Quote from: Tenpoint5 on January 14, 2010, 06:47:10 AM
Hal you find any prospects in the book that your behemoth of a grill might fit into?I would suggest page 30 or 50 would look good. I would make Squirt build the Adobe oven off to the side just to keep him occupied

Not yet - but I will.  Thanks again - I ordered that other book too - THANKS!
PS - Keep an eye on your mailbox  8)
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 15, 2010, 06:59:59 AM
No Problem hey you might want to add this to your collection as well ISBN: 0-376-01595-0 I thought I had two of this one as well but I can only find one right now. Must have loaned it out and it hasn't found its way home yet.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Caneyscud on January 15, 2010, 10:03:46 AM
Yeh, but that is such a hard read - (rim shot) Yuk, yuk.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 15, 2010, 04:39:32 PM
Quote from: Tenpoint5 on January 15, 2010, 06:59:59 AM
No Problem hey you might want to add this to your collection as well ISBN: 0-376-01595-0 I thought I had two of this one as well but I can only find one right now. Must have loaned it out and it hasn't found its way home yet.

Yep, Thanks!... I need that one too... 
I added it to my Amazon Cart, and when I did, ya know how they show other stuff you "might be interested" in?
This came up: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589234162/ref=pd_luc_sbs_02_01
Only 3 stars - but I added it too because of the cover picture.

I'm going to add all these to my stack of home improvement books...
I also have that book on concrete countertops (Cheng).  I wanted to do those when I remodeled the kitchen in our old house, but MrsD was afraid that was too "radical" or something...  Anyhow, might do that on the grill island - she won't object OUTSIDE the house  ;)

Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: OU812 on January 15, 2010, 04:50:59 PM
hal, I use to do those concrete counter tops and they would look like glass when I was done. There allot of work but sure look nice when there done. If your going to do it out side make sure you tip it slightly or you will have standing water on it every time you want to use it. You will also want to seal it with a sealer with a high count of solids in it.

Just had to through this out there, sorry.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Tenpoint5 on January 15, 2010, 04:54:56 PM
See that's the problem with computers they dont know jack what you might be interested in is ISBN 0-376-01160-2 . Also the masonry book does have that exact same project in it already that they show on the cover of that book.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 15, 2010, 05:49:54 PM
TP, This the countertop book I already have:
http://www.amazon.com/Concrete-Countertops-Design-Finishes-Kitchen/dp/1561584843/ref=pd_sim_b_1

OU - Nawww...  sorry nuthin'...  I'm all ears on this stuff.
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: Caneyscud on January 18, 2010, 07:45:27 AM
Hal, OU gave you some great advice.  Also I've heard that particularly outside use a pretty rich mix.  If it is not to be under a cover, OU's advice about a really good high-solid sealer is great advice.  It needs to be applies regularly.  What happens is that on all outside concrete, the cement paste eventually erodes away leaving the aggregate more exposed.  Some installation faster than others.  Nothing wrong - it might not be the slick look that you want.  There are some other applications and additives that could help keep the slick finish.  For years I have wished I could get someone to duplicate the finish on the front porch of the house I grew up in in San Antonio.  I still have scars on the back of my head where I busted it (more than once) slipping on that porch when is was wet.  There's a couple of people, I'd like to put that finish on their front porch   >:(

When things get better as far as the economy goes, I'm thinking about doing an inground CMU/Concrete whirlpool/spa.  I'm not crazy about the looks of those plasctic/fiberglass ones. 
Title: Re: neat story, worth a read...
Post by: hal4uk on January 18, 2010, 01:14:52 PM
CS - Yep.  I'm still in the planning stages though...  I may or may not do the concrete top.  There's granite/rock place not far from here - so before I commit myself to too much "work", I'll probably stop in and ask them what do they want to get rid of?  It's worth a try.  They might make a great deal on something they haven't been able to sell (?) - as long as it's not just butt ugly - also, I have a pretty small area to work with, so I won't be able to have nearly as much countertop space as I would like, but on the plus side, that means I won't be quite as concerned about cost per square foot.

I'm planning to do a roof over the area, so that will add more time to the project too.  So, I have to consider the time aspect of each decision I make - even a simple/small cooking area (with a roof) can get into a LOT of work.  Of course, I want it to be/look reasonably nice, but the "Git-R-Done" factor will be very important. As soon as it warms up I have to get started, and figuring on some spring rains, and only having nights/weekends, prime summer cooking days will sneak up on me quick.