Well 2020 has been a year of changes, challenges and opportunity.  

In the changes department, we've moved to Midlothian VA to be closer to family and slow down the pace of life a little.  Of course, this means we are no longer hosting in person BBQ classes in Warrenton VA.  Big changes for sure, but in this case change is a good thing.  We've met new neighbors, found a ton of great small businesses and sources for BBQ meats and sides, and i won't even get started on the traffic or lack thereof.

The main challenge our move presented was figuring out a way to keep our BBQ School running.  We had to temporarily suspend our large group/in person classes in March, and with the relocation to Midlothian we've been trying to figure out how to continue sharing our knowledge and love of outdoor live fire cooking.  Thanks to a suggestion by Wounded Warrior Project LLP, we've developed the capability to conduct online class sessions.  So far, we've taught over 50 veterans remotely with another session scheduled for this month.  We've also opened up the syllabus to cover a wider range of foods, including seasonal sides, chili and even vegetarian options.  We are working on expanding our online offerings to regularly scheduled events, so please check in on our Facebook and Instagram pages for news on that.  We are also offering individual/one on one/small group (less than five) classes on a by request basis.  Contact me for details on what you'd like to do and we will make it happen.                                                     

As for opportunity, I've taken some initiative in my personal life to become a better version of myself.  After my dad passed away in August 2019 from a stroke at the age of 82, I decided it was time to take positive control over my lifestyle.  Rather than make extreme and unsustainable changes, I started small.   Eating a little healthier meant reducing red meat, dairy and other animal protein intake (I'm teaching a BBQ School here, so of course I still enjoy smoked meats just less frequently).  I quit consuming alcohol a few years ago so that helped a lot too.  I started doing some forms of physical activity every day.  Started with walking, I progressed to riding a heavy folding bicycle , then onto Peloton and finally to my vintage road bike.  The tally so far:  approximately 87 lbs lost from my all time high.  I feel this is the "real" me that was trapped inside an unhealthy and less than happy body.  If I can do this, still enjoy sharing what I've learned about BBQ and perhaps motivate someone else to achieve a better balance  in their life then mission accomplished.

OK that's it for now.  I've got classes scheduled the weekends of October 11-12 and October 18-19 so after that the schedule is free.  Get in touch and let me help you step up your outdoor cooking skills!                                

Wow I can't believe 2019 is almost over and that we are already making plans for our 2020 BBQ School sessions.  2019 was another great year for Kit's BBQ School, and we were especially honored to partner with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) for a one-day class on July 20, 2019.  Never mind that it was literally the hottest day of the year (G); lots of great knowledge was shared and new friendships were made. 

For 2020, I'd like to let you know that we are also conducting classes in conjunction with our partner Shawn's Smokehouse BBQ Company of Culpeper VA.  This will be our EIGHTH year working with Shawn, but of course we will continue to host classes in Alexandria at Village Hardware.  So, whether you're interested in attending one of our Shawn's BBQ classes in Warrenton or our Alexandria sessions, please reach out to me at kitmasterrudd@gmail.com for details.    

Thank you and see you in 2020!                   

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Thank you everyone for a great 2018 at Village Hardware in Alexandria!  Our first year partnering with Village was a resounding success and we look forward to an even better 2019.  If you are looking for a great Christmas  gift, give your favorite pitmaster a spot in our first 2019 class on Saturday April 13.  Reserve your spot here.

​Again thank you for your support and we look forward to sharing the journey of BBQ, community, friendship , family and fun in 2019 and beyond.    

Thanks to everyone's support of our Kit's BBQ School website, the home page is now coming up on Google Search results for "Kit's BBQ School". Next step: please help us move up for more generic keyword searches like "BBQ School near me" and "BBQ School in Virginia". Stop by our page, leave a comment, visit our partners, share with friends, family etc. and please let us know what you think. And if you have something to say that’s more than a comment let me know and I’ll give you the “blog pen” so a first entry. And finally, don't forget our next school is Saturday September 29 at Village Hardware in Alexandria.

​www.kitsbbqexpertsonline.com

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Wow what a great group of BBQ enthusiasts we had this past Saturday!  24 students (yes that's 24) from as near as across the street and as far away as Washington state came together for a fun day of BBQ learning, eating and sharing.  Many thanks to our videographer Alecia Austin for capturing a few moments of class (see below).  Also, I tried something new in class this weekend.  As much as everyone enjoys outdoor cooking, it's perfectly fine to prepare some items inside so I demoed Elote (Mexican Street Corn) using the Hestan Cue Induction Smart Cooking System.            
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Brisket, pork and ribs all came out nicely, and the class also loved the corn.  If you'd like to learn more about the Cue check it out here. 
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Our next BBQ School will be on Saturday September 29 at Village Hardware in Alexandria.  If you'd like to join us, check out the BBQ School page.  And of course you can always contact me directly about BBQ School, our partners or any questions you may have.
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