In August of 2019, Food Network fans watched BBQ chefs battle it out in a saga of competition, intrigue and upsets. BBQ Brawl: Flay v. Symon aired in August of 2019, and it's finally back with a season 2! The new season of BBQ Brawl will be even more epic than the first.
Videos by Wide Open Country
BBQ Brawl: Flay v. Symon- Season 2!
In the series, chefs Bobby Flay, renowned as "the undisputed grill master" at Food Network and Michael Symon, dubbed "the reigning king of all things meat" each led a team of eight BBQ chefs. At the end of each episode, the weakest link of each team was eliminated as one chef was chosen to leave. The season finale featured the final champion, who was awarded the title "Master of 'Cue" and the chance to star in a Food Network series.
This barbecue battle rounded up the best pitmasters, grillers and barbecue experts in the country in a high-pressure showdown. The four-episode show began with a backyard BBQ between the master chefs, the winner of which got the first pick of the contestants.
Flay and Symon then chose their eight contenders, and the competition began. At the start of each episode, Bobby and Michael competed in a face-off, called the cook-off round. Then, Flay and Symon coached their teams as the contestants competed in themed competitions, which were judged by chefs Moe Cason, Chris Lilly and Amy Mills. The series was filmed at Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave, Texas, about half an hour from Austin.
BBQ enthusiasts everywhere are excited to watch the new season of this binge-worthy barbecue cooking show. Michael and Bobby will return to mentor new barbecue chefs, and grill master Eddie Jackson will join as well! These three barbecue experts will face off weekly in a renewed grilling competition, airing on Mondays at 8 pm Central Time. The first episode is June 14th, and we can't wait!
The Contenders of BBQ Brawl Season 2
Since there are three teams in this season, there are now twelve contesters who will be showing off their A-game BBQ skills in a friendly and fierce competition. As you can see at foodnetwork.com, these twelve contestants are no joke.
Pitmaster Ara Malekian, an Armenian native, has opened 15 restaurants across the country. Chef Ara is a master of many cuisines and is passionate about sourcing ingredients locally. We can't wait to see his performance on season 2 of BBQ Brawl.
The next contestant, Brendan Lamb, is a seasoned BBQ expert who runs Smiley's Craft Barbecue in Austin, Texas. As for Brittani Bo Baker, BBQ runs in her blood. This skilled pitmaster grew up in a family of talented barbecue masters and has her own food truck, seasonings, and YouTube series centering around barbecue.
Christina Fitzgerald, a St. Louis native, grew up watching Ina Garten and Paula Deen. A culinary school graduate, she has competed in over 100 BBQ events and owns Hi-Point Drive-In in Missouri, which has received national acclaim. The next contestant, Texan Christopher Prieto, is an expert of all things barbecue. Prieto is a professional pitmaster, author, barbecue judge, and nationwide BBQ cooking teacher.
The next contestant, David Sandusky, is another BBQ pitmaster who will rival the competition with his no-frills, high-quality BBQ. Pitmaster of Beast Craft BBQ, his Wagyu brisket is renowned throughout the St. Louis region.
Another one to look out for is Erica Blaire Roby, a jack of all trades who is a lawyer, sommelier, mother, and accomplished pitmaster. Roby comes from a family of chefs, and is passionate about barbecue and runs Blue Smoke Blaire.
Lu Holter, the next contestant, is a barbecue and grilling master who owns an award-winning food manufacturing business with her partner. She specializes sauces, rubs and marinades and has won many nation-wide cooking competitions. As for Max Hardy, this dedicated chef has trained many chefs, along with being the personal chef for New York Knick Amar'e Stoudemire. He has also authored a cookbook and runs a chef apparel line!
Another contestant, Megan Day, is a Food Network Chopped Champion and pitmaster of Burnt Finger BBQ, which has been in countless national and world championships! As for Taylor Carroll, she is "barbecue best friends" with Erica Blaire Roby and has cooked a variety of delicious BBQ dishes at competitions around the country.
Last but not least, Terry Matthews or "BBQ Daddy," chose to dedicate his career to BBQ ten years ago, and he hasn't stopped since. Matthews competed on the Food nEtwork and runs a BBQ catering service called QFire that is renowned for its amazing barbecue.
It's hard to say who will win between these talented pitmasters and BBQ connoisseurs!
