Oh Breeo, Breeo! (to the tune of "Jungle Love" from Morris Day and the Time)
My brother Paul asked me to try out a new fire pit. I was happy to try it, but I already have a fire pit that I built myself. Going into this project I wasn't feeling very excited about the new toy. My previous experience with a Solo stove was "ok" at best. I understand the concept of the smokeless fire pit, but the warm up period of burning down the wood didn't eliminate the smoke perfume in my clothes. This perfume annoys my wife and she is quick to ask me to change, when the fire is concluded. I kind of enjoy the smell for a while. The heat does go in all directions, which is a big plus when many people surround the pit. Rather than the unidirectional heat of an outdoor chimney.
I could have purchased the insert. I could have purchased the large stand alone pit. I didn't. I got a size that is more mobile for tailgating or camping. I thought that if I was still unimpressed with usage, at least I had a way to stay warm at future tailgates with distance. Still not super pumped about this product.
I was feeling kind of blah and then I opened the accessory box. Bam! There it was. A stand for hanging dutch ovens and a swinging grill. Both had adjustable height capabilities. I noticed the wide rim around the fire pit and thought "well that is good looking". The idea that this wide rim was a cooking surface had not yet permeated through my thick skull. I noticed the quality of the stainless steel and the attention to detail. I also noticed the thickness and coating on the swing grill and saw that this was crafted by somebody who knew what they were doing. So often, I purchase collapsable grill grates or camp grates that are made of light steel and burn up and rust in a few uses. I could tell this grill was going to stick around and take my abuse for a while.
Paul had mentioned to watch the videos on the website. Again, to me with a new toy, this is kind of a buzz kill. I'm that kid that will try to put together the Lego Star Fighter based on the picture alone and not use the step by step instructions, until I am stumped and already frustrated. Again the thick noggin steps in. I decide to give the videos a whirl and learn a bit more about the product from the creators. As I watch the videos... I blast "What?!?!" like Lil' John.
I can see this is a game changer product for me. The creativity is boundless. I am already salivating. I can't light it fast enough.
Fire roaring. Flames circle around and swirl differently than a regular fire. It makes fire even more mesmerizing, thinks the pyromaniac inside me.
As the fuel begins to turn into coals, I reach for the items I have prepped. Steak, peppers, onions, chicken. We have a local chain called Butchers Market and they have some really great properly sourced products. The quality is always top notch and I love their marinades too. Usually I would make them myself, but today I am more interested in seeing the end result of a consistent product I know very well.
I decide to grill the steak over tickling flames. Surrounded by veggies slightly off the direct heat. The thick steak makes a beautiful sear and browns nicely on the outside. I again like the art of cooking, so I refrain from the meat thermometer until the poke or touch of the meat is exactly where I want it. Hoping for a temp that is a rare to lean to medium, but not medium. I want that pink slightly warm center. On the steak. Mind back to steak. The veggies I grill to get a little burn edge on the tips and keep them al dente. I like the crunch with that smokey flavor. So far this grill is 2 for 2.
Chicken time! The chicken turns out a beautiful caramel color on the outside. Crispy skin. Juicy inside. I am grilling like a boss, so I move on to the flat top edge.
Smash burgers, Blam! Steak tips Boom! Lobster, Oooooh Baby! Cajun shrimp, KaChow! Tuna, Ahhhh! Crabcakes, Crunch! THIS GRILL IS ON FIRE! Tune to Alicia Keys song.
I am grinning ear to ear. Kids are swallowing food like a linebacker post game buffet. Wife is really happy. And... I am warm from the fire. Happy me.
Get yourself a Breeo and let it fire up your grill skill.
Favorite item I have made thus far is a fire roasted, one pot gumbo. See the bubbling action on video. I ain't bragging, but I fed it to a local who was married to a well known cajun family. And they said it was legit. OK, so I'm bragging. But I have been working on my technique for years. And I am kind of fond of it. Like kickoff in Boone for an App Grad. It will motor your power plant.
See youtube video: BREEO FOOD MONTAGE VIDEO
Hope you enjoyed this blog. Be Original. Be OG.
Pete "tailgate" Kindem
1 Comments
Jan 22, 2021, 6:28:55 PM
Doug O'Brien - Great blog. This looks and sounds amazing. This Pete is on .