After over a decade in finance, Pickering followed his true passion for culinary arts, founding DWP BBQ—a Dallas-based catering service and BBQ school. Renowned for his expertise in grilling, he imparted his skills through comprehensive tutorials on the nuances of BBQ. His journey led him to prestigious positions such as Head Pit-master at WORK Bar and Grill in Deep Ellum and later, as Head Pit-master and Catering Manager for NL Group/Headington Companies, overseeing expansive catering programs for Dallas-area hotels. Co-founding Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ in 2017, Pickering solidified his status as a notable figure in the Texas BBQ realm, garnering accolades including Best Chef in Dallas and recognition from Texas Monthly Magazine. In May 2022, he unveiled The Douglas Bar and Grill in University Park, offering upscale Texan cuisine complemented by an exquisite beverage selection.
However, in April 2024, reaffirming his commitment to family, Pickering sold The Douglas to a local hospitality group. He now looks forward to a well-deserved hiatus, relishing his role as a husband and father before embarking on his next venture.
HOW TO INCLUDE KIDS WITH BBQ PREP?
"At their ages, the key to success is eating somewhere it's ok for them to make a mess and have a little room to roam and play - ie our backyard!"
RECIPE: SWEET & SMOKY SALMON
Click here for the full recipe and instructions!
BORA PARK, @chasingxcravings
Home cook, Photographer, Content Creator, Wife & Mother
ABOUT
RECIPE: GRILLED SHRIMP & PINEAPPLE SUMMER ROLLS
Click here for the full recipe & instructions!
PAT CONNOLLY, @p_connz
James Beard Award Winning Chef, Culinary Director at Corsica, Father to Sadie & Jules & Husband to Suzanne, Pink Chicken's Director of Sales & Business Development
ABOUT
Chef Patrick Connolly, a James Beard Award winner, began his career at a Welsh pub in St. Louis, and was inspired by The French Laundry Cookbook and honed his craft in prestigious kitchens like Radius in Boston and Bobo in NYC. With a focus on Italian and French cuisines, Patrick's culinary programs at Corsica echo the unique and historical heritage of the island. His wife, Suzanne, is the Director of Sales and Business Development at Pink Chicken, and together they have adorable daughters, Sadie and Jules!
HOW TO INCLUDE KIDS WITH BBQ PREP?
I BBQ a ton in the summer - everything from meats, to fresh veggies and fish. Include the kids by bringing them to farmers markets (Sadie loves it!) and hunting for different ingredients to use in my recipes.
RECIPE: GRILLED CHICKEN BROCHETTES WITH OLIVE COUS COUS & PESTO SALAD
Click here for the full recipe & instructions!
THE DIETRICH FAMILY, @jrdeets & @madtaylor
Sous-chef at NYC's Altro Parodiso, Model, Husband & Dad to Frankie
ABOUT
Jake is currently a sous-chef at Altro Paradiso in SoHo. He trained in culinary arts at the International Culinary Center. He has worked in kitchens in New York City since 2015. He balances a busy kitchen job with modeling and being a great dad!
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT SUMMER & SUMMER BBQ SEASON?
We are looking forward to hot summer days on our roof and going to Rockaway beach! We love the beach so much and Frankie can’t wait to build sandcastles and learn to swim. We also try to escape the peak heat of NYC in August and go to our cottage in Prince Edward Island, Canada!
Shop the full Summer Collection here!