Barbecue master to reveal his secrets

By Bernard Baker

Published: May 14, 2008

A cooking chef from Southern Living magazine will give Festival in the Park visitors the chance to learn how to barbecue different meats.

Troy Black, one of Southern Living’s traveling chefs and a contributing editor, will host a cooking show Saturday and Sunday at Ballou Park. The events — which begin at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday — are free, but bring a lawn chair because seating is limited.

“I share tips and recipes about grilling and barbecue,” Black said.

He travels to about 40 to 45 events a year. It took some courting from Festival in the Park and city officials to get Black’s and Southern Living’s attention.

Black, an Alabama native, said he grew up with a deep appreciation for barbecue. He admits to being partial to tangy Eastern-styled North Carolina barbecue because it is similar to what he ate growing up.

Black made the decision to work full time in barbecue competitions and he tries to show people different types of tips for grilling.

On Saturday, he will show how to make Asian Barbeque Steak, and a chicken breast is on the menu for Sunday.

Bill McMann, organizer of Pigs in the Park, said he nearly stalked Black to get him to come to Danville. McMann said he wanted Black to attend this year because he’s received so well by the public.

“We are honored to have him with us this year,” McMann said.

An added treat to attending some of Black’s shows is that he lets people sample what he whipped up. McMann pointed out Black does well in Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned events, finishing in the Top 10 in numerous contests. His titles include three state barbecue championships and 82 Top 10 prizes.

“He will compete in Pigs in the Park,” McMann said.

McMann added Southern Living is a popular publication that offers numerous food ideas for the enterprising chef.

• Contact Bernard Baker at or (434) 791-7986.