No worries Chris
I admit I'm curious what forums that my email may have been spamming - I hope it was something innocent like septics, but things aren't innocent anymore
The class was worth it. Here is a brief summary that I gave to some work buddies that asked about it.
The two day event was roughly $300, that included Dinner on day one, continental breakfast and lunch day two. It is mostly lecture style and covered things such as methodology on setting your pit, knives and fabrication of the brisket, seasoning, wood styles, do's and don'ts, bourbon tasting, beer tasting. Weber plans on doing this two times a year. They are partnered with CAB (Certified Angus Beef), who donated the briskets. Attendees came from all over: Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Texas, Iowa, Mexico, Costa Rica. Attendees were also from all backgrounds - the backyard novice and hobbyist and also individuals who compete and judge at BBQ events.
The Weber Grill in Schaumburg is surrounded by all the hotel chain's business level places, so no matter if you are a Hilton, Marriott or Hyatt person you have your options.
It was staffed by corporate and restaurant Weber chefs, research and development, OSU and Texas A&M faculty (meat science programs), and also Bryan from Southside Market and BBQ in Elgin Texas.
I consider myself a proficient griller and I learned many things in regards to brisket, after all, it is an intimidating and ornery piece of beef that is also expensive! While I never really ruined one in the past, I feel that this is going to have me up my game.
Some may feel that the price (300) is steep, but you are getting two days instruction by experts, and when compared to other brisket camps it is a fraction of the cost. The next closest is the Camp Brisket at Texas A&M which is $495 and also a $75 membership to Foodways Texas, and... that one sells out typically in 45 seconds when tickets go on sale, just like a rock concert.
Also, this event was sold out.
edit: I may repost this as I scan the forum if I find an appropriate place for it to be archived and of use to others.
