Season IV OPENER: In Culinary Conversation

Featuring Pitmaster Daniel Hammond

Founder | Smoky Soul Barbecue | BBQ Historian | Pitmaster

Season IV of In Culinary Conversation FIRES Up with one of Chicago’s most respected culinary BBQ voices.

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Chef Daniel Hammond shares his journey from South Side roots to becoming one of the leading voices in Chicago BBQ culture. From mastering fire and smoke to preserving the city’s rich food history, this is a conversation (and tasting) you don’t want to miss.

 🌟 ABOUT CHEF DANIEL HAMMOND

Chef Daniel Hammond is a Chicago-born pitmaster, educator, and BBQ historian, and the founder of Smoky Soul Barbecue. Raised in a family that celebrated food and togetherness, Daniel found his passion early—eventually trading traditional sauce-heavy BBQ for a refined, technique-driven style rooted in history and flavor.

A self-taught pitmaster, Daniel is known for:

• 🔥 Chicago-style rib tips

• 🥩 Stockyard-inspired brisket

• 🍗 Smoked jerk chicken

• 📖 Preserving African American BBQ history

In 2021, he was awarded the Kingsford “Preserve the Pit” Grant, honoring his impact on BBQ culture. In 2022, after 12 years as a special education teacher, Daniel went full-time into BBQ—earning features in Chicago Tribune, Bronzeville Life, and Midwest Living.

He is a:

• Brand ambassador for Weber Grills, The Spice House & Boos Blocks

• Founder of BBQ Legacy Academy (youth culinary education)

• Creator of Second City Smoke (BBQ content & education)

• Host of Brisket & Barrels, a BBQ & beer pairing series

Daniel’s mission is simple: honor tradition, teach the next generation, and put Chicago BBQ on the national stage.

 🍽️ WHAT TO EXPECT

🎟️ Your Pass Includes:

• Tastings & samples from Chef Daniel’s demo

• Featured recipe from the conversation

• Meet & greet with Chef Daniel Hammond

• Q&A moderated by Chef Paul Young (Kraft Heinz)

• Happy Hour bites by Fight2Feed & Unite Here Chicago Hospitality Institute Chefs

• (2) drink tickets (cash bar supports Fight2Feed)

• Raffle prizes benefiting Fight2Feed

 🕕 EVENT SCHEDULE

6:00 PM – Doors Open & Registration
6:30–7:00 PM – Welcome + Vendor Networking
7:00 PM – Live Chef Demo
8:00 PM – Culinary Conversation + Q&A
8:25–9:00 PM – Meet & Greet

 🔥 Come for the conversations. Stay for the food. Leave inspired.
This is more than a demo—it’s a celebration of culture, craft, and community.