The Legend of Smokey Bill
There once was a man made of smoke
His skill with the grill was truly no joke
Poultry and pork and seafood and steak
They were the medium of the art he did make
This is the legend of Smokey Bill
The flavor was built with sturdy wood
His selection was varied and oh so good
Hickory, apple, pecan, and oak
Those were the trees that made the smoke
They built the legend of Smokey Bill
His Big Green Egg he would load with care
The sweet smell of smoke filling the air
Care was taken to prepare the meat
A spicy rub made the flavor complete
They too built the legend of Smokey Bill
To help with the task, on his wife he depended
When the smoking began, the fun never ended
Then from the West a stranger rode into town
For glory and fame and Bill’s smokey crown
A challenge to the legend of Smokey Bill
Some may have flinched, others become furious
But not Smokey Bill, he was simply curious
“What do you propose, young gun from the West?”
“Let’s fire up the grills and see who’s the best”
Thus came the challenge to the legend of Smokey Bill
The gauntlet was thrown. The cut was the brisket
Not Bill’s strong suit, but he was willing to risk it
To win he would need to bring his “A” game
To bring his best smoke, that was his aim
Such was the resolve of Smokey Bill
The fire was laid. The coals were glowing
The smoke soon followed, his adrenaline flowing
The dampers were set. The temp was two twenty
For low and slow, that heat would be plenty
That too built the legend of Smokey Bill
Brisket is a challenge to do just right
Smokey Bill and the kid went at it all night
The quest for the smoke ring and the perfect bark
It was truly a test and no walk in the park
So went the challenge to the legend of Smokey Bill
When the sun came up and the smoke had cleared
The town folk and judges all gathered near
To taste who was best and learn who would win
The flavor to savor and a new yarn to spin
So came the twist to the legend of Smokey Bill
Smokey Bill opened his smoker and took a hard look
But slicing the meat was like carving a book
The young gun’s brisket was succulent and sweet
Just one bite and Bill knew he’d been beat
So began the reign of Chef Evan
Bill disappeared, his head hung in shame
He’d gambled and lost at a high-stakes game
No one saw him again after his leaving
His wife was left by the grill, alone and grieving
Thus, ends the legend of Smokey Bill
Or does it?
They say when the stars are shining and the air is crisp
You’ll soon smell smoke, if only a whisp
Your legs will go jelly and your spine will chill
When you discover no coals in the grill
You’ll soon see a man made entirely of smoke
Some say that he’s fiction, but I say he’s no joke
Long live the legend of Smokey Bill
A tribute to our son, Chef Evan Maine.
Follow him on Instagram@chefevan. Follow his new business Coastal Comforts Catering @coastalcomfortscatering and check out their website www.coastalcomfortscatering.com/ as well.
