Meat Speak

The crew is back in studio talking the history and how-to of carcass grading, going all the way back in 1902, when a giant of the University of Illinois first penned a paper suggesting proteins should be sorted based on eating quality. More than 100 years later, that notion has been brought to fruition, and is continually evolving.

Moist, warm, flaky, easy-to-shred beef is on the docket today, as the team is back to talk all things braising. Hear why end cuts, especially from the chuck, are not only perfect for braising, but why the end product is actually BETTER than using the same application on a more high-profile cut of beef (hint: it has to do with collagen). Also, Chef Tony shares his tips and tricks to kick off that traditional braise as we head into the deep freeze across the country.

Diana, Tony and Bryan get together to ring in the holidays in the beefiest way possible. The crew talks all things holiday traditions, including different ideas for getting the most bang for your buck when it comes to carving roasts and the Christmas feast.

Paige the Social Media Guru and Chef Peter Rosenberg head to Texas to chat with industry icons and James Beard award winners Tom and Lisa Perini at legendary Perini Ranch in Buffalo Gap, Texas. Tom and Lisa share the history of their destination restaurant, and regale the crew with stories of their days introducing world leaders, celebrities and beyond to what Texas cuisine is all about.

The crew pauses to give thanks to the folks who work tirelessly to put beef on tables around the world. Rancher Matt Perrier stops by to talk about the history and day-to-day operations at Dalebanks Angus in Eureka, Kansas –about 60 miles east of Wichita in the Flint Hills. Also, American Angus Association chief Mark McCully joins the crew to talk about the state of the beef cattle industry, and what the future holds.

Texas Monthly BBQ editor Daniel Vaughn joins Diana and Bryan to talk all things smoking and science, from wood flavor profiles, to cooking methods and how to generate a good-looking smoke ring. Vaughn also discusses his Top 50 BBQ restaurant list that was recently released.

Some heavyweights of the barbecue world stop by to talk about the life and contributions to the industry of the late Mike Mills – nicknamed The Legend for his prowess in competition barbecue – from 17th St. BBQ in Murphysboro, Ill. Hear from some of the best known names in barbecue as they reflect on an industry icon.

Chef Lamar Moore from Eleven Eleven in Chicago AND recent winner of Food Network's Vegas Prize Fight stops by to talk about his menus over the years and why beef will always be part of it. Moore, who also does work with the National Beef Cattleman's Association (NCBA) talks about how cattle are raised and why we need to work to ensure we never find ourselves too far away from the farm.

Meat packing expert Clint Walenciak stops by the studio to discuss the rationale behind beef prices, seasonality and the potential pitfalls that can sometimes catch end users off guard when dealing with the supply chain. Walenciak also addresses the high demand for Prime beef, and forecasts what is to come in the cattle market over the next 3 years.

Dr. Phil Bass, a professor of Meat Science at the University of Idaho and the first Meat Scientist by title at the Certified Angus Beef ® brand, stops by to talk about beef tenderness. Bass explores the beef carcass, calling out various cuts for their eating ability, and explaining how tenderness in meat is measured.