Recently, I had the opportunity to shadow El Toro BBQ at one of their catering gigs to really see how the magic happens.
El Toro BBQ is a local on-site catering company serving up slow-smoked barbeque (smoked with Arizona pecan wood) and recently won “Best Chicken Taco” at the 2010 Arizona Taco Festival.
Owner Colin Williams, began developing his recipes in the late 1980’s. Later, he made the trek to Texas with his father to purchase an authentic pit barbecue trailer. He started catering to help pay for his son’s education and now, he’s known well for his barbeque, smokers and the experience he brings to a meal.
Colin invited me along to his upcoming catering gig: cooking at Chase Field for their employee function. How exciting is that?! Colin and his right-hand man, Alex (who has an extensive background in the restaurant biz), quickly introduced me to Woodrow, the smoker that housed chicken, hot links and pork shoulder (and smelled amazingly good).
Woodrow, the smoker
Hot Links, Chicken and Pork Shoulder
From setting up the condiment tables to slicing the meat, I witnessed everything. The crowd was able to choose from Smoked Chicken, Pulled Pork Shoulder, Hot Links, Coleslaw and their “secret recipe” Pit Style Beans (you’ve gotta try these beans!).
First stop- Grab a plate!
Next, grab some meat!
Something about good BBQ just makes people happy. Once the crowds made their way through the banquet line, I’d meet them at the end of the table to watch them drown their sandwich in sweet, tangy, barbeque sauce. Every single one of them commented on how delicious it all smelled… and many came back for seconds despite the game of softball scheduled after the meal!
Winning plate of the day!
Colin interacted with every person that came through the line while he chopped and served sandwich portions, straight from the smoker.
Colin Williams
Pulled pork
The staff at Chase Field loved El Toro BBQ. Not only for their mouthwateringly-smoked meats, but also for the show.
During our visit, Colin and I were taken out onto the field and given a tour of the players’ locker rooms, clubhouse and therapy rooms! Can you believe it? That’s how much the staff enjoyed him!
All in all, catering… it’s a messy job and I could never pull it off myself, but these guys do it wonderfully. As a take-home gift, I smelled of smoked barbeque for the rest of the day… but didn’t mind it a bit!
Give them a call for your next event! 602-809-4663
To learn more about El Toro BBQ, visit eltorobbq.com
Or, follow them on Twitter @eltorobbq
Also, watch their video commenting on how they won for “Best Chicken Tacos in AZ” at the Arizona Taco Festival!