Temporarily Closed
503-645-4515  |  4708 NW Bethany Blvd. Suite E-2, Portland, OR 97229
The Smok'n Grill Blog

Notes from the pit

Food trends, cooking tips, and local ingredients from a Portland barbecue kitchen.

Our blog covers the topics we cook around every day — farm-to-table trends, plant-forward plates, and the craft of smoking with charcoal and wood such as Hickory, Red Oak, and Fruit woods.

Overhead close-up of stacked split firewood logs showing warm brown cut ends and textured bark, rustic and grainy like an analog film photograph
Wood-Fired Hickory & Red Oak

Categories

Browse by topic

Posts are grouped into three categories: Events, Lists, and Philosophy. Use the filters below to narrow things down, or read straight through the latest entries.

The Smok'n Grill blog is where the pit crew writes about the ideas and techniques behind the food we serve. Notes from the smokers cover cooking tips, seasonal ingredients, and the small decisions that shape each plate. It is a place to read between orders, whether you are curious about smoking methods or simply hungry for ideas about what to grill next.

Smoked barbecue is the heart of our kitchen, and the blog spends time on the craft behind it. We use charcoal and wood in our smoking process, letting hickory, red oak, and fruit woods lend their character to the meat. Writing about how the wood flavors infuse into brisket, ribs, and sausages makes for good reading for anyone who wants to understand the technique rather than just the result.

Beyond the smokers, the posts follow a plant-forward and farm-to-table point of view. Grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and fresh salads all get their own attention, along with Cajun grilled seafood, sausage specialties, and mac and cheese built for sharing. The goal is to reflect the range of a barbecue menu that treats sides and vegetables as first-class courses.

Posts are grouped into a few simple categories so browsing stays easy. Events can share what is happening at the restaurant, Lists collect recommended dishes and pairings, and Philosophy covers the thinking behind the food, from smoking technique to customer favorites and the stories behind signature recipes. Use the topic filters to narrow things down, or settle in and read straight through the latest entries at your own pace.

Row of grilled corn cobs with dark char marks resting on a rustic wooden table, warm yellow and green tones, appetizing and grainy

Lists Mar 7, 2019  ·  1 min read

7 Ways to Cook Corn

Seven approaches to a favorite summer crop, from the grill to the smoker — charred on the cob, or tucked into a side dish alongside our smoked meats.

Read the post →
Fresh spinach leaves filling a pink bowl on a wooden surface, clean green and pink tones with a bright simple mood

Events Mar 7, 2019  ·  2 min read

It's Spinach Month at Thyme!

Our take on seasonal eating and what a month dedicated to greens looks like on a barbecue menu, with a nod to plant-based diets.

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Flat lay of fresh green vegetables and fruit including celery, peppers, broccoli, avocado and peas, bright natural colors on a clean surface

Philosophy  ·  Post

Harvesting Locally

What the farm-to-table movement means in a Portland kitchen, and why sourcing vegetables close to home shapes what we grill.

Read the post →

Recent entries

Latest posts

Our blog has covered cooking tips, seasonal ingredients, and broader thoughts about food. Recent topics include farm-to-table trends and plant-based diets.

  • Harvesting Locally

    Philosophy

    On buying from nearby farms and letting the season drive the menu.

  • It's Spinach Month at Thyme!

    Events  ·  Mar 7, 2019

    A celebration of leafy greens and plant-forward cooking.

  • 7 Ways to Cook Corn

    Lists  ·  Mar 7, 2019

    Seven simple ways to prepare a summer staple, grilled or smoked.

Close-up of glossy barbecued ribs with a charred caramelized glaze resting on a grill grate, deep red and brown tones, rich and savory

Ordering while we're closed. Smok'n Grill is currently temporarily closed, with a reopening date to be announced on our website. In the meantime you can browse the menu, place an online order, or reach us through the contact page.