Houston – Sloan Rinaldi, President of Texas Q in Kingwood, returned to Houston Life to talk about her latest reality competition.
“When they (Netflix) called, I was all in, immediately, it was a really exciting opportunity,” Rinaldi said.
Previously, Sloan was selected by Food Network and Chopped as the only woman to represent Texas in the Grillmasters Tournament.
Netflix’s “Barbecue Showdown” saw major success in its first two seasons and for its third season, they called in our local pitmaster, Sloan!
“Tens of thousands applied, but the producers had a select group of us they totally selected to bring in, they wanted us to participate, bottom line,” Rinaldi said.
The competition boasts nine of the best pitmasters from across the country showcasing their barbecue skills for an ultimate $50,000 grand prize.
“They are bringing global flavors that I’ve never seen in BBQ, I totally felt a little intimidated, I’m not a person who lacks confidence typically, so I definitely felt imposter syndrome, I never even knew what that was before,” Rinaldi admitted.
The trailer for Barbecue Showdown is notably emotional.
“If you have a passion, if you have a skill and you’re willing to do the work there is nothing you cannot do, no matter the industry,” Rinaldi said.
Rinaldi says the show has united her with the other competitors who come from all walks of life. She says bringing people together epitomizes what BBQ is all about.
“You could bring the poorest man, and the richest man, and they are sitting at the same table experiencing the same culinary experience and it’s barbecue,” Rinaldi said.
“Barbecue Showdown,” premieres July 4 on Netflix.
Rinaldi is also the president of Texas Q.
She shared some of her signature dishes on “Houston Life,” including how to make her tasty pork belly burnt ends.
Texas Q Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Cube a 10-lb whole skinless pork belly slather with yellow mustard.
Sprinkle lightly with creole seasoning.
Apply your favorite creole rub & coat all sides.
Place on a wire rack and onto the pit at 250 degrees for two hours.
Place pork belly in a pan with butter, more rub and drizzle with honey, cover with foil, and place back on the pit at 250 degrees for one and half hours.
Remove from the pan and place back on the wire rack, glaze with Texas Q BBQ sauces and put it back on the pit at 250 degrees for another 20 minutes.