Croix Valley Grillmeister James Barry | October 2021

Every time we get tagged from @barrysbackyardbbq we know it's going to look GOOD. James Barry is a big supporter Croix Valley, and the cuisine he kicks out has landed him the title of Croix Valley Grillmeister this month. 

James was born and raised on the East Coast of Canada, on a small island named Newfoundland. He migrated to Alberta in 2008 to seek employment in a little oil boom town named Fort McMurray.

There he worked as a heavy equipment operator in a mine, operating large heavy haul dump trucks and excavators. In 2014 he finished his crane apprenticeship, becoming a red seal mobile crane operator.

BBQ and cooking takes up the majority of his spare time. He has a small home business called Lumberjack Fort McMurray that keeps him busy selling rubs, sauces, charcoal, pellets, and other BBQ related products. 

On to the questions!

When did you get into grilling, and how often do you fire it up?

I started smoking in 2017 and quickly started collecting my arsenal of grills when I got my feet wet. I usually grill about 5 days a week.

Name one grilling technique you’ve learned over the years that has served you well.

Reverse sear and hot & fast are the techniques I've become fond of and work well for me.

What’s the most unique thing you’ve grilled or cooked?

Most unique thing I've grilled would be Big Mac pizza, chicken stew, Lebanese Kafta kebabs, and banana bread.

Tell us about your most memorable day around the grill.

Most memorable days around the grill would have to be this summer past, when my mom came to visit. It was great to have her witness my passion and try my cooking.

Last but not least, what are your favorite Croix Valley products?

Pineapple Habanero BBQ and Wing Sauce, Sweet N Smokey Barbecue Sauce, Carolina Rub, and Mango Habanero Wing and BBQ Booster.

If you're a fan of Croix Valley products and share your creations online, be sure to use the hashtag #croixvalleynation. We're always on the lookout for the next Grillmeister!