About this episode

In this 100th episode, Al Frugoni discusses his journey and the impact of live fire BBQ on the culinary scene.

100 episodes in, and we brought in the perfect guest: Al Frugoni, one of the biggest names in open fire cooking, Argentinian asado, and live fire BBQ. In this milestone episode of the Wise Guys BBQ Podcast, Vin and Charlie sit down with Al to talk about his journey from Argentina to Texas, how asado shaped the way he cooks, and why live fire cooking is becoming one of the most exciting movements in barbecue today. Al breaks down the difference between open fire cooking, Santa Maria grilling, asado, and traditional smoking. He also explains why live fire cooking can actually be more forgiving than smoking, how Memphis in May helped bring open fire BBQ to a bigger stage, and why the Texas Open Fire Meat Up has become a must-see event for BBQ creators, pitmasters, competitors, and fans. The guys also get into the future of BBQ competitions, the Live Fire Cooking Association, cooking beef ribs over open flame, cabrito, Bistecca Fiorentina, and why barbecue is really about community, culture, and bringing people together. Thank you to everyone who has watched, commented, shared, cooked along, and helped Wise Guys BBQ reach 100 episodes. The train keeps rolling. In this episode: Al…

People in this episode

Hosts: Vincent Porcaro, Charlie

Guest: Al Frugoni

Topics covered

• live fire cooking
• Argentinian asado
• BBQ competitions
• community and culture
• open fire cooking
• cooking techniques

Keywords

• live fire BBQ
• open fire cooking
• asado
• BBQ culture
• cooking techniques
• BBQ competitions
• Memphis in May
• Texas Open Fire Meat Up

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Bistecca Fiorentina

Places: Argentina, Texas

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• How Sweet Baby Ray’s Became a BBQ Icon | Duce Raymond Tells the Story · June 26, 2026 · 46 min

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