Legendary Pitmasters Past and Present: Ed Mitchell

I have picked Ed Mitchell, an Eastern North Carolina barbecue legend, to highlight during this week's segment of Legendary Pitmasters. This is the third installment of the weekly, 12 part series.

Week 1: Chris Lilly                     Week 7:             

Week 2: Charlie Vergos              Week 8:

Week 3: Ed Mitchell                   Week 9:

Week 4:                                    Week 10:

Week 5:                                    Week 11:

Week 6:                                    Week 12:

Pitmmaster: Ed Mitchell

Positions: Former pitmaster of The Pit restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina; media personality; spokesman for Butterball; founder and regular participant of Big Apple Barbecue Block Party; participant of Food and Wine Festival in Australia

Still Living: Yes

Years in Business: Began barbecuing at age 14, education and military took him away from North Carolina barbecue but it was only temporary

Vitals: Originally from Wilson, North Carolina; started a restaurant in the 1990s which failed; turned The Pit restaurant into a world-reknowned success; left The Pit to open a new restaurant; became famous when he competed against Bobby Flay in "Throwdown with Bobby Flay."

*Unsure if he has opened his new restaurant. Does anyone know?

Specialties: Whole hog, smokes it with hickory chips and charcoal, will also add oak chips, hickory chips are flavored with cider vinegar and various spices; promotes healthy barbecue and smokes whole turkeys

Quote: In response to his decision to leave The Pit, Ed Mitchell stated, "“There were some other things I wanted to do to take my vision to the next level." kevinsbbqjoints.com

Sources:

kevinsbbqjoints.com

Ed Mitchell at The Pit (youtube)

Pitmaster Ed Mitchell

qsrmagazine

Videos:

Whole Hawg BBQ

Ed Mitchell Interview