'In my world, if its back faces the sky, it's fair game to dry rub and smoke': Orelle C. Young

The Chef De Cuisine & Pitmaster at Blacksmith Smokehouse lets us into his kitchen

Your best food-related experience.
Participating in the New York City "Big Apple Barbecue Block Party" for seven years in a row conditioned me in all the best ways for this industry. Fewer things are more exhilarating than standing shoulder-to-shoulder with America's top pitmasters and chefs, cranking out food to feed 10,000+ meat enthusiasts in two days.
Who do you admire most in the culinary world?
There is a special place in my heart for all the pitmasters who taught me the gloriously rich tradition of the American barbecue and the art of 'smoking'. A few of them are Robbie Richter, Big Lou Elrose, Elizabeth Karmel, Charles Grund Jr., Wayne Mueller, Ed Mitchell, Mike Mills, Roy Perez, Rick Schmidt, Chris Lilly and Aaron Franklin. I have learned many things from them, and am on a mission to spread tasty smoked meats around the world.
Your favourite culinary destination, and why?
Being raised in New York City gave me an introduction to global cuisines. The two years I spent cooking in London were also a real eye-opener. It was a culture that rose above the dominant weltanschauung of social media influences with a genuine desire to know everything about food. The extensive public transportation system in both cities make them my top two destinations - you are always 10 minutes away from all your heart desires.
Do you eat out often?
My wife (Latisha) and son (Orelle IV) are living their best life trying new eats in Dubai while I'm at work. I personally don't get out too much, but have accumulated several invites from chefs all over Dubai. I'm still new to the city and will begin exploring this summer.
A high-profile personality you'd want to cook for?
It would be my pleasure to sit down with all the chefs who trained me and show them how I've created a postmodern twist on certain barbecue dishes, like my Smoked Apricot Duck Breast. For an international icon, I'd choose Vince McMahon. My son is a huge WWE fan and would be thrilled to tag along and help prepare some hearty meals for Vince and his wrestlers. In the end, if my son is having fun, I'm having fun.
One ingredient/dish you can't stand, and why.
Poorly seasoned food with cheap ingredients gets on my last nerve. Some shortcuts are doable, but if a chef is transfixed on maintaining a certain food cost, I'd rather pay more for the meal. Xanthan gum throws me off as well. I get it: it's a reasonable natural thickening agent, but it creates some strange textures and relentlessly coats the mouth.
What unusual dish would you invent?
We want to get a whole alligator and/or large snake imported to serve during our Thursday 'night brunch'. In my world, if its back faces the sky, it's fair game to end up getting dry rubbed and smoked. Chef Antony Bourdain (RIP) influenced the wild taste palate I've developed.
Do you cook for yourself at home?
Not as much as I once did. My wife demands to cook for the household: roasted chicken, braised beef, seared fish/shrimp, pastas, etc. Latisha is my superhero, especially when it's taco night. I work evenings, but I'm always looking forward to the leftovers. She's also an amazing self-taught pastry chef; her peach cobbler is on the menu at the restaurant!
Favourite comfort food?
Soul food, including (but not limited to) braised oxtails, fried chicken, baked turkey wings, collard or mustard greens, candied yams, carrot or potato salad, and cornbread. This is how we make American football players, pretty much. I am also constantly in search of phenomenal Tex-Mex and Mexican food, specifically rice and beans with any braised pulled meat.
If you could choose a last meal, what would it be?
I revel in memories of my childhood, a simpler time. I would probably choose a bowl of Peanut Butter Captain Crunch cereal. That, or anything with a spicy Thai peanut sauce.
Where can we find you, when not in the kitchen?
My wife and son are all I need to have a good time. Living in Dubai, we swim so much together that I'm sure we could start growing gills. I'm also documenting my journey on YouTube. Search for Chef Orelle Young for videos that are short, random and wacky!
- Staff reporter