LOCAL BBQ LOVIN’
Summer weather invites an array of activities and cooking outdoors is certainly one that is deeply ingrained in our culture here in the US, with regional barbecue styles across the country that vary from state to state. Here in the Midwest due to the varying seasons, barbecue culture is typically done at home, usually a backyard smoker or grill setup. The barbecue we all know and love is a three billion dollar market that is continuously growing and shows no sign of slowing down. This Month’s blog post will be all about barbecue and the local vendors and brands that make cooking outdoors over fire a pleasurable seasonal pastime.
MFER
SEASONINGS & SAUCES
To start this blog post off, we’re featuring a local seasoning company based out of the Metro Detroit area, MFER More Flavor Seasonings is shaking up the barbecue game in a unique way. Since their inception in 2017, MFER has grown tremendously and is available at over one hundred different stores and markets. Started by Antoine Williams which later became his family's business, MFER seasonings strives to deliver flavorful seasoning blends that are not only delicious, but also health conscious, offering lower salt options to help manage health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Everything is made in Michigan and is available year round, not just during the holidays and warm weather barbecue seasons. Antoine and his team have developed over fifty low salt seasoning blends for classic barbecue options, but also rubs for seafood and wings. On top of seasoning and rubs, MFER also has a line of hot sauces and even gluten free barbecue sauces popular among dietitians, chefs, and the everyday home cook. MFER continues to strive for excellence and is constantly adapting their brand with a constantly changing market, give their products a try!
LORRAINE’S BBQ SAUCE
Seasonings and rubs are a crucial aspect of barbecue but sauces are just as important in the barbecue experience so as we continue on, we’re featuring Lorraine’s BBQ sauce as another vendor at the forefront of delivering an exciting product made locally in Michigan. Lorraine’s BBQ sauce is truly unique as their sauces are made with a raisin base, giving a deep naturally dark foundation that creates a layer of depth that is undeniably delicious. Lorraine’s was founded in 2018 by Larry Crockett, but Larry’s history with barbecue and cooking began during his childhood, from neighborhood cookouts to cooking with his mother, Larry has embraced his roots and created a product that truly captures a moment in time that is thoughtful and personal. Named after his mother’s middle name, Lorraine’s BBQ sauce is a way for Larry to honor his mother and the skills she instilled in him while also paying tribute to his late father. Lorraine’s sauces are made with high quality ingredients, are organic, gluten free, free of high fructose corn syrup and are always made with natural wholesome sweeteners like molasses, raisins and honey to set themselves apart in a sea of sauces you would typically find at a grocery store.
DEARBORN BRAND MEATS
We’ve featured a seasonings and sauce vendor and now it’s time to start talking about meats if the conversation is barbecue. We’re featuring a well known favorite that any south east Michigander has probably heard of, Dearborn Brand Meats has maintained recognition for almost seven decades and it’s no accident. A family business passed down through three generations, started by a Hungarian immigrant, Victor Kosch, his legacy has been passed down to his son and then grandson and has continued to grow as the business continues to strive for replicating classic favorites we all know and love. Dearborn Meats is well known for their various sausages, franks, jerkies, hams, and turkey products. Perfect for the grill or smoker, Dearborn Meats has a signature taste inspired by their European roots that is easily recognizable by metro Detroiters. Dearborn Meats also offers a variety of sauces that pair great with their meats like a large selection of mustards and also horseradishes. Dearborn Brand is proud to sell their products in nearly 200 stores across Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Canada and they will continue to strive for excellence, growth, consistency and of course creating a delicious product.
MARROW PROVISIONS
From large scale vendors to small productions, we’re featuring another meat purveyor that has made quite a name for themselves in the metro Detroit area that is well deserved. Marrow has built a high quality and sustainable butcher shop attached to their restaurant, working directly with farms that honor the land while maintaining a small footprint. Marrow’s approach is three fold: educating the consumers about ethical sourcing, collaborating with industry partners to improve on and reform processes, and innovating to find better solutions and better products. Marrow Provisions launched in 2024 as a way to expand their vision and has a home in Detroit’s Eastern Market. The butcher shop features a huge variety of meats you would expect to find while also offering rare, niche, and unique cuts of meat that intend to change the average consumer's perception on what’s available compared to their typical market or grocery store. Marrow’s weekly presence at Eastern Market has been met with tremendous acclaim from the community as their transparency has created a level of trust with their customers. As you browse their offerings, you’ll not only taste the difference in their recipe-driven sausages and smoked meats but also feel the warmth of their dedication to local relationships.
As we wrap up this barbecue blog post our core message revolves around the high quality and unique vendors that make our summers here in the Metro area special and exciting to be a part of. Whether it’s grilling a bratwurst or a 32oz aged porterhouse steak, paired with a wonderful rub and barbecue sauce, make this summer season memorable by firing up the grill. Try some of the products listed above! You will not be disappointed by what our metro area has to offer.