The Hot Seat

Interviews with talented friends who are sharing their skills, recipes and wisdom with us.

From open fire cooking tips and tricks to delicious seasonal recipes, our friends and ambassadors are actively living the Sea Island Forge lifestyle - good conversation and good food around the fire. Sit back, relax and stay awhile.

Ambassador Community Recipes: A collection of recipes shared by the folks spreading the word about open fire cooking on a Sea Island Forge.

Open Fire Tips & Tricks: Your go-to for helpful tips on open fire cooking morning, noon or night.

SIF on the Road: From food festivals to game fairs, a glimpse of where we are going and where we've been.

*Photo Credit: Kelli Boyd Photography

THE HOT SEAT: Tuffy Stone of Cool Smoke Competition BBQ and A Sharper Palate

A household name on the competition BBQ circuit, Tuffy Stone has a philosophy that we can get fired up about. “Fire has this quality about it where people as a group come together. It’s a gathering point"

SIF Lifestyle, August 03, 2020

THE HOT SEAT: Anya Fernald of Belcampo

I love a good instagram rabbit hole. I’m fascinated by the amazing companies and the talented people pouring their hearts into their passions. This is how we met Anya, the co-founder and owner of Belcampo Meat Company.

SIF Lifestyle, July 10, 2020

THE HOT SEAT: Jay Ducote of Gov't Taco

Jay has made a name for himself when it comes to all things sizzling on a grill. Pancakes for 30 on our griddle - no problem. The whole kitchen sink on our grill for an LSU tailgate - a breeze!

SIF Lifestyle, June 08, 2020

AT HOME: Nick and Beth Richardson

Since “going out” became “going outdoors”, our Forge Families have found themselves spending more time around the Kettle. We caught up with Nick & Beth who bought a Kettle as a housewarming present for themselves (smart!) It’s since become the centerpiece of time spent with their girls.

SIF Lifestyle, May 05, 2020

Back to the Basics

BUILD THE PERFECT FIRE & GET LIT

We hear that many of you are spending time around the fire cooking, sipping, relaxing, and sometimes just zoning out to the crackle and dance of the flames. The key to enjoyment is building the perfect fire, but have you ever struggled...

SIF Lifestyle, May 01, 2020

THE HOT SEAT: David Carrier of Certified Burgers & Beverage

Based in our hometown - The Golden Isles - Chef David Carrier of Certified Burgers and Beverage is a big guy with an even bigger heart. Along with wife, Ryanne, Dave and several other local chefs have spearheaded...

SIF Lifestyle, April 09, 2020

THE HOT SEAT: Ashley Christensen of AC Restaurants

Ashley Christensen is that rare combo of a “people’s chef” and a “chef’s chef,” a consummate professional utilizing French and the occasional modernist technique to reinterpret the Southern classics she grew up on in North Carolina. With the opening of Poole’s Diner in 2007, she helped fuel a Raleigh,...

SIF Lifestyle, March 01, 2020

THE HOT SEAT: Rob McDaniel of SpringHouse, Alexander City, AL

If you know much of anything about Southern cuisine and restaurants, chances are, you know the name Rob McDaniel. He’s been nominated for numerous James Beard awards, and his long tenure at SpringHouse on Lake Martin outside of Birmingham, AL has allowed him to evolve as a chef respecting the...

SIF Lifestyle, February 12, 2020

THE HOT SEAT: Chef Jason Stanhope of Fig

It makes all the “best in Charleston lists,” it’s probably been suggested by two or more of your friends, but chances are, even after all the build up, a visit to FIG in Charleston, SC will live up -- or surpass -- that reputation. That’s in large part because of...

SIF Lifestyle, January 21, 2020

THE HOT SEAT: Chef Brandon Carter of FARM Bluffton

Chef Brandon Carter followed that second tide with his move to Bluffton as head of culinary operations for Palmetto Bluff, but he soon made his own name beyond the confines of the community by opening FARM Bluffton, which looks to that Lowcountry landscape...

SIF Lifestyle, October 16, 2019