Reality TV: Auditioning for Bobby Flay

Thinking about trying out for a reality show, but not sure you're ready to take the plunge for your 15 seconds of fame? Draw some inspiration from local grill-master Clint Cantwell, who sent in his audition tape for "Grill It! With Bobby Flay." Cantwell shared with The Post the pressures of getting a cooking segment right in one take and dealing with surprise guest stars:

“Hey Bobby, this is Clint coming at you from the barbecue capital of New York -- Garden City -- home of Smoke In Da Eye competition barbecue team, winners of the 2007 New York State Grilling Championship.” A mouthful, huh? Try it in one take!

(story continues here)

As Seen in

Bubba heats up in time for barbecue grill wars

By John Kessler

Sunday, May 03, 2009

"Clint Cantwell, a New York state barbecue champion, says he is impressed with the Bubba Keg’s portability and performance , but worried about its long-term viability. “I’d like to see how it holds up to the elements,” Cantwell said. “What happens if you scratch the protective coating on the steel? I’d worry about rust.”

(entire article can be found here)

As seen on

Grill, baby, grill: BBQ competitions are hot
By A. Pawlowski
Wed July 1, 2009

(CNN) -- Of all the great sports of summer, only one leaves competitors covered with sauce, smelling like smoke and clutching trophies with charcoal under their fingernails.

Clint Cantwell, right, and his family show off some of the awards hes won for competition barbecue.

Barbecue -- the staple of gatherings with friends and family on hot, lazy days -- has become serious business for amateur cooks who want to prove nobody does it better.

Not content to keep their skills confined to backyards, these competitive foodies hit the road loaded up with meat, equipment and secret recipes to challenge like-minded aficionados in hundreds of barbecue competitions each year.

"I don't play golf, I don't really have any other hobbies, so I own a lot of grills and smokers, and this is my fun," said iReporter Clint Cantwell of Garden City, New York.

Cantwell, 39, is the founder of the Smoke In Da Eye team and winner of last year's New York State BBQ Championship. (for the entire story click here)

As seen on

On the Web: Smoke in Da Eye

Maria Surfs the Web featured site.

Tuesday, 30 Jun 2009, 10:02 AM PDT

Reporter: Maria Quiban

Los Angeles (myFOXla.com) - The 4th of July is usually a great day to bar-b-que with the family but you might need a few pointers.

The smokeindaeye.com website is a great place for bar-b-que tips. They've got tons of videos, from an inside look at bar-b-que competition to how-to's for you to make a feast! It’s perfect for the 4th of July.

BBQ Battle 2008