Looking for a truly unique experience to hone your grilling and smoking skills? How about a 5 hour BBQ class, cocktail and social experience with amazing mountain views? Sounds like a great way to spend another day in paradise.
Sammy Torres has been a bbq enthusiast and bbq class teacher for more than 25 years and he has brought all his knowledge of technique and the Puerto Rico culinary scene into his once a month bbq class at La Academia del Humo (The Smoke Academy) in Cayey. Each month he and his crew of fellow cooks cover a different region and style ranging from local lechón a la vara (whole PR style pit-roasted pig) to Yucatán Mexican recipes and southern bbq favorites, all with a criollo flair.
The setting is part of the experience
An outdoor classroom in the mountains of Puerto Rico with an amazing view creates one of the most scenic arenas for learning this age old craft with local roots. BBQ is derived from “barbacoa” a local Taíno word and technique for smoking meats on a grate.
What to expect at Academia del Humo
A typical class at the Academia del Humo usually covers four different courses ranging from appetizers, side dish, main protein and if you’re lucky, there might be a dessert or even sourdough bread on the grill. This is as much a learning opportunity as a social event. At different times you get to crowd around the pit to see what the chefs are doing. Feel free to ask questions at any time.
Mini-courses- Cocktails, beer and cigars
In between dishes, while the samples are being prepared or finished, you are treated to different “mini-courses”. Rincón Beer Company has been on hand with some of their local craft offerings for you to try. They always bring a few extras if you care to repeat. Rum tasting is also a popular intermission.
Don Q brings some of their best aged rums and explains the differences as you savor samples. They also set up a small station with four different aged rums cocktails for you to try. Jack Daniels is also a great bbq sidekick at these events. They host a cocktail bar where all drinks are included.
A local cigar expert Jorge Ayala of Tabacalera Trascendencia is also on hand to share his knowledge about his smokes. He digs deep into the different tobacco leaves that are used in the rolling of a good cigar during his demonstration and gives expert help on selecting the best for your tastes. He also has a good selection of his cigars on sale.
A small fun group
About 30 people attend each class. It’s a diverse group ranging from professional chefs to people just starting out in the barbecue world. If you’re part of a large group of 10 or more you could call Sammy and arrange for a private session. He’ll even design a special class for the group. This is a great opportunity to learn more about local produce and the best way to prepare them.
Book your space
Look for Academia del Humo on social media for dates and themes. Although the invitation will be in Spanish, Sammy is fully bilingual and can do a dual language class. For more information about the classes call 787-240-6560. You can also arrange for a private class for your group. ¿Maybe a Boricua barbecue class and rum tasting for your groom or bride party? ¿Why not?
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