Sometimes, a food experience can be life changing. Such was the case for Adam Bielke whose world was turned upside down by a fateful trip to Austin’s legendary Franklin BBQ.
This week on FoodCrush, we’re sitting down with Bielke and his wife Cindi, the owners of Sweet Smoke BBQ, to chat about the meal that changed everything. From the meal that birthed an obsession with Texas style BBQ, to the research that went into trying to recreate the flavors at home, we’re delving deep with this couple whose collective passion for smoked meats prompted them to leave their careers behind to launch a business of their own.
Along the way, we learn more about the creative dishes served up at Sweet Smoke BBQ, including their phenomenal smoked brisket burger, which earned accolades from Lori’s Burger Trail series.
Find us and love us
The FoodCrush podcast is available via a variety of platforms from iTunes and Google Play to Spotify, Stitcher and more. Search for us on your favorite podcast platform, subscribe for notifications about each new episode. Better yet, help us out by sharing the love by writing a review on iTunes. You can also give @FoodCrushPod a follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional tidbits, live tastings and more.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.