What is CCK?
Why should you give a damn?
Welcome to our kitchen – Chicago Culinary Kitchen!
Here, our BBQ is Texas-Style and our beers are crafty! Whether you come for one of our unique BBQ and craft beer pairing classes or you come in on the weekends when we open our doors to the public serving our meats in true Texas fashion, we guarantee you will be served our best and freshest BBQ!
BBQ is an artisan and requires commitment. Our meats are delivered fresh and great care is taken when we prepare each cut to be smoked in our Ole Hickory Smoker. We use a combination of cherry and apple woods in order to impart the delicious and natural sweet smoky flavor and encourage a rich mahogany color. Our hand-crafted meats are smoke d slow and low overnight to be served hot and fresh for that day’s service. Great BBQ is not fast food! Nor is great BBQ cheap!
Why Texas-style?
We don’t sauce our meats. Period.
True to Texas-style, we let the meat be the star of the plate! The seasonings we use for each cut of meat is chosen specifically to enhance that meat’s natural flavors. The mixture of these simple spices, our combination of cherry and apple woods, along with our technique and the patience in the long cook times create smoked meat masterpieces.
People travel the world to eat the best BBQ – there is no other cuisine with that kind of devotion.
Meet the Pitmasters
Greg & Kristina Gaardbo
Greg, a former marine, started his career as an artist. While working odd jobs, he founded Shockwaves Promotional Apparel which he has ran for 25 years. His wife, Kristina, previously an RN, became CEO and part owner of that company shortly after they were married. Together, their passion for adventure and the culinary world led them on a journey. Kristina attended Siebel Institute of Technology and became a graduate of their Technological Brewing course to enhance her understanding of the craft beer world, and become our Certified Beer Server.
Together they have traveled to Italy, Costa Rica, Mexico, Belgium Brussels, Holland, and Denmark seeking delicious and unique cuisine, crafty brews, and fine wines, furthering their interest and desire to be involved in the culinary scene. The couple purchased their first Churrasco in 2013 and over the course of a couple years, RockinRodizio, their Texas BBQ – Brazilian fusion catering company grew successfully. The next progression was a simple one – Chicago Culinary Kitchen. Here, Greg and Kristina have combined their love of craft beer and BBQ and are sharing it with others.