What is CCK?
Why should you give a damn?
Welcome to our kitchen – Chicago Culinary Kitchen!
Here, our BBQ is legendary, our cocktails are classic & our beers are craft! Whether you dine with us, order some Q’ to-go or attend one of our unique events, we guarantee you will feel like you’ve been taken on a journey without feeling like you’ve been taken for a ride!
BBQ is an artisan craft & requires commitment. Our meats are delivered fresh & great care is taken when we prepare each cut to be smoked in our Ole Hickory Smokers. We use kiln-dried cherry wood in order to impart the delicious & natural sweet smoky flavor while encouraging a rich mahogany color. Our hand-crafted meats are smoked daily so that we can serve hot, fresh BBQ every day! Great BBQ is not fast food nor is cheap!
Why Texas-inspired? We don’t douse our meats with sauce. True to Texas-style, we let the meat be the star of the plate! The seasonings are chosen specifically to enhance the natural flavors inherent to each meat. The mixture of simple spices, cherry wood, our techniques & most-of-all PATIENCE creates the masterpiece that defines our BBQ.
People travel the world to eat the best BBQ – there are few cuisines with that kind of devotion.
Our passion for great food and beverage: together Greg & Kristina have traveled to Italy, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, Belgium Brussels, Holland, & Denmark seeking unique cuisine, crafty brews, & fine spirits, furthering their interest & desire to be involved in the culinary scene. After years of entertaining family & friends in their backyard, the couple purchased their first Churrasco in 2013 & over the course of the next couple years, Rockin’ Rodizio, their Texas BBQ – Brazilian fusion catering company grew substantially. The next progression was a simple one – Chicago Culinary Kitchen. Here, Greg & Kristina have combined their love of BBQ & Craft Beer to share it with others.
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.