Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercy Baron.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve done so many things in my life having nothing to do with the food world up until about 6 years ago. I’m a rock and blues musician (singer/drummer), a professional archaeologist for over 20 years (I tell everyone I went from gigs to digs!) and a successful plus-size model to name a few. There really isn’t much I haven’t done, I was told I’m a Renaissance woman and I guess that’s true.
After watching so many BBQ shows on TV, I wondered what it would take to become a BBQ judge. Just so happened that the sanctioning body of competitions worldwide (Kansas City Barbeque Society or KCBS) was coming to San Diego to teach a judging class and I got in and never looked back. When I would tell people I was a certified BBQ judge they would always ask me where to go to get good Q in SD. Light bulb went off over my head and I realized that no one else was reviewing only BBQ restaurants here…. and at the time (2012) there were over 40 of them!
Now, there’s even more! From this, the food blog Barons BBQ Beat was born in December 2015. We’ve become somewhat of a BBQ town with over 5-8 new Q places opening in the last 3 years and several more on the way. I find this extremely exciting and it keeps me very busy! Dare I say we’re becoming a BBQ destination? Along the way, I somehow earned the title the Baroness of BBQ. I guess my last name came in handy! Last year I received my Master Judge status in KCBS by judging 30 competitions and cooking with a team at an event. I’ve hosted two podcasts over the last year and a half talking about all kinds of food and am now getting ready to start a new one called, what else, Barons BBQ Beat!
I truly love talking about food! Last year I was honored to be asked to be a Top 10 judge at the 6th Annual World Food Championships in Orange Beach, Alabama. It was a lot of fun and I tasted some amazing dishes. Nine local San Diego restaurants sponsored me for this delicious event. I’ve judged in several other states for KCBS and I’m looking to expand that this year. As an added bonus to all that, it’s rewarding that chefs, restaurant owners and media relations companies want me to come to try their food, whether it’s BBQ or non Q.
I truly feel lucky to even be asked and that they think I have a good palate and being a social media influencer helps! I administrate a popular Facebook food group filled with the above people and it’s fun sharing our culinary adventures on there.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Is it ever a smooth road? I’ve had a few struggles, nothing is ever that easy. I’ve had a few individuals treat me rather shabbily recently, but that speaks more of them than me I believe. My boyfriend said, “The more popular you become, the more haters you’ll have.” And while I like to stay positive as much as possible, he’s right about that.
Most have been wonderful, but there are a few now that came out of left field to try and crush me. You know what they say, Whatever Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Barons BBQ Beat – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I consider myself a food lover, not a food critic. And while I try to direct people where to go to get some good Q on my blog, I’m not into bashing a place I don’t think too highly of. I will always try to find at least one good thing in a place and talk about that, rather than bash the whole menu because I didn’t like some of it.
I’ll leave that to the real food critics! I’m proud that I’m respected for my opinion and I let an owner or chef know when I think something can be improved upon. I’m certainly no chef or even that great of a cook, but I know good food when I taste it! I think being a Master Certified food judge sets me apart from most others and it sure keeps me busy!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think just the respect and camaraderie we all show to each other should certainly be the highest measure of success. Because lord knows, we certainly ain’t doing it to get rich!
Contact Info:
- Website: BaronsBBQBeat.com
- Phone: 8182190512
- Email: mercyless68@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baronsbbqbeat/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaronsBBQBeat/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/merciless68
Image Credit:
Sam The Cooking Guy Jack Monaco Juan Carlos Recamier
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