WITH barbecue season in full flow, one man is hoping he has the recipe for success at a national competition.

Al Harris, also known as Dr Sweetsmoke, is hoping to experience the sweet taste of success at the Grillstock BBQ and Music Festival in Bristol this weekend and claim the ‘King of the Grill’ barbecue competition title.

American Al, who lived in California until he moved to Rodbourne nine years ago to marry his wife, Amanda, said he has barbecue sauce in his veins.

For the past three years, he has been running his own five-star barbecue catering business, Dr Sweetsmokes Smooth and Slow BBQ, and is looking to set tastebuds alight at this weekend’s competition.

"Barbecuing is in my blood, I love everything about it,” said the 44-year-old.

“I think it comes down to that man, fire thing. But I love all kinds of cooking.

“There is something special about cooking outside, we bring what you would normally cook indoors outside.

“With the summer here and the sun shining there is nothing better than a good barbecue.”

Al said the secret to his winning cooking style was to relax and enjoy it.

“The way I cook is a completely different style to anything that is done over here.

“I came over here when the barbecue revolution was just beginning and I am at the forefront of the revolution.

“I take a lot of time over the cooking over a nice low heat – it always comes out nice and juicy.

“I am hoping to bring the title back to Swindon this weekend.”

Al has already tasted success when his family and friends stormed the British Barbecue Championship in 2008.

Al, Amanda, their children Sean and Kelsie and friends wowed the judges at the event with their succulent chicken, 18-hour smoked brisket and homemade sauce. Al is hoping to emulate that this weekend.

Grillstock 2011 is a two-day barbecue and Music Festival taking over Bristol’s waterfront on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the best of al fresco living.

Last year’s inaugural show was a great success, with 6,000 visitors. Organisors are already predicting that the numbers will be doubled this year, with 20 professional and semi-professional barbecue teams signed up.

To find out more about the event visit www.grillstock.

co.uk.