weber_cam
The most unforeseen side benefit of this blog has been its bridge to new friendships. In fact, when I first started APP six years ago, it was to keep in touch with people I already knew. I had no idea APP would one day build a road to strangers.
Every time I make the real life acquaintance of someone I only previously knew through the written word or well composed picture, my life gets richer. I have a long a number of friends still to meet. The locations pass the Atlantic, the Pacific, and immigration officers in several countries. As time goes on, the list grows.
Last week the list dropped a name and it's sad it took so long, as I only had to drive an hour to make it happen.
While spending the week in Columbus for work, I finally had the chance to meet Dave from weber_cam. Several years ago I stumbled across Dave's blog documenting what he called the Firedome, a converted Weber kettle turned pizza oven. I've watched the Firedome go through several permeations. At each step, I've been amazed at his measured and scientific approach. After all, Dave is a scientist by trade, so the excruciating detail and systematic approach he takes to everything is praise worthy and to him, natural. I wish I was as structured, orderly, and one quarter as smart.
Did I also mention Dave stared in a Weber commercial?
Whereas several years ago, an invitation to meet one of my "Internet Friends" would have been met with jokes and skepticism. Now, the opportunity presented to Brian, my co-worker, was met with glee. After all, we were meeting one of my "food blogging friends". Brian likes to eat.
Our get together with Dave, Trish, and Frankie, was absolutely wonderful. They took incredible care of us. Not only did Dave have the Firedome fired up (BTW, sorry for the craptastic photos. I was operating totally off the iPhone. It doesn't always know focus and it certainly doesn't know white balance when flame is involved),
but he had a complete pizza assembly line ready for action.
Dave's ability to work yeast, flour, and water is second to none. I still go to his YouTube videos for advice.
Did I mention Dave was precise? Yes, that is an IR thermometer in the foreground.
The Firedome was in full pizza making operation. I believe he mentioned the interior temperature was over 900 F.
Dave's pizzas were insane. The dough slides right off the peel. I am never so lucky, but then again when Dave is working the dome, luck has nothing to do with it.
Mmmmh, pizza. I forgot how many I ate.
Imagine a light smokey crust, with a little bit of char, and a smorgasbord of toppings. Close your eyes. You now have a pretty good idea of how dinner went. Hungry? I am, and dinner was about an hour ago.
I am thankful to have, at last, met Dave (and Trish and Frankie, too!). He was the consummate host and for a couple of "out of town" guys, provided a much needed break from forgetful dinners. The food was insanely good and the company was stellar. In October, I hope to make it a twofer. I'll be back in Columbus again and besides seeing Dave, I will also get to meet his partner in crime, Andrew, from Slim Pickins Pork. I can't wait.
Life is great. I just never knew this blog would make it sweet and savory, too.
