Humbled Beginnings

Passion for Cooking

Hello,

My name is Amanda "Pitmaster Cutie" of the south; well in Atlanta Georgia anyway (lol). I'd developed a passion for smoking meats at 8 years old ! I watched my grandmother barbecue all the time. Until one day I had to take on the task to do it myself.

I was an Early Education teacher for over 17 years and absolutely loved the profession! But, my son was granted with the opportunity of a lifetime to go to China . And, sadly I couldn't afford the trip. I was devastated that he may miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. So, I borrowed my mom grill and begin cooking on any street corner - that allowed me too-throughout Atlanta neighborhoods. Many weeks later I made enough money to send him to China. I was so overjoyed that BBQ paved the way for him to go ! I thought my cooking was over until customers kept requesting BBQ. Over the months I continued to cook and the customers base grew bigger and bigger. So, I quit teaching ; rented a shared kitchen space and that's was the beginning of Amanda's BarBeeQue !

My passion for cooking blossomed from cooking on the streets of Atlanta Ga., to small dinners for family and friends, catering for customers, vending at many Festivals around GA .

Recently, I appeared on The Cooking Channel hit show "Fire Masters" and was 2nd winner up, Named "Georgia Female Trailblazing Pitmaster" .

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

*Named one of "Georgia Trailblazing Female Pitmasters"

*Slingin' Wings People Choice Award 2019

*Slingin' Wings Best Smoked Wings 2019

*Spring Fling 3rd Place Chicken Winner

*Grant Park Rib Competition 1st Place

*Appearance on Food Network Canada Fire Masters

*Cooking Channel

*Shoutout Atlanta Magazine

*Voyage Magazine

*National Geographic "Deep South Pitmasters" 2021