FAMOUS DAVE SAYS HARRY SOO’S BBQ IS THE REAL DEAL!
Why take Harry’s class?
There are many choices of barbecue classes in America and many good instructors. So how do you choose? If you’re looking for an instructor who loves to teach and has a terrific track record for sharing the art and science of barbecue that’s backed by 30+ Grand Championships and 100+ first places from America, Canada, England, and Hawaii, you don’t need to look further (see Awards).
Since 2009, Harry has proven that he can take you from zero to hero in six-hours in his entertaining action-packed barbecue class whether you’re a restaurateur, competitor, aspiring competitor, caterer, BBQ judge, or regular backyard cook. Of the 3,500+ pitmasters Harry has personally taught hands-on in small classes, many have gone on to win Grand Championships after class and 20+ have made it to the prestigious Jack Daniels Invitational contest in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Harry also trained the first woman grand champion pitmaster from California and the first one from Arizona. Harry’s teaching has attracted a diverse clientele of students from around the world including England, Netherlands, Germany, Thailand, Korea, Africa, Canada, and Australia. Numerous Executive Chefs and classically trained chefs from prestigious institutions and multinational hotels (Four Seasons, JW Marriott, Disneyland Resorts, high-end casinos) have all found their way to Harry’s class.
BBQ Class Schedule
Each class is limited in size (14 max) as this is a hands-on class with one-on-one guidance.
You do not have a spot in a class until you have received a BBQ Class Confirmation email. The email confirmation comes after we have confirmed your registration information and payment has been received for the class date and time you have selected.
Class runs from 7:45 am – 2:30 pm (arrive 7:45; we start promptly at 8:00; lunch around 1:00; conclude with certificates after lunch). If you’re flying in, please note that class may not end until 3:00 pm or later because BBQ is ready when it’s ready and can’t be hurried. Consequently, please don’t book your outbound flight too tightly. You won’t want to miss out on the final product and wrap up portions of the class.
VIEW CURRENT SCHEDULE & PRICING
NOTE : ALL INFORMATION AND PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Class Details & Objectives
This class is geared towards applying competition-style BBQ techniques to your backyard cooking including food safety, meat selection, trimming, recipe injections, rubs, mops, sprays, sauces, temperature control, BBQ chemistry, bark formation, foiling meats, and determining doneness. The class will use a variety of smokers (WSM 18″ and 22″, Comet Kamado, Green Mountain Grill), propane grill, gas oven, and focus on wood selection and fire control.
In this six-hour class, you will work side-by-side with Harry to smoke, grill, bake, and prepare 15 different types of meats and sides. Sauces and rubs are all prepared from regular pantry ingredients. Class includes an all you can eat BBQ lunch of half-chickens, thighs, St. Louis style spareribs, Baby Back ribs, Rib Tips, Pork Butts, Beef Brisket, Sausage, Hot Links, Salami, and Santa Maria tri-tip. Our tri tip won 1st place in the Tri Tip Championship Throwdown in 2009 in Santa Maria, California, the tri tip capital of the world. Harry often adds muse dishes to the class such as beef ribs, New Zealand lamb lollipops, Prime ribeyes, and several bacon appetizers such as Jalapeno Poppers, Bacon Wrapped Tempura Shrimp, and others. You will not leave hungry!
Class Objectives
- How to light a fire
- How to make your own rubs and sauces
- How to prepare chicken, ribs, pork, brisket, and tri-tip
- How to prepare injections and marinades
- Detailed instructions on cooking methods
- Equipment and Accessories
- Overview of BBQ contests and judging
- Cooking long-haul Brisket and Pork Butts
- Cooking spareribs, St. Louis Ribs, and Baby Back Ribs
- Cooking Tri-Tip Santa Maria Style
- Cooking Half Chickens and Chicken Thighs
- Cooking Sausages and Links
- Answering your grilling and BBQ problems and questions
- Certificates and Conclusion
All attendees will receive a Slap Yo’ Daddy BBQ Apron and a Certificate Of Completion.
Registration and Notification
If you see an open date in the class schedule (See Dates), select the date you desire and complete your purchase. You will be emailed a confirmation email after we have confirmed your registration information and payment has been received for the class date and time you have selected. The confirmation email typically is sent within 48-72 hours. If you do not receive your confirmation email after this time frame, please email the SYD Class Coordinator.
Once your spot has been purchased, you will receive a confirmation email and subsequent email reminders will be sent at the two-week, one-week, and three days intervals before the class date with special instructions and class location. Please note we request that you confirm your attendance in the 2-week email reminder. If we do not hear from you, we will attempt to email and/or phone you to get a confirmation.
If you prefer to be placed on the SYD Standby list for an earlier filled class or future date, please see our Standby section below.
Standby List Schedule
If you want to be on standby for an earlier filled class or future date, please complete the BBQ Class Standby Request Form and indicate which filled class you wish to be in as standby or potential future date. When an opening becomes available or a new class date is scheduled, and you are at the top of the standby list, you will be notified via email. You will be given 24-hours to respond. If we do not hear from you, the next person on the waiting list will be contacted. Receipt of standby registrations and payments are processed in a first come first serve basis.
Airport, Hotel, and Entertainment Information
For students flying in, the closest airport is Ontario (ONT) about 30 minutes away from Diamond Bar. Alternate airports are John Wayne Santa Ana (SNA) about 30 minutes away or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) about 60 minutes away depending on traffic (Not Advisable).
If you need a hotel room, The Ayres Hotel has worked out an agreement with SYD to reduce their 2025 room rate to $132 plus tax for a Deluxe Guestroom (standard rates range between $169-$189). Room Description: King or Two Double Queen “Ayres Dream Sleeper” beds, MP3-compatible clock-radio, coffee maker, refrigerator, iron/ironing board, executive writing desk and premium channels (whirlpool jetted bathtub in select first floor rooms). These rates are valid through the end of 2023. It also includes complimentary full American breakfast daily, evening reception with complimentary beer, wine and light snacks (Monday – Thursday 5pm – 7pm), wireless high-speed internet in guestroom and public areas, parking and fresh baked cookies.
When calling to make a reservation, please make sure to request the Slap Yo Daddy BBQ class special rate.
Class Policy
We understand that sometimes students need to reschedule or cancel the class they registered for. We will try to accommodate rescheduling of registration dates, when possible, up to two weeks before your scheduled class date. Within the two-week period of your scheduled class date, the following Cancellation and Rescheduling policy applies:
> 2 weeks before class – Full refund minus a $25 payment processing fee.
< 2 weeks before class – We will try to find a replacement. If we do, then we will provide a full refund minus a $25 payment processing fee. If we are unable to fill your spot, we will provide a 50% refund as Harry has purchased all meats and materials for the class (Please See Note*) (This also applies to no shows).
Note*: If you can’t make it to class due to an emergency, please call us ASAP even if it’s just before class as we will contact our standby list to see if anyone can come. Please do not do a NO SHOW as we will not be able to call a replacement.
Rescheduling Policy
> 2 weeks before class – We will gladly reschedule you for a future date at no charge.
< 2 weeks before class – We will do our best to fill your spot for a $25 payment rescheduling fee. If we are unable to fill your spot, we will unfortunately have to charge you for the empty seat in the class (Please See Note* above).
Most of the time, we can find a replacement from either the wait list or a student in a future class. This rule is intended to discourage rescheduling the last minute and leaving us insufficient time to fill your spot.
In the rare instance where I need to cancel or move a class, I carefully consider my decision before acting. Situations where I need to cancel or move the class date include, but are not limited to, severe weather, illness, unexpected change in my contest dates and sponsor commitments, or when there are less than 8 students signed up.
Due to space constraints in my backyard we will not have space for spectators or additional volunteers.
NOTE: We reserve the right to accept, reject, modify, suspend, or delete user registrations at any time and within our sole and absolute discretion. Any funds collected from the user will be returned. When you submit your registration form, you agree to this policy.
Please email the SYD Class Coordinator if you have questions.
Gift Certificates
If you wish to purchase a class as a gift for someone, please complete the BBQ Class Standby Request Form and fill out the form and select a potential Saturday class date. We will email you a registration form for you to complete and submit with payment. Once you have purchased a spot, we will email you a printable certificate and a confirmation of being in the class. If there are no class dates available, we will email you a registration form with a blank date. Submit the completed form and payment. When we receive your paperwork, we will email you a printable gift certificate. You will be notified once new class dates become available.
To redeem your gift certificate, please email the SYD Class Coordinator. Tell us which class you’re interested in and mention that you have a gift certificate from us. If a spot is still available in the class, you will receive an email confirmation of being in the class.
NOTE: Gift Certificates are only valid for 1 year from the issue date.
This is how Jenn gave her gift to her husband. Awwww . . .
Yelp Reviews
I can’t say enough good things about this class. Harry is passionate about, and loves BBQ. I share his enthusiasm, and was hoping he could help me improve my skills. He did so much more than that. This class is hands on, and he covers a lot of topics. I learned so much, and Harry is a gracious and patient teacher. I’ve been working my pit for years, and was pretty good at it too, if I don’t say so my own self, but this class brought me up to a new level of understanding. So glad I took the Slap Yo Daddy BBQ pitmaster class. Someone once told me that I don’t have to know it all.. but you do need to know who to ask for help when you need it and when it comes to BBQ, Harry Soo is that man. Save yourself years of trial and error and take this class. This class will take anyone from zero to hero in 6 short hours. The wisdom and love that Harry will impart on you is amazing. Save time and money with his proven process and resources. I cannot recommend this class enough. If there is an advanced class.. sign me up Harry. You’re the best!!! Thank you Sir This is the class to go to!!! Harry knows BBQ and is willing to share his knowledge with his students not only at class but after when it really counts and you need good BBQ to impress your family and friends or if you are a competitor and need to impress the judges. This is a class which is MORE than worth the registration fee. Learn Harry’s methods and then you can adapt them to your tastes. My first brisket after the class was amazing compared to before the class. I am confident our team scores will be much better at the next competition … (read all reviews)
Class Reviews
This is an amazing class!– Harry is not only a great cook, but more importantly – A GREAT teacher as well. The class is very well put together and you will leave with all the tools you need to become a very good BBQ chef.I would recommend this to all who want to get better at cooking and enjoy life more.
Better than 20 BBQ Books I own – Instructor knew and told every aspect of BBQ process. I plan to be a Pro and now know what to do to win
One of best classes I have taken – I am a Certified BBQ Judge and have taken several classes including some in the Mid-West. This ranks way up there as one of the best I have attended…
Thank you for curing me of my phobia of making bad barbecue – No BBQ book, video, or search on the Internet can compare to your hands-on class.… (read all reviews)
10 Comments on “BBQ Classes”
I took Harry's class in Sept 2010. I had no smoker, nor could I even grill a steak for that matter. Nervous… you could say that. At first I found it interesting this man would invite people into his own home. But, arrived to a beautiful setting. Perfect for welcoming the class and the views and landscape just put you at ease. Harry is as laid back as he seems on t.v. He keeps his classes small, so you are not in a "sea of people". As he demonstrates each cut, and why, there is room to be around his table and watch. (this was critical for my lack of knowledge). It didn't go so fast either, that each student couldn't get a chance to see and ask questions. The "class" was an eclectic sort of all parts of the country and skill levels. But, there were no attitudes, just everyone sucking up Harry's teaching. He'd teach, then we'd taste. He warned us, "go easy" lots to come. None of us did. LOL then it became apparent why. Food never stopped coming. Not only Q, but his exquisite other dishes. I don't think any of us ate for 24 hrs after. And, guess the best thing about that is, "why would you want to"? Treat yourself to Harry's class. A gift for a spouse or friend. I didn't own a smoker when I took it, just knew I wanted to. 6 yrs later (just a home cook) I still refer to his handout book. Temps, rubs, sauces, he shares it all. Makes me feel like a queen when I can bring such wonderful food to family and friends.
Where can I purchase slap your daddy low sodium rub in bulkp
Really Appreciate this update, can you make it so I get an email every time you write a fresh post?
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Really need to take this class before I move back to Alabama. My cousin thinks my BBQ is great but I know Harry will take me to the level that I need to be.
So yesterday our team Up in Smoke West Coast BBQ entered a BBQ competition called Burning Ham, we turned in a rib box, pork butt box, pig shots box, and bacon Rosettes dipped in chocolate and drizzled in Carmel and sea salt box. Everything had to be made with pork and it was a lot of fun and hard work. I would like to thank Harry for his classes that he puts on because we sure learned a lot at his class and how to use his rubs to push us to be better pitmasters. So, at the end of the competition yesterday, we ended up being Grand Champion BBQ team. What a rush that was a great feeling spreading BBQ love. Thank you again Harry for all your wisdom.
Thank you Rob and Up in Smoke West Coast BBQ! Congratulations on being the Grand Champion BBQ team and all of your hard work. Continue to spread BBQ love to thousands of BBQ fans.
I have taken your BBQ classes in 2019. Will you have any more steak grilling classes.
Christopher St. Jean
Hi Christopher. Thank you for being an alum of Harry’s BBQ class. We have received great feedback from the students who attended our first SCA class and we are planning to offer this again in the future. We do not have a date selected, but I will add you to our standby list and will update everyone once a date is determined.
Please complete our online standby request form so we may update you when a class is scheduled. Thank you for your interest and being a fan of Harry’s.
https://www.slapyodaddybbq.com/bbq-standby-request/