<![CDATA[BBQ CRITIC - HALL OF FAME]]>

<![CDATA[BBQ CRITIC - HALL OF FAME]]>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:42:59 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[LEON DAVIS - 2025 BBQ CRITIC HALL OF FAME]]>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:07:38 GMThttps://www.bbqcritic.com/hall-of-fame/leon-davis-2025-bbq-critic-hall-of-fame

(LEFT TO RIGHT) Joe Parajecki, Leon Davis and Herb Kane

When I judged the Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series in Minnetonka, MN this last year (2025), I met fellow judge Joe Parajecki. He sat right next to me at the judging table. We talked a lot about food and his good friend Leon Davis. Leon owns LD's BBQ, a popular restaurant in East Troy, Wisconsin. Joe told me Leon has cancer.

2025 Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series Judges (Minnetonka, MN) from left to right: PT (from 102.9 The Wolf(, Joe Parajecki, Herb Kane, Harry Soo, Famous Dave Anderson and Cody Lamar This is where Joe and I met.

The more Joe talked about Leon and all his accomplishments in barbecue, I could sense he really wanted to honor his friend in some special way. We decided Leon Davis is the perfect candidate to be inducted into the BBQ CRITIC "HALL OF FAME." Joe went on a mission to secretly invite friends to the restaurant so we could present the plaque to Leon in person.

A few months later we set a date to surprise Leon. A snow storm hit, so we had to cancel. The next weekend worked. My fellow judge friend Jason and I set out on a 4 hour drive to East Troy, Wisconsin. We finally arrived!

WE ARRIVED! Herb with fellow BBQ judge Jason Callaway

Speaking of bad weather, that never stopped Leon Davis from serving up his BBQ. Joe told me, "Leon was a traveling nurse who one day got tired of it. He followed his heart to barbecue, and set up a tent and cooker in Big Bend Wisconsin. He sold BBQ in all kinds of weather, even in a couple Wisconsin Blizzards."

This hard work and dedication to his craft paid off. Leon's barbecue became very popular. So much so a gas station (two exits down from where he was set up) let Leon sell his barbecue off a table inside the store. This gas station fueled even more business and it became so popular they added on to their building to accommodate Leon with a small kitchen and a communal table.

A few years later, the gas station sold. Perfect timing! Leon saw there was a vacant Burger King building across the street and he bought it. Instead of Home of the Whopper, it's now home of LD's BBQ!

I love how the sun shines down on LD's BBQ (East Troy, WI). The bright white line beams to the ground while a faint red glow forms a cross at the top. Serendipity at it's finest!

This is a pretty cool looking BBQ joint, but there is much more to it. Joe said, "Leon uses his BBQ Business to fund many Charitable works too. He hosts BBQ Classes, Harley Rides, and many other events."

LD's BBQ BIKE NIGHT (Tuesday 6-9pm) is one of those extremely popular events. Leon himself had donated $10,000 to Band of Blue Children of Fallen Officers – and raffled off a brand-new Harley Davidson! Over 2,500 people have attended this event. This is what I love about BBQ people. It's more about the people than the BBQ.

LD's BBQ BIKE NIGHT - every Tuesday from 6pm to 9.

LD's BBQ is now an award winning restaurant. A few mentions include FOOD & WINE (Best BBQ in Wisconsin), FOOD NETWORK (Best Ribs in Every State - LD's BBQ in Wisconsin), Restaurant Guru (#1 BBQ in East Troy). The list goes on and on. (For a full list, just click the link: https://www.ldsbbq.com/awards).

During our visit, Jason and I eagerly ordered barbecue. The juicy, tender delicious smokey meats combined with all the tasty side dishes made for one satisfying meal. Loved it! Upon completion, we decided LD's BBQ will now receive another award: It's now a BBQ CRITIC APPROVED restaurant! Yes, another plaque will be coming.

Congrats, Leon and staff!

Leon Davis states on his website, "LD’s BBQ serves meats that are slow smoked over 100% Seasoned Oak wood. No corners are cut to get this food to tender and juicy. Anyone that has been here more than once can attest to the fact that there is smoke in the air from very early in the morning until late in the evening. So you know that the meats are being cooked every day to the specifications that my customers have asked for over and over again."

No wonder the inside walls of LD's BBQ are signed by thousands of his "regular" customers! It's an eye-catching display of loyal fans giving Leon their own stamp of approval.

Just one of the walls signed by "regular" customers of LD's BBQ. This is a fan approved restaurant!

We finally presented Leon with the 2025 BBQ CRITIC "HALL OF FAME" plaque. This award comes from all of Leon's friends. When Joe Parajecki arranged for this event, it was done on behalf of everyone who loves Leon, friends who want to see his legacy remembered. It's a beautiful thing. Mission Accomplished, Joe.

Pitmaster Leon Davis (LD's BBQ) accepting the BBQ CRITIC "HALL OF FAME" plaque from his friends.

I believe God brought Joe and I together by judging BBQ at a Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series contest, a meeting that would eventually lead us down a path to honor his friend, Leon Davis. This was no coincidence.

The success of LD's BBQ was built on a foundation of love, friendship, dedication and hard work. Leon Davis embodies all those attributes. Leon Davis - welcome to the BBQ CRITIC "HALL OF FAME."

We all love you!

Herb
- BBQ CRITIC

VIDEO

Interview with Leon Davis and friends...

LD's BBQ
2511 Main St
East Troy, WI 53120

Website: https://www.ldsbbq.com/

]]><![CDATA["FAMOUS DAVE" ANDERSON INDUCTED INTO 2024 BBQ CRITIC "HALL OF FAME"]]>Wed, 14 Aug 2024 09:09:21 GMThttps://www.bbqcritic.com/hall-of-fame/famous-dave-anderson-inducted-into-2024-bbq-critic-hall-of-fame

MINNETONKA, MN (BBQCRITIC.COM) When I induct a business or individual into the BBQ CRITIC "HALL OF FAME," it's because I was impacted personally by the inductee. Famous Dave Anderson did just that.

In July of 2014, a friend and I drove to FAMOUS DAVE'S in Hayward, WI. I posted on Facebook that I was at the original Famous Dave's in Hayward, WI.

Dave Anderson replied back to my post, "Well Herb I am on my way!" We agreed to meet the next day around 11am. So we enjoyed our dinner and then came back the following day.

There Dave sat in back working on business stuff. I introduced myself and we had a great talk about BBQ, competitions and the history at this restaurant. Dave even bought our meals. This was the 20th Anniversary of Famous Dave's first restaurant in Hayward, WI. A very special time, indeed.

Shortly after, Dave asked me if I wanted to do an interview. I said heck yes! We filmed an impromptu video interview for BBQ CRITIC. Very cool!

Here is the sad part. In November of that same year the original Famous Dave's in Hayward, WI burnt to the ground. This was heart breaking for Dave and everyone who loved that place. It was one beautiful restaurant nestled on the shores of Round Lake. You could dock your boat and walk up to eat BBQ on the outdoor patio. Absolutely gorgeous setting!

Last year in 2023 Dave introduced me to the World Food Championships (WFC) and the Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series. Many do not know this, but Dave sent a letter of introduction to WFC and Famous Dave's of America for me to get involved with his All-Star series. I did not ask, he just did it.

The BBQ CRITIC HALL OF FAME plaque is dedicated to Dave Anderson and his Original Famous Dave's restaurant in Hayward, WI. It was there this business was born and would grow to be a huge success, nurtured by a man who has a huge heart for BBQ and all the people involved. Most of all, I appreciate Dave's friendship.

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the original Famous Dave's in Hayward, WI and it's important to me this store is never forgotten. That said, welcome to the BBQ CRITIC HALL OF FAME "Famous Dave" Anderson!

Herb Kane
BBQ CRITIC

Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series

Famous Dave Anderson will be judging at the Famous Dave's All-Star BBQ Series in Sioux City, IA. Come on out and meet Dave and sample FREE wings from 11am to 3pm August 17th. Fun times ahead!

LOCATION:
Famous Dave's
201 Pierce St
Sioux City IA 51101

This event is open to the general public. Not only will you get a chance to watch celebrity pitmasters go head-to-head with other BBQ All-Stars, you can look forward to the following:

* FREE Entry
* FREE BBQ WINGS (while they last!).
* FREE Pepsi
* Meet Famous Dave Anderson (at select locations)
* Much, much more!

So bring your family and friends to join in on this CELEBRATION OF BBQ! I will be judging this event and I hope to meet you, too!

For a complete list of locations, go here:
https://worldfoodchampionships.com/allstars

]]><![CDATA[RON & DENA MILHOUS - 2024 BBQ CRITIC HALL OF FAME]]>Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:25:31 GMThttps://www.bbqcritic.com/hall-of-fame/ron-dena-milhous-2024-bbq-critic-hall-of-fame

When I heard my friend Ron Milhous passed away (July 10th 2024) time just stopped. My heart immediately became heavy for his wife, Dena. They were team mates in the BBQ world on so many levels.

Ron not only served on the Iowa BBQ Society Board at one time, he was a BBQ judge and a competition cook (DOWN HOME COOK'N & BAR-B-QUE) with his wife, Dena. They were were KCBS contest reps and contest organizers, too. Always together working to benefit the BBQ community. Ron loved being around people.

Ron and Dena enjoyed visiting Bubba-Q's in Ottumwa, IA. In 2013 they hosted a BBQ Friend Get Together lunch at the Bubba-Q's. What a joy it was getting us all together to visit and enjoy really great BBQ. Cherished memories, indeed!

I have great memories of Ron's contest CENTRAL IOWA EXPO BBQ, CRUIZ & BREW (Boone, IA). In April 2015, I cooked with Bubba-Q's (Bubba & Sabrina Knapp - Ottumwa, IA). We ended up winning 1st place in Ribs.

One summer at the BBQ Rendezvous in Marion, IA, Ron was vending BBQ and gave me a surprise gift - an Orion Cooker. That was very thoughtful of Ron.

In 2014, all the cooks asked me to come compete at the Rose Festival using the team name SAVE THE DAY BBQ. One more team was needed to make this event a qualifier. I agreed. I smoked up a pork butt in the Orion and nailed 8th place at a pro comp.

I remember the outburst from the crowd of cooks when my name was called. That was a fun day for SAVE THE DAY BBQ!

The pork was delicious, but the box was not all that pretty. It was just a pile of pulled pork. I showed Ron a photo of my box and he agreed with me. "Yeah, that box is ugly, Herb." Hilarious! Taste and Tenderness saved the day!

What I enjoyed most about Ron was his sense of humor and he always had a story to tell. Some of the funniest moments I did not catch on video and I wish I had. Oh boy, listening to the back and forth banter between Ron and Dave Compton was priceless. They teased each other about their age quite often.

I'll never forget when Ron & Dena opened their restaurant DOWN HOME COOK'N & BAR-B-QUE in Ames, IA. They gave me and my friends a tour and we sat down to eat some great Q. Ron gave us some pig candy at the end and it was delicious! A very memorable day.

In 2016, Ron ran for KCBS Board of Directors. It was the first time BBQ CRITIC endorsed a BOD candidate. The meme I posted on Facebook at the time said it all...

On a serious note, Ron & Dena were let go as reps from KCBS over a contest dispute in 2020. I GOT PISSED. First thing I did is write a post on Facebook. I won't re-post it here, but the link is below if you want to read it.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/h8UQfhkntYYyWdnQ/

My post caught the attention of a KCBS Board member who then called me. I won't reveal what was said on the phone, but it was a very pleasant and respectful conversation.

Thanks to all the public outcry from so many KCBS members supporting Ron & Dena, KCBS did the right thing and reinstated them as reps. I did make another FB post and this one I will re-post:

"KANSAS CITY BARBEQUE SOCIETY hires back Iowa-based BBQ contest reps Ron and Dena Milhous. It's great to see KCBS live up to its motto of Truth, Justice, Excellence in Barbeque, and the American Way of Life. Ron and Dena exemplify this very concept. Congrats, Ron and Dena!"

I remember many fun times together with Ron. He was a very down to earth person, very approachable and always made you feel like he cared about you as a person.

In December of 2013, I announced on the BBQ CRITIC FB page that I had just awarded the 2023 BBQ CRITIC "HALL OF FAME" to Angela Lockmann-Guzman & Shawn Lewis (from Sugarfire Smoke House in Cedar Rapids, Iowa).

Ron thoughtfully shared my post on his wall and said, "Love what you are doing Herb Kane." That statement meant a lot to me. He was always supporting me in some way or another. Ron was a true friend.

Well Ron, I love what you and Dena have done to advance the world of BBQ. You have experienced the good, the bad - and all the love that everyone felt for you. Together you persevered through it all and in the end - you mostly provided everyone a lot of fun and cherished memories leaving us all with a smile on our faces.

So I am glad, Ron Milhous, that you loved that Hall of Fame post because now I am honored to induct you and Dena officially into the 2024 BBQ CRITIC "HALL OF FAME," a dedicated husband and wife team who were inseparable in their mutual contribution to the world of BBQ.

Dena Milhous accepts the 2024 BBQ CRITIC "HALL OF FAME" plaque.

I am pretty sure when Ron reached Heaven, Dave Compton greeted him at the gates ready to give him the grand tour. Even in eternity, they are probably still joking about each other's age. That image just puts a smile on my face.

One day we will reunite again, my friend, in the presence of our Lord. Until then...

Sending prayers of peace and healing to everyone who loved Ron Milhous. Below is a tribute video I made for the memory of Ron.

God Bless Ron & Dena Milhous.

With Love,
Herb Kane
BBQ CRITIC

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

A Celebration of Life for Ron Milhous will be on Saturday August 10, 2024 from 2pm-6pm at the Ames Moose Lodge 644 West 190th Street Ames Iowa.

Dena would ike to honor his memory by coming together to share stories, laughter, and memories Some of Ron’s favorite BBQ will be served!

Ron Milhous Tribute Video

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