The South Gibson Star-Times serves the towns of Haubstadt, Owensville and Fort Branch.
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1466637
A-2 Front Tuesday, May 3, 2022 South Gibson Star-Times SOMETHING NEWSWORTHY? Call 812-753-3553 or email editor@sgstartimes.com TASTE Continued from page 1 Ayres said is whether people prefer red or green chiles. This weekend outside the Brickhouse, he served sau- sage stuffed with green chil- es. "It brings a whole different aspect. It's a flavor and a cul- ture," he said. "In New Mexico north is red, south is green." The family moved to Cali- fornia, and Ayres started pro- ducing his own green chile barbecue rub. "Up my sleeve I've got a lot of tricks I haven't tried yet," he said. In California, the family bought a custom-built 250 gal- lon propane tank barbecue pit. Tyler Cannon, who de- signed the custom pit, for him, helped him learn to op- erate the large capacity ma- chine which would allow him to start selling ribs, chickens and more in bulk out of his California garage. "It was lots of wood, lots of practice, and I lost a lot of meat to it," he said of the trial period. He began selling ribs on larger scale out in Califor- nia. COVID and rising cost of meat forced him to stop and kicked him into what he called a research and development phase, where he focused on learning the food science he would need to do the high vol- ume, faster cooking he would need if he ever opened his own restaurant. "It's not grilling, it's still barbecue, but the meat is on grill less time," he said. He cooks over oak, hicko- ry, mesquite and apple woods, matching meats to wood blends. The Ayres family returned to Mollie's hometown in Princ- eton and is focusing on grow- ing their business, Zia Smoke BBQ. He said the Midwest is a barbecue mecca, and they want to eventually own a restaurant. "If you look at the logo, Zia is the four point star of New Mexico," he said. Behind it is the purple mountain view from their first home, which was also the backdrop to their wedding and their view every night at sunset. "Mollie takes orders, DJ and I make plates, and Tyson sends out the window," said Ayres. "It's shockingly fun, and working with the boys has showed they don't argue all the time. Arguing stops and business happens. It's a family ordeal." The business has been a profitable risk, and he said he's been able to get started without major debt, preferring instead, to pay as they go. As for the flavors, Chris Ayres he said the cooking has come full circle—he has returned to his backyard bar- becue roots. "I want you to feel like you went to your friend's house and you are cooking in back yard," he said. Show MoM how Much You AppreciAte her! 5038 S. Ind. 65, Owensville 812-724-2405 www.hueyz.com Ceramic Sculptures for her home or garden MORE MOTHER'S DAY IDEAS... • Spring Wreaths • Flags • Personalized Angel Nightlight • Ceramic Class Gift Certificate A great way for Mom to learn a new craft! Bouquets & Planters Bouquets & Planters Fresh Floral Fresh Floral Retired Navy vet Mollie Ayres swipes a card Sat- urday, at the Zia's BBQ pop up, in Fort Branch. She and her husband Chris sold barbecue with their sons Sunday, in Fort Branch. Above: Baby Freya enjoys ice cream at the opening of Flora June's outside the Brickhouse Sunday, with mom Janessa Pence. Left: Remini Chavis paints Kaliyah Barry's face Sunday afternoon, at the Brickhouse in Fort Branch, during a food and shopping event to kick off the open- ing of Flora June's Scoop Shoppe, and introduce sev- eral new local food options. Raleigh Ziliak plays with a large connect four board with his aunt at Sunday's event at the Brickhouse, in Fort Branch. Darla Allen and Devon Ambrose make pizza at Mother Truckers opening in Fort Branch at the Brickhouse, Sunday afternoon.