Season 2, Episode 5

Battle on the Bayou

Michael Symon heads to Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, for the exciting 3rd Annual Operation Smoke Sheaux, where over 60 teams compete for a share of the $10,000 total payout. It's an intense battle featuring chicken, spare ribs and brisket categories, along with a mouthwatering gumbo cook off. From the smoky flavors to the friendly rivalry, Operation Smoke Sheaux is the ultimate showdown for southern pitmasters.

Monday
Aug 28
2pm | 1c
Season 2, Episode 7

Legends in Queens

Michael Symon meets the who's who list of BBQ legends in the heart of Queens, New York, at the Pig Beach BBQ Benefit. Thirty renowned pitmasters gather to compete for the coveted title of Best BBQ Dish and the esteemed People's Choice Award. Michael gets all their inspiring stories, techniques and signature creations, from fiery wings to vegan delicacies. Beyond the sizzling competition, the pitmasters have come together as a tribute to the late co-owner of Pig Beach, Jeff Michner.

Monday
Aug 28
3pm | 2c
Season 2, Episode 6

A Salmon Showdown

The Pacific Northwest heats up as Michael Symon arrives at Washington's Spring Fair BBQ Playoffs, where over 30 pitmaster teams compete for a share of the $25,000 prize. Teams will compete in traditional categories like ribs, chicken, brisket and pork, as well as a new category this year: Anything Salmon. Seasoned pitmasters young and old throw their hat in the ring to see who will walk away with bragging rights and cash!

Monday
Aug 28
4pm | 3c
Season 2, Episode 8

Memphis Mayhem

Michael Symon assembles his dream team to take on over 150 teams from across the globe at the most prestigious barbecue cook off -- the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest! With more than $145,000 in prize money up for grabs, the stakes are high. Facing fierce competitors, Michael and his team focus on the whole hog category and dive into the hot wings, sauce and "Anything But Pork" categories. With a mix of top pitmasters and culinary experts, including Joe Pearce, Susie Bulloch, Luke Darnell and Esther Choi, Michael's team is ready to conquer it all.

Monday
Aug 28
10pm | 9c
Season 2, Episode 8

Memphis Mayhem

Michael Symon assembles his dream team to take on over 150 teams from across the globe at the most prestigious barbecue cook off -- the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest! With more than $145,000 in prize money up for grabs, the stakes are high. Facing fierce competitors, Michael and his team focus on the whole hog category and dive into the hot wings, sauce and "Anything But Pork" categories. With a mix of top pitmasters and culinary experts, including Joe Pearce, Susie Bulloch, Luke Darnell and Esther Choi, Michael's team is ready to conquer it all.

Tuesday
Aug 29
1am | 12c

Michael Symon's Best Recipes

Get All Recipes

Crispy Brown Rice and Cauliflower with Fried Eggs

Grilled Swordfish with Salsa Fresca

Beach Bomber Sausage Sandwich

Baklava

Eastern European "Chile"

Yellowtail Ceviche

Gumbo

Summer Vibes Cocktail

Grilled T-bone Lamb Chops with Fava Bean and Feta Salad

Clam Bake

Pork Pie

Poppy Seed Coleslaw

Vodka Punch

Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Golden Beet and Blue Cheese Puree

Crispy Rice with Broccoli, Bacon, Cashews and Egg

Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

Tea Smoked Sturgeon

Beef Bolognese

Chocolate Covered Bacon with Almonds

Cucumber Salad

One-Pot Pasta on the Grill

One-Tray Chicken with Rice Pilaf 

Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Crostini with Red Pepper Tapenade

Fried Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Capers

Braised Lamb Tacos

Spicy Ukranian Sausage Patties (Kovbasa)

Clams with Sausage and Peppers over Rice Pilaf

Michael Symon

Chef Michael Symon cooks with soul. Growing up in a Greek and Sicilian family, the Cleveland native creates boldly flavored, deeply satisfying dishes at his four restaurants in America’s heartland: Lola, Lolita, Roast and B Spot. He also shares his exuberant, approachable cooking style and infectious laugh with viewers as an Iron Chef on the Food Network.

About the show

It's the most competitive game in food -- BBQ! Chef and restaurateur Michael Symon heads to the biggest BBQ competitions across America to showcase the talented pitmasters, die-hard devotees and, of course, the most mouthwatering 'que around.