COMPETITOR

Smoking Beards

HEAD COOK: Frederic Casagrande

COMPETITION: World Live Fire Championship

To Frederic Casagrande, food is an amalgamation of many wonderful things — devotion, culture, history, innovation, and passion. His tryst with food resulted in awards, accolades, his own company, and a lot of love from his customers.

Once upon a time, in the bustling metropolis of Dubai, lived a man with a burning passion for food, inherited from a lineage of talented cooks on both sides of his ancestry. Frederic’s culinary journey began in the heart of France, where the art of cooking is more than just a means of sustenance; it is a deeply ingrained cultural heritage, a sacred tradition passed down through generations. Observing his mother’s meticulous attention to detail, reverence for high-quality ingredients, and pursuit of perfection in every dish as acts of devotion, his love for food and cooking grew organically from a very young age. Although he never underwent classical training in the culinary arts, Frederic honed his skills and refined his palate under the guidance of Alexandre Lopez, a disciple of legends Joël Robuchon and Paul Bocuse. And though his professional career took him away from the glamorous kitchens of the food and beverage world, into the universe of Project Management, he never forgot his deep-rooted passion for creating unique flavors. It was this passion that sparked an unexpected turn in his culinary journey in 2021.

Motivated by his wife, his love for cooking on live fire, the sizzling aroma, and the camaraderie brought by barbecues, Frederic decided to participate in Rotana's competition to find the UAE's best amateur BBQ master. Drawing from his vast culinary knowledge and creativity, he crafted a mesmerizing blend of spices that lent a tantalizing flavor and exquisite taste to his recipe. Little did he know that this blend of spices would soon become the centerpiece of a culinary revolution. His creation, Smoking Beards®, not only left the judges in awe but also captivated the hearts of all who tasted it. The unique amalgamation of flavors, meant to sublimate his favorite meat cuts such as tomahawks, ribeyes, or inside skirts, became an instant hit, gaining immense popularity among BBQ enthusiasts and food connoisseurs.

What began as an experimental concoction for a competition has now turned into something much more significant. Frederic’s talent and dedication soon caught the attention of the culinary world, earning him esteemed memberships in prestigious organizations such as the Ordre Culinaire International, the Toques Françaises, and the Dubai Chefs Collective.

To him, cooking is a sacred ritual that connects people to their past, their community, and their identity. It is a symphony of flavors that transcends the boundaries of taste, captivating the senses and nourishing the soul. With every bite, he imparts a sense of communion, reminding both the chef and the diner of the enduring power of tradition and the beauty of a culture woven together by the threads of culinary excellence. As word of his creation, Smoking Beards®, spread like wildfire, demand for his extraordinary blend of spices soared. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, Frederic decided to share his culinary masterpiece with the world. He launched Smoking Beards® as a premium brand of spices and seasonings, which quickly found its way into kitchens around the globe.

In 2023, his culinary journey reached a pinnacle when he was crowned as the UAE's BBQ Champion on Live Fire and reached the Finals of the first Live Fire World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas. This prestigious honor not only celebrated his exceptional BBQ skills but also recognized the magic of Smoking Beards® which elevated his dishes to a level beyond the ordinary. But beyond competitions and accolades, Frederic's story is one of passion, dedication, and a genuine love for the art of cooking. Each dish he creates is a reflection of his heritage, training, and the spark of creativity that sets him apart. The brand became more than just a blend of spices; it became a symbol of how dreams, pursued with ardor and determination, can redefine destinies. His story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring Chefs and food enthusiasts, reminding them that the essence of cooking lies not only in the flavors but also in the heartfelt passion that breathes life into every dish.

And so, the tale of Frederic, the creator of Smoking Beards®, continues to unfold. With each creation and every sprinkle of his magical spices, he leaves an indelible mark on the world's culinary map, enriching lives one delectable bite at a time.