Many of us have claimed to be grill masters from time to time, but to get the art of barbeque just right takes years and years of practice.

Luckily, all of that practice yields some good eats.

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Dave Kaminski's interest in smoking and barbeque started as a hobby.

First, with one smoker, and as time went on he would add more and more smokers.

After ten years of just messing around with meats, Dave decided to turn his hobby into a business.

He had the equipment, he had the name, and he was beginning to do some catering.

Then the pandemic hit.

Dave didn't let that setback stop him from accomplishing his dream of owning a BBQ establishment.

As they say with most businesses, it's all about location, location, location.

Dave found the perfect spot for what will be Smokie's Craft BBQ.

photo courtesy of Dave Kaminski
photo courtesy of Dave Kaminski
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The take-out and catering business is getting the finishing touches put on it.

Smokie's will be taking the place of the old Muscle Maker Grill in the Bayville Commons on Route 9.

I asked Dave what his specialty or favorite item is. He was hard-pressed to go with just one, but he went with his pork belly burnt ends.

photo courtesy of Dave Kaminski
photo courtesy of Dave Kaminski
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These bits of deliciousness are smoked for 4-5 hours and then Dave adds his special glaze.

This wouldn't be an official BBQ eatery without fall off the bone ribs smoked to perfection.

photo courtesy of Dave Kaminski
photo courtesy of Dave Kaminski
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For me, BBQ sides are just as important as the meats. Smokie's will have all of our faves.

Mac and cheese, baked beans, deviled eggs, corn on the cob, and more.

What will ultimately set Smokie's apart from the rest is that everything is homemade.

Dave even makes his own pickles and jalapenos.

The final walk-throughs are being made now and Smokie's is on track to open within weeks.

You can check their socials for updates, but you'll know they're open by the sweet smell of barbeque in the air.

Congratulations and good luck to Ocean County original Dave Kaminski and his staff at Smokie's in Bayville!

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