North Fork American BBQ In North Fork, California: Meet The Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Trevor Seward of North Fork American BBQ in North Fork, California. North Fork American BBQ offers a delightful experience for barbecue lovers. The menu features a variety of smoked meats, including tender ribs and flavorful brisket, all expertly prepared with house-made sauces that elevate the meal. The rustic atmosphere and friendly service create a welcoming environment, making it the perfect spot for families or groups. Their locally sourced ingredients reflect a commitment to quality, making each bite a celebration of authentic American BBQ tradition.
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
My mornings start with strong coffee and fire—literally. I check on the smoker, get the crew lined out, and make sure everything’s set for the day. At the end of the day, it’s back at the pit, checking temps and prepping for tomorrow. That’s the rhythm. Late nights, early mornings, and a lot of smoke in between.
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
North Fork BBQ is currently one of the highest-rated BBQ restaurants in the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada’s—holding a 4.8+ star average across multiple platforms. We’ve been featured on news channel ABC30 and the Roku Channel, and our reputation is built on never cutting corners. I’m also currently writing a historical BBQ cookbook called “Fire on the Ocean” that dives into California’s unspoken barbecue roots—from early 1700’s-Modern Day.
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
I respect old-school pitmasters like Myron Mixon for their dedication, but I also draw inspiration from BBQ chefs around California who keep the California tradition and culture alive through food. My advice? Earn it. Don’t chase the trend—chase the fire, chase the flavor, and never serve anything you wouldn’t put your name on.
What do you typically cook at home?
It’s a testing ground at our house—brisket, tri-tip, ribs, and more experimental stuff that might end up on the menu or in my book. Even at home, we still strive to be better. It never ends. My kids are not picky eaters and love to be the North Fork BBQ official taste testers.
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
Santa Maria BBQ—people getting back to their roots and using what grows and grazes nearby. In California, that means red oak, avocado wood, citrus, and bold Central Coast flavor, which is often overlooked in the BBQ world. We like taking that regional pride and putting it front and center on every plate.
What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
Grilled octopus with olive citrus salsa. Sounds wild, but it’s unreal—bright, smoky, and briny all at once. It’s actually one of the recipes featured in my book Fire on the Ocean, and it’s a perfect example of where old-school BBQ meets coastal California freshness.
What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?
Black coffee. Gets me through the day and long nights smoking. Don’t know how I would operate without it.
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
A few regional celebrities and influencers have come through, but honestly, the best stories come from first responders and veterans who find us on the road. Those heroes in my mind are the real celebrities. Listening to their stories while eating BBQ is what I truly love.
What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
It’s @north.fork.bbq1 everything from pit shots to plated beauty, with behind-the-scenes peeks at what we’re building next. However, our Facebook page, North Fork BBQ, is our most active social media platform however.
Why should readers visit North Fork American BBQ in North Fork, California?
Because we don’t just serve BBQ—we serve legacy. Every meal is cooked low and slow, with real wood, real smoke, and a whole lot of dedication and heart, my wife Megan’s hospitality, my brother Colin’s precision behind the scenes, my obsession with the fire all come together here. It’s a veteran owned, family-run BBQ with no shortcuts and a whole lot of soul. Come sit down in the beauty of the Sierra Nevada’s, enjoy the smell of oak smoke lofting through the air and have a delicious, down-home meal with our family.