Smoky Rock BBQ In Rhinebeck, New York: Meet The Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Dimitri Psichas of Smoky Rock BBQ in Rhinebeck, New York. Dining at Smoky Rock BBQ in offers a rustic, authentic experience that delights barbecue lovers. The restaurant specializes in slow-smoked meats, with flavors that reflect NY-style barbecue methods. Guests can savor tender brisket, smoky ribs, and house-made sauces that elevate the dining experience. With a casual atmosphere and a menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients, Smoky Rock BBQ ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, making it a must-visit for both locals and travelers seeking a taste of exceptional barbecue.
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
Most importantly my morning starts with a great cup of coffee. Barbecue definitely takes a lot of time and preparation. I start early in the kitchen to get the smokers on first before I continue making anything else that's needed. Our restaurant has an extensive menu, one might say, and everything is homemade. We run a family business, so my wife and daughters are also very involved. My one daughter runs our in-house bakery and my youngest works in the kitchen with me and prepares/runs the kitchen line while I am cooking. We end everyday by making sure everything is put away and organized and check inventory for the next day. Every night, I trade my knife in for a sponge and prepare my kitchen for the morning.
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
We are very grateful to say we’ve had several awards over the last few years. These include Wing Wars and The Best of the Hudson Valley - Best Barbecue, Chicken Wings, Brisket, Ribs, Pastrami, and Pitmaster. We also were recognized as one of the best barbecue restaurants in Upstate New York. We are very appreciative of all our local customers that have been very loyal throughout the years and have recognized the hard work my family and I put into our business year after year.
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
I love to watch and appreciate the work of Chefs (pitmaster’s) such as Aaron Franklin and Tootsie Tomanetz. Barbecue is a passion of mine and watching others is very inspiring but I personally always aspire to do something different from the rest. For this reason I created NY Style Barbecue. My advice for aspiring chefs is to always seek originality and strive to be unique from what has already been created. Lastly, I always live by the belief that success comes from consistent effort and passion for your work.
Smoky Rock BBQ In Rhinebeck, New York
What do you typically cook at home for yourself or your family?
My wife is usually the one to take over the kitchen at home but when I have the desire to step in I love to keep it simple with classic Italian as well as firing up the grill when the weather is nice.
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
I honestly don’t follow food trends, but my kids keep me informed.
What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
When I created my version of barbecue - NY Style BBQ is when I experimented the most in my career. All my dry rubs and brines are made with unique ingredients that work surprisingly well together. It took me several years through trial and error to produce and perfect all my recipes. For these reasons, I emphasize that I’ve created an original style that I call NY Style Barbecue.
What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?
My wife and I like to enjoy a Cosmopolitan or a Cabernet on occasion.
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
Yes, I've had the pleasure of welcoming several celebrities as customers in our restaurant. Some include a member from Shark Tank and his family, actors from the show FBI that were filming in NYC, and a few others that are local to our community and other businesses in Rhinebeck.
What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
I don’t have a personal Instagram account it would only be our business - Smoky Rock Barbecue.
Why should readers visit Smoky Rock BBQ in Rhinebeck, New York?
Rhinebeck, New York is a historic town and hotspot for tourists from the city and neighboring states. Smoky Rock Barbecue gives you a unique experience not only by the food but the atmosphere, service, specialty cocktails and extensive homemade dessert selection.