The culinary world is abuzz with excitement as Esaul and Grecia Ramos the dynamic duo behind San Antonio’s renowned 2M Smokehouse prepare to showcase their pitmaster prowess on Food Network’s highly anticipated new show, Pitmasters.
Premiering at 8 p.m. on July 13, the show will feature the Ramoses alongside eight other two-person teams, all vying for a chance to win up to $50,000. The competition will be judged by an all-star panel of culinarians, including pitmaster Ernest Servantes from Seguin’s Burnt Bean Co.
The Journey to Pitmasters
Esaul Ramos, a two-time James Beard-nominated pitmaster, had initially declined invitations to appear on Food Network shows. However, the offer to compete alongside his wife, Grecia, was too enticing to resist. “It was an awesome experience,” Esaul shared. “It wasn’t a once in a lifetime experience. But it was definitely one of the top three greatest experiences of my life.”
The Ramoses are the only husband-wife team in the competition, adding a unique dynamic to the show. Grecia, an accomplished pastry chef, brings her own set of skills to the table. “I can tell you there will be a little bit of everything for sure,” she hinted. “There are some surprises here and there that we’ll be able to showcase.”
Behind the Scenes of Pitmasters
Filming for the show was shrouded in mystery, with contestants kept in the dark about the location and duration of the competition. The Ramoses, however, did share a few behind-the-scenes moments. Grecia revealed that she cut herself during the first challenge, adding a touch of reality to the high-stakes competition.
“At the beginning, it was very nerve-wracking,” Grecia admitted. “The cameras were in my face. But after a while, you forget the cameras are there. It’s another day of cooking.” Esaul, who had prior TV experience, echoed his wife’s sentiments, emphasizing the mental and physical challenges of the competition.
Preparing for the Challenge
With less than a month to prepare, the Ramoses had to strategize quickly. Grecia, a planner, wanted to practice different scenarios, while Esaul preferred to wing it. “My wife has a love-hate relationship with the way I do things,” Esaul laughed. “She’s a planner. I fly by the seat of my pants.” In the end, they found a balance between planning and spontaneity.
The couple also had to consider their wardrobe, as they were unsure about the weather conditions during filming. “We didn’t know what kind of weather we’d have,” Grecia explained. “So that was major planning.”
The Judges and the Aftermath
The Ramoses competed under the watchful eyes of four esteemed judges: Andrew Zimmern, Jess Pryles, Moe Cason, and Ernest Servantes. Esaul expressed his admiration for Servantes, stating, “It was both a little intimidating but at the same time a pleasure to be judged by Ernest. He is somebody we both look up to.”
As the premiere date approaches, the Ramoses are planning a gathering at McIntyre’s-Southtown on July 13 at 7 p.m., one hour before the show airs. They are grateful for the opportunity and eager to share their journey with their supporters. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my wife,” Esaul said. “We make such a great team. The show made you get out of your comfort zone to create some things. It will be nice to show the audience that our skill sets are sometimes beyond the smoke.”