How Allstar Dakari Akorede Brings People Together Around the Grill in Atlanta

His secret? It all starts with the meat.

Atlanta, Georgia, is not Allrecipes Allstar Dakari Akorede's hometown. However, you would never know if you went to one of his backyard grill-outs. There, you find people coming through the front door without knocking and making themselves right at home. Of course, you will discover Akorede at his grill, and you’ll have the immediate feeling that you’re no longer just a friend, but family.

Akorede and his wife, Tia, have only lived in his new hometown for two years. After Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans, where Tia was finishing school, in 2021, the couple looked to set down roots in a location that would be a great place to raise their son and get them away from hurricanes. "It was between a couple of cities in Texas and Atlanta,” Akorede says. “Texas has hurricanes, and Atlanta doesn't, so it was as simple as that.” The Akorede family moved to Atlanta without knowing a soul.

In that short time,  Akorede has made a name for himself in the BBQ community. He stands out with Texas-style BBQ that nods to his Chicago roots and is Creole-influenced from his time in New Orleans. His house is the location for everything from raising his son to gathering with friends and growing his event catering business—Chicageaux BBQ Company. "It was vital for me to have space that could accommodate it all," he says. “In the future, our house will return to being the home, but for now, it has to be everything.”

Last fall, Akorede focused on the backyard. It was just dirt when he and his family moved in, but it has become the perfect spot for cookouts since then. "I planned the backyard around my grill," he says. Laying turf and a new slab of concrete for his 250-gallon custom grill, Akorede is excited to enjoy the fruits of his labor this summer by making quality food for the people he loves.

We spoke with Akorede about grilling, his new home, and how community grows around a grill.

Is Atlanta now your forever home?

It depends. I have always been obsessed with Texas. I feel at home there, but I don't see us moving from Atlanta any time soon. I have definitely been taken in by Atlanta, which I am grateful for daily. My network here keeps me accountable and demands the best from me, pushing me to do the best in every area of my life, from fatherhood to pitmaster. Our friend group has a slogan: “No one cares; work harder." I love the level of accountability my network holds me to.

Why do you love grilling?

The ability to gather and cultivate community. That is the thing about BBQ: it allows a lane and niche for everyone. It doesn't matter your cultural background, ethnicity, or how you grew up; the relatability of going out in fellowship around a grill with some good meat, good people, and a few cold beers means more to me than money or notoriety.

What are you most excited about this summer?

The new grill. It is time to use it and enjoy my backyard. I spent all fall preparing the backyard for this summer and football season. I am ready.

Tell me about your grill!

It took 10 weeks to build and was built in Texas. I just got it last week, and this is the second time I have cooked on it. It is a 250-gallon pit that can feed around 500 people. The size and efficiency were all built to fit my needs to grow my business. I know it is excessive for someone's yard; however, I grill five days a week, even if it is for the family.

How do you start the party's vibe?

The meat sets the scene. Hamburgers and hotdogs are very different from chicken with glaze. I let the menu reflect the type of party we are having.

What is the perfect BBQ plate?

Don't get me wrong, the meat is essential, but if the sides are not perfect, we have a problem. You must have the staples: mac and cheese, coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans. Those four make the BBQ. They complement the meat just perfectly.

Do you have a go-to dish you bring to a potluck?

Easy: beef ribs. It is brisket on a stick and one of the best bites of BBQ. That bite is a game changer.

Do you have a top bucket list place you want to visit?

Australia. I find the Aussie Barbie culture so interesting. I would love to visit that part of the world, learn, and enjoy some good cooking.

What is inspiring you this summer?

My son Dylan is my motivation and inspiration year-round. The level of patience that he has taught me is immeasurable. I want him to grow up in a space where he can always see this level of cooking. I don't know what I will leave him within the totality of being a father, but I do know that by the time I am done with him, he will be a grilling machine. That is rewarding. Overall, summer 2024 is the summer of growth. I am excited about what the future holds.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity

Read the original article on All Recipes.