110586 Sat Apr 20 21:58:46 -0700 2002 6 7 Chicago Area 0 597087 Is there a place in Chicago where I can buy some real lump charcoal and a good variety of smoking woods (chuncks please!) Summer is already here, I brought some with me from the Ozarks, but that should only last me through early May. Thanks in advance. Sat Apr 20 21:58:46 -0700 2002 0 Nazerac 1 597090 These guys are very serious about real charcoal: Berger Brothers Charcoal Supply 1176-86 N Cherry Av (on Goose Island) Chicago 312-642-4238 Sat Apr 20 22:26:30 -0700 2002 597087 0 Rene G 1 597094 Berger Brother as Rene mentioned, is the place to go for lump charcoal, 10, 20 and 40-lb bags, with volume discounts available. Berger does carry 'smoking wood', but they only have small bags of chips and chunks available. Chicago Firewood, in the same general neighborhood, carries a wide assortment of wood, last time I was there I picked up pecan, apple, cherry, hickory and oak. Chicago Firewood sells to area restaurants and, if they are not busy, will split the fireplace-sized logs, though some ax work may be required dependent on the type of smoker you use. Don't be put off by the wire fence, trailer and barking dog, the owner is friendly and knowledgeable. Enjoy, Gary Chicago Firewood 1300 N Halsted (Rear Lot) Chicago, IL 312-335-9696 Sun Apr 21 00:13:44 -0700 2002 597087 0 G Wiv 1 597100 Also, Moo and Oink (south and west side locations, they're in the phone book) has 20lb. bags of lump charcoal for much less than either Treasure Island or Whole Foods. Sun Apr 21 12:49:44 -0700 2002 597087 0 annieb 1 597104 I thought I posted this, but it seems to have vanished... I was saying that I have a couple of more mundane options for smoking woods and charcol: 1) Whole Foods - They sell an excellant hard wood, lump charcol, for a rather steep price, but it's great stuff and their branches are plentiful. You can usually find it near the door. 2) Home Depot - This is where my New Brunfels smoker comes from. They sell big bags o'hunky woods, including mesquite and hickory. My burlap sack of mesquite has lasted a looooooooooong time as the stuf burns so slow. Plenty of locations too. Rob Sun Apr 21 16:45:03 -0700 2002 597087 0 Vital Information 1 597372 Check out Peoples Woods http://www.peopleswoods.com/index.htm See what they say about some American brand hardwood charcoal. "Composition: pallets, slabwood, flooring, furniture remnants, softwoods, or construction material ... easily identified by flat or squared wood." "Briquets: Composition: semi-anthracite coal with sulfur, lignite, sodium nitrate, limestone, borax, charred sawdust, petroleum binder/starch binder." The have a big variety of clean woods and shipping for a twenty pound bag is not too expensive. I use the pecan for a lot of grilling and smoking. I like the applewood for pork. 1-800-729-5800 Fri Apr 26 15:59:30 -0700 2002 597087 0 Captain Asparagus 1 597492 Thanks a lot folks, I am looking forward to checking out all of those venues. Tue Apr 30 18:47:33 -0700 2002 597087 0 Nazerac