Story

Hailing from Southern California, now rooted in Las Vegas, Pitmaster Christian Ford has been cooking since he was six. His first creation was a salad for his mother, who wasn't feeling well. It was a mix of torn-up ham, American cheese, saltine crackers, lettuce, and salad dressing. That was his first cooking experience and a way of showing love and providing nourishment. 

A successful career as a television producer and later touring the world as a comedy magician allowed Ford to experience culinary delights around the world and meet world-class chefs while also studying under his family and friends, some of whom are professional chefs. Along the way, Christian fell in love with wine and began collecting and learning the art of wine, for which he achieved his Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Level 2 with Distinction out of London. 

Along his journey, Christian stumbled through San Marcos, Texas, the home of Original Black’s BBQ. He remembers them slicing brisket, handing samples over the counter, and wrapping it up in butcher paper to go. Sitting by the river with friends, Christian’s world was forever changed, when he bit into that first bite of real Texas (salt & pepper) barbecue smoked with Post Oak, the way it should be.

Christian understood the laborious process of winemaking and the art it is and realized that authentic Texas barbecue is an art, and great wine and barbecue pair beautifully. Christian's fire started burning, and he set out to be the best Pitmaster possible. He’s spent the last five years mastering the art of the pit. He’s done just that, from live fire steaks and seafood to savory beef ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, paired with exceptional boutique wines from around the world. Christian promises “no shortcuts” in the pit. From house-made sauces and seasonings to world-class sides, PitmasterFord promises to ignite a spark in your belly and put on a show in the pit! PitmasterFord isn’t just the best barbecue, but a live-fire cooking experience like nothing Vegas has ever seen. This is PitmasterFord “Craft BBQ, Steaks, & Seafood.”

Fun Fact: Christian’s Mother ate lobster the night he was conceived and baby back ribs from Tony Roma’s the night he was born, his two favorite foods that he’s also mastered in the pit. So you can thank Mama Ford for all the deliciousness you consume from PitmasterFord.

Also, never be shy about sparking up a conversation with Christian. From his days working in Hollywood to the stages of Las Vegas, he’s met the world's biggest names in show business and worked on some of the biggest TV shows in the world. So crack open a cold PBR or open a good bottle of red, cozy up next to the pit, and get to know the pitmaster himself and his pup Pongo, who’s always near by, overseeing the pits.