Bobby Ray Parker
Meet Chef Bobby Ray Parker, a 42-year-old culinary enthusiast whose roots run deep in the smoky traditions of North Carolina barbecue. Born and raised in Lexington, NC – often called the "Barbecue Capital of North Carolina" – Bobby Ray learned the art of slow-smoking meat from his grandfather, who ran a beloved local barbecue joint for over four decades.
Growing up in a family where food was the center of everything, Bobby Ray spent his childhood weekends tending to smokers and learning the secrets of the perfect vinegar-based sauce from his grandfather. His mother, a skilled home cook known for her comforting Southern dishes, taught him the importance of putting love into every meal. Rather than pursuing formal culinary education, Bobby Ray earned his stripes through hands-on experience, starting as a pit assistant at his grandfather's restaurant at age 15.
After inheriting his grandfather's prized smoker and collection of hand-written recipes at 25, Bobby Ray spent several years traveling across the American South, working in various barbecue establishments and absorbing regional cooking styles. His journey took him from the mustard-based sauces of South Carolina to the dry rubs of Memphis, expanding his perspective on American barbecue traditions. Bobby Ray's cooking style combines traditional Southern comfort food with modern techniques and health-conscious adaptations. While his heart belongs to Carolina-style pulled pork and smoked brisket, he's known for creating lighter versions of classic comfort foods and incorporating fresh, local produce into traditional recipes. His signature dishes include a maple-bourbon glazed smoked turkey breast and a lightened-up version of his grandmother's pimento cheese.
At our website, Bobby Ray found the perfect platform to share his passion for accessible, family-friendly cooking. He believes that good food shouldn't be complicated, and through the website, he's able to help busy families create memorable meals without spending hours in the kitchen. His recipes often feature make-ahead components and smart shortcuts while maintaining authentic flavors. Bobby Ray is particularly passionate about teaching home cooks the fundamentals of grilling and smoking, demystifying what many consider to be complicated cooking techniques. He advocates for using local ingredients and supports small farmers in his community. His monthly "Pitmaster's Corner" column on DinnerMade.ai offers seasonal grilling tips and family-friendly recipes that can be prepared on both traditional grills and in regular ovens. Outside the kitchen, Bobby Ray is an avid fisherman and tends to a small vegetable garden where he grows heirloom tomatoes and peppers for his signature barbecue sauces. He's known for his collection of vintage cast iron cookware, each piece with its own story, and his habit of humming blues music while cooking. His rescue dog, Blue, is a constant companion in his outdoor cooking adventures.
A proud father of two teenagers, Bobby Ray understands the challenges of feeding a busy family while maintaining food quality and nutrition. This understanding drives his approach to recipe development for DinnerMade.ai, where he focuses on creating dishes that are both delicious and practical for modern families.
His current mission is to preserve and modernize traditional Southern recipes while making them more accessible and healthier for today's home cooks. Through DinnerMade.ai, he's building a digital cookbook that honors his culinary heritage while embracing contemporary cooking needs and dietary preferences.
Bobby Ray's warm, approachable personality shines through in his recipe writing, where he often shares personal stories and family memories connected to each dish. His motto, "Good food is about making memories, not just meals," reflects his belief that cooking is about bringing people together and creating lasting traditions.