Mel Chmilar Jr., better known as DARKSIDE OF THE GRILL, is an award-winning BBQ Pitmaster, Canada’s Best Live Fire Chef, TV personality, and simply the best person to host an event… ever!

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He has a full line of BBQ rubs and seasonings inspired by chefs from around the world, made with quality ingredients and no fillers. He also has a collaboration with Heartbeat Hot Sauce—featured on the Hot Ones TV show!

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His presence has been seen in countless magazine articles, TV programs, and all across the internet. This BBQ personality is best known for his live appearances at events around the world—from Meatstock Australia, Brazil & New Zealand, to Memphis in May and walking the stage at the American Royal. From winning Grand Champion at Key West’s Invitational, to headlining the closing ceremony and taking 1st place steak at Eggtoberfest, to cooking picanha in a volcano in Guatemala—this international Pitmaster puts on a show and gets people fired up with his trademark “Fire In The Hole!”

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A spokesperson for Alberta Beef, the Canadian Beef Association, and the International Farm Fair, Mel comes from a family deeply rooted in the trade, with generations working in farming and meat since the 1890s. That legacy continues to shape his farm-to-table philosophy today. He works alongside butchers in every country he visits, taking time to understand regional cuts and products—from beef and pork to seafood and local agriculture.

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He’s also on the Pro Cook Team for Big Green Egg and is a full-time caterer and event host in Alberta and around the world, teaching in-person classes and workshops. This true fire master has seen—and cooked—it all: on a grill, in a smoker, or over live fire.

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Welcome to the DARKSIDE!