Barbecue isn’t just about food. It’s about connection. It’s the smell of ribs that takes you back to childhood, or the sizzle of steak on the grill that sets the tone for a perfect evening with your partner.

In this special Valentine’s Day episode of the Backyard SmokeMaster BBQ Podcast, I was joined by my wife, Jeannine, to talk about how BBQ has played a role in our relationship—and how anyone can turn their smoker into a tool for romance. From family traditions to funny mishaps, to full-on date-night meal ideas, this episode was all about love, smoke, and flavor.

For us, BBQ has always been more than a weekend hobby—it’s a love language. Whether it’s me trying to impress Jeannine with a new recipe or learning from her dad (a military man and pitmaster in his own right), food has become one of our deepest shared experiences.

We talked about how BBQ brings out the best memories: family reunions, backyard birthdays, and even the tough times—like when her dad dropped off racks of ribs after her mother passed. That’s how BBQ expresses love. It’s thoughtful, it’s time-consuming, and it’s always better when shared.

Spoiler alert: we don’t always agree on flavors! I like a bit of heat. Jeannine? Not so much. She’s all about the sweet, smoky side of things—and a sucker for anything pork. Over time, I’ve learned to make two versions of dishes, because that’s love (and because she’s not wrong—sweet pork belly burnt ends are amazing).

But when it comes to resting meat, we’re aligned now. It took some convincing, but Jeannine finally stopped trying to sneak bites before the meat settles. Mostly.

We had a lot of fun sharing and reacting to five grilled meal ideas that are perfect for Valentine’s Day—or any romantic dinner:

• Main: Ribeye with garlic butter shrimp (or skip the shrimp for shellfish-free)
• Sides: Smoked Brussels sprouts, creamy smoked mac and cheese
• Drink: Bold red wine (Cabernet)

• Main: Short ribs glazed with red wine reduction
• Sides: Garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots
• Drink: Malbec or Zinfandel

• Main: Pork belly burnt ends or grilled skirt steak tacos
• Sides: Grilled street corn, smoky crema
• Drink: Spicy margaritas or smoky mezcal cocktails