The crackle of live coals, the hiss of fat as it meets flame, the aromatic swirl of smoke lifting into the air for Mel Chmilar Jr., these are more than cooking sounds: they’re the heartbeat of a life built around fire, flavor, and unwavering passion.
Beginning & Background
Raised in Edmonton, Canada, Mel grew up in a community where hospitality and togetherness were family traditions. From backyard barbecues to neighborhood gatherings, he learned early that food is about connection gathering people, telling stories, and creating joy. Though he did not always imagine himself clad in an apron and wielding fire tools, those early moments with family and food planted the seeds of what would become his purpose.
The Spark & Motivation
The defining spark came when Mel discovered the profound thrill of open fire cooking using the iconic Big Green Egg. What started as experimenting with traditional recipes on an outdoor grill evolved into an obsession with live fire technique, flavor layering, and the primal artistry of cooking over coals. He realized then: this wasn’t just about food — it was about mastery, and bringing people together around it.
Challenges & Obstacles
The journey was never without hard knocks. In a competitive culinary world, working with fire meant managing risks: precision timing, unpredictable elements, and the pressure of live performance. Mel faced moments when experiments failed, ingredients burned, or the heat overwhelmed him. But each setback taught him resilience. Every charred edge became a lesson in patience and control.
Turning Points & Growth
A major turning point came when Mel gained recognition for his craft and earned a spot on the Big Green Egg Pro Team. That credibility opened doors to events, classes, and platforms where he could share his expertise. He embraced mentorship, ran workshops in Edmonton, and began to translate his passion into teaching. With consistency and courage, he transformed from backyard barbecuer to internationally recognized pit master and Guinness World Record holder.
Achievements & Milestones
Today, Mel is known widely as the face of Darkside Of The Grill — a brand synonymous with live fire excellence. His Guinness World Record achievement speaks to his skill; his presence on social media (Instagram: @darksideofthegrill) amplifies his reach. He leads BBQ classes, keynote cooking shows, and shares his knowledge with both newcomers and seasoned cooks. His line of rubs, sauces, and fire tools reflects his commitment to quality and flavor.
Values & Philosophy
For Mel, cooking with fire isn’t just technique — it’s ritual, craft, and respect. He believes that great food comes from patience, attention to detail, and genuine love for the process. He lives by the principle: If you feed people with heart, you’ll feed their souls. Authenticity, integrity in ingredients, and the joy of shared meals guide his work.
Impact on Others
Mel’s influence goes beyond steak and ribs. Through his classes and content, he empowers others to take control of their cooking, embrace the fire, and create memorable experiences. He’s built a community of fire lovers, offered a gateway for new chefs to explore live fire methods, and rekindled a cultural love of outdoor cooking. From hobbyists to professionals, his mentorship bridges the gap between passion and performance.
Looking Ahead
As he looks to the future, Mel envisions expanding Darkside Of The Grill into new markets, authorship of a signature cookbook, and launching a mobile live fire cooking studio that travels internationally. His dream is to light up grills across continents, inspire the next generation of pitx masters, and prove that with fire, flavor—and purpose—are one.
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