Passion. Vasiliki’s passion behind the grill started at a young age. She would sit on a bar stool in the corner of the kitchen and watch the pit-master with intent as he pulled brisket out of the smoker. At home, she would play pit-master and run her own show. Her interest turned to action at 12 years old when she asked if my dad could teach her his craft. Her training required long-hours, unforgiving discipline, and a steady hand during the chaos of a busy night. Most kids her age would have caved under the pressure, but her passion kept her composed. After years of shadowing the pit-master, her passion and skill around barbecue now rivals my dad’s. She handles school in the morning and the smoker in the evening and hopes to soon attend the Culinary Institute of America.