Chad Weber is the host of “You Gotta Eat,” which is broadcast on WEEK TV News 25 on Thursday during the 6PM and 10PM news and again on Friday during their noon news broadcast. Chad recently got in touch with me and asked if I’d like to be a guest on an upcoming segment. Of course I said yes because— A: I’m a publicity whore and B: I gotta eat!
Okay, I've got my makeup on and I'm all set for the filming of today's "You Gotta Eat," segment and it's off we go!
Signpost ahead...
TT's BBQ, we're here and look, we got top billing! WEEK must feel a little bit like Spinal Tap right now!
Okay, let's go inside...hey, what's that sign on the door say?
"No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service—Thank You!
You're welcome! Okay, let's go in and see what's happening today at TT's.
This is a no-frills joint in here, which sometimes is the mark of a place with top-notch grub. You order up at this kiosk in here.
Paper menus hang on the far wall, opposite the kiosk, I told you it was no-frills in here.
Daily specials are hung up here at the top of the kiosk.
Here's the owner of TT's, Orlando and his son, Maurice behind the glass. Of course I'm a little early, so I just ordered a can of ice tea while I wait for Chad to show up.
It's the first really warm day, so I thought I'd grab the tea and wait outside for Chad to show up.
While waiting outside I ran into a former co-worker and friend, Candace! It was great to see her and catch up on things and of course it means that we must cue this song up!
Look who just pulled up, I think it's just about showtime!
Here he is, the host of "You Gotta Eat," Chad Weber! There's no dressing room here, so he's putting on his hosting shirt in the parking lot. Sometimes in addition to eating, you gotta improvise!
Back inside, Chad is setting up his camera, he not only does the on-air interviews, he films them as well! Pretty impressive!
Chad decided to start the interviews back in the kitchen and said I could tag along, which is something I do very well. Keep on scrolling and you'll see!
Chad begins the interviews with Orlando, who I noted earlier is the owner of TT's. Here he's talking about the recipes they use and how his father is the one who got them all cooking back when they lived in Chicago. Orlando and his family moved to Peoria in 1993.
Chad's getting some footage of the smoker in the back of the kitchen that cooks up most of the savory treats in here.
You wouldn't believe how great it smells back here! I'm hungry already!
Chad's getting some shots of Sharon who's doing duty in the deep fryer area of the kitchen.
And now for your David Gates moment of Zen.
Chad moved the camera to the front area of TT's to interview Orlando's son, Maurice, who's also an actor and a rapper.
Here a satisfied customer sings the praises of TT's BBQ.
And here's the guy who started it all, Orlando's father.
This interview brought things full circle and it was time for Chad and I to sample some of the food in here for the segment.
TT's is pretty much a take-out place, but since Chad was doing this segment here, they set up this table for us under a window on the wall facing Western Avenue.
Check out the "Reserved Table" sign! Very cool!
Here's Chad and I at the table, now excuse us because...we gotta eat!
I got an order of the jerk chicken which comes with bread and there's a pile of french fries buried below it. It looks fantastic!
Chad got the rib tips which also comes with bread and french fries, they look just as tantalizing as the jerk chicken.
They make their own sauce here from a secret recipe and it is out of this world good! I've had barbecue from here to Chicago to New York and I can safely say this is the best I've ever had! I will definitely be back, in fact I may make this a recurring segment where I eat everything off of their menu. Stay tuned!
I was tempted to eat the container, but I refrained, I didn't want to embarrass Chad!
After lunch Chad had to pack up for his next assignment and I had to go home and sleep off that feast of a lunch! This "You Gotta Eat" episode airs on Thursday, May 22nd on WEEK's 6PM and 10PM news and on the Friday noon edition the next day. Thanks to Chad and everyone at TT's for a fun and delicious lunch! We'll see you all tomorrow!
TT’s BBQ
436 S. Western Avenue
Peoria
309-494-9004
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