High Country BBQ with Heart
If you’ve ever followed the smell of slow-smoked barbecue drifting through the Lost Sierra, chances are it led you to Sierra Smokeshow. Co-owned by Chris Patrick and Andrea Tarantino, Sierra Smokeshow is a seasonal restaurant and catering business serving up smoked BBQ meats and down-home comfort food — all crafted with intention, patience, and a whole lot of heart.
From BBQ Lovers to High Country BBQ
Chris and Andrea didn’t grow up in Plumas County, but their roots here run deep. After years of living in nearby Loyalton (Chris) and Portola (Andrea), they had already fallen in love with the region — and with working together.
Both were operating their own catering businesses out of a shared kitchen in Truckee, bonded by a shared appreciation for great barbecue from across the country. Wanting to bring something new to the area, they began developing their own take on regional BBQ styles, ultimately creating what they proudly call “High Country BBQ.”
When a unique location became available in Blairsden, they took the leap — and Sierra Smokeshow was born, bringing a truly distinctive smoked BBQ experience to the Lost Sierra.
The Heart of the Business
For Andrea, the joy comes from the mental and physical challenge of the work — the long hours, the precision, and the constant balancing act that comes with smoked meats. For Chris, it’s all about putting smiles on people’s faces through good food and genuine connection.
What truly sets Sierra Smokeshow apart is how hands-on they are. As Andrea puts it, “We’re very owner involved — we’re always here.” That presence shows up in every plate served and every interaction with customers.
Some of their proudest moments come from consistent, recurring positive reviews — the kind that reassure them they’re doing something right and that the community is happy they’re here.
Behind the Smoke
What many people don’t realize is just how much goes into smoked BBQ. The process can take up to 48 hours, from planning and prep to the long, slow smoke itself. Chris and Andrea are constantly estimating how much meat to prepare each day — a delicate balance between selling out too early and having too much left at the end of the day.
When they’re out, they’re out — and they’re grateful for a community that understands and supports that reality.
Their favorite part of the day? The busy stretch — tables full, customers laughing, staff smiling, and the energy buzzing. Andrea loves the shared momentum of those moments, while Chris enjoys talking BBQ with customers and building real connections.
And yes — there are stories. During one soft opening, their residential smoker caught fire after being overloaded with meat. Stressful at the time, but thankfully no one was hurt — and they can laugh about it now, especially since they’ve upgraded to a much larger commercial smoker.
The Ultimate Local Vibe
For Andrea, one of the best parts of being here is the human element — running into familiar faces outside of work and quickly feeling like a local. Sierra Smokeshow stays connected by supporting community events like Christmas in Old Town, charity dinners, non-profit camps, and by serving local fire departments and schools. They also regularly donate gift cards to help support community causes.
In return, the community has shown up in a big way — especially online. Positive reviews, posts, and re-shares played a huge role in helping Sierra Smokeshow get established during their first year.
Looking Ahead — and On the Road
Chris and Andrea are excited about what’s next, including the possibility of bottling their own house-made sauces and spices for customers to take home.
To anyone who hasn’t visited yet, their message is simple:
“You should try it! Smoked BBQ is such a treat.”
They love Plumas County for its people and its natural beauty — from the Buttes to the Lakes Basin — especially for those who love hiking and mountain biking and want an alternative to the hustle of Tahoe.
📍 Catch Sierra Smokeshow on the road!
The Lost Sierra Chamber of Commerce is excited to share that Sierra Smokeshow will be bringing their delicious smoked BBQ to Railroad Days in Portola on September 27th 2025. Come out, enjoy live music and festivities, and support this incredible local business.
