Bacon Wrapped Oreos?
We’ve all had bacon. And we’ve all had Oreos. But have you ever had a bacon-wrapped Oreo? Better yet, a smoked, bacon-wrapped Oreo?
Me neither.
That is, not until Mad Dog gave me one.
You say you don’t know who Mad Dog is?
Well, Mad Dog is one half of the grilling team known as Mad Dog & Merrill (actually one third if you include their keyboardist, Fast Freddy - more on this later).
Self-proclaimed “grillologists” Mad Dog (Mark Mathewson) and Merrill (Gary Merrill) travel the country performing in front of live audiences and hosting the TV series Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill'n.
They got their start demonstrating Weber Grills to potential buyers at a store in Chicago, let’s just say a long time ago. From there, the partnership evolved into a touring act that is part comedy, part cooking how-to, and part mixology – because, you know, everyone likes a cocktail or two when they’re grilling.
Purposefully absent-minded yet attentive, with an underlying mission to make “grill’n” fun, they draw you in with their wacky antics and sophomoric banter. They keep you there as you wait anxiously to see how a 6 ½ pound loaf of bologna “slobbered” in coffee is going to turn out. Or a Fluffernutter pizza. Or potato nachos. All done on a grill as if this is normal!
Of course, they cook up more traditional dishes, but it’s the unexpected, crazy combination of ingredients coupled with outlandish stories and one-liners that have kept Mad Dog and Merrill endlessly entertaining for more than 40 years! See, that is a long time.
"I like to tell people it's a one-take, anything goes, Midwest grilling show."
Recently, Mad Dog and Merrill, and their best buddy Fast Freddy (remember Fast Freddy?) visited the town of Rome, Wisconsin to tape an episode of the show. Spread out across the lawn in the Town Center, was all their paraphernalia – grills and smokers, preparation table and cookware, video production gear, and unexpectedly, a keyboard.
A keyboard that has been tickled a zillion times by Fast Freddy (Fred Beyer). Sure, the show could go on without him, but it’s his endless playlist of Rag Time and Dixieland tunes that Freddy effortlessly intersperses throughout the production, that helps give the show its signature undemanding profile.
The weather was perfect. The sun was bright. The sky was blue. About 200 fans unfolded their lawn chairs and watched as Ron, the producer, tried to wrangle these guys to get set up and meet their scheduled taping time. Looking more like it was their very first time rather than something that could have been done with their eyes closed, they rolled out the grills, uncoiled wires and cables, set up cameras, and tested the sound system. Between each trip to the van, one of the guys would offer up some nonsensical quip that kept the crowd entertained and laughing and readied them for their willing participation in the live recording.
Taping the show in Rome was made possible by Visit Rome Wisconsin (visitromewi.com), the organization dedicated to making Rome a popular destination, and giving locals all kinds of events and shows to enjoy throughout the year. To make this event even more special, Visit Rome served up perfectly grilled brats, chips, and soda – including Sun Drop soda (one of Mad Dog and Merrill’s long-time sponsors). Something you don’t see every day. So good!
This episode, and all Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill’n episodes can be seen all around the country on a variety of different outlets and streaming services, and even internationally on YouTube and all the social networks. Check out the schedule, try their recipes, or buy some seasonings, sauces, or swag from their website; maddogandmerrill.com.
Who knows, you may find yourself entertaining friends and neighbors in your own backyard by wrapping an Oreo in bacon and throwing it in the smoker.
And you know what? As Fast Freddy said with a mouthful, “It ain’t half bad if you like bacon.”
Find out more at maddogandmerrill.com.
Visit Rome is located at 1154 Apache Avenue, Nekoosa, WI 54457.
They can be reached at 715-325-3090 or info@visitromewi.com. visitromewi.com
Written by: Lydell Capritta