Big Mikes Ragin BBQ

Mike Ariey, a former NFL player from Bakersfield now runs Big Mike's Ragin' BBQ, a catering company. From gridiron to grill BY ERIK LOYD, Californian staff writer e-mail: eloyd@bakersfield.com | Sunday, Feb 4 2007 9:55 PM Last Updated: Sunday, Feb 4 2007 9:58 PM Can you smell what Big Mike is cooking? If you can, you're at a function being catered by Mike Ariey, owner of Big Mike's Ragin' BBQ in Bakersfield. Ariey is becoming known around the area for his food and service, a change from a time when everyone knew him as an offensive tackle with the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers. He's as confident today as he was when he was getting paid to bash heads in the National Football League. "I know I'm going to make it," he said. Recent customers have nothing but praise for Ariey and his crew. Check out some of the scouting reports from events he catered: * "Loved his chicken. The marinade was outstanding. I think I had about six pieces of the chicken by itself."