Hot and smoky clams, tri tip, a cocktail with a kick and even some Taco Bell

It can be argued that all foods get better when introduced to a little heat. And we’re not just talking fire. A bagel isn’t a bagel without a slice of smoked salmon, and a hunk of tri tip is elevated to another level after a couple hours in the smoker. Hit that meat with your favorite hot sauce and you’ve got a bite made in heaven. During Monday morning’s #Weekendeats chat on Twitter, participants shared their hot and smoky bites. Here are the highlights:

Jessica Christensen, chef at City Tavern in Culver City, shared a photo of smoked tri tip for two. Check out the smoke ring on that meat!

#Weekendeats newcomer Bianca Asnaran joined in with her photo of a bowl of clams in smoked grape broth from Sonny’s Hideaway in Highland Park, and Misty from the blog Nomsnotbombs.com tried ink.sack’s new chorizo breakfast sandwich. She called it ‘so good!’

PHOTOS: What did you eat this weekend?

Things heated up when Ron Fong shared a picture of his Beefy T rice bowl made with chili fried rice, diced prime rib, shoyu garlic paste with fried egg and shallots from Chego’s new location in Chinatown. Shulie Madnick from the blog FoodWanderings.com also spiced up the party with her recipe for a smoky salsa.

For a cocktail with a twist, @LAOCfoodie offered up the Little Torch cocktail from the Corner Door in L.A. It’s made with habanero-pineapple syrup and cayenne.

This last #weekendeats shoutout is neither hot nor smoky but it is hilarious. Kris Yenbamroong of Night + Market shared a photo of his meal of live scallops and Taco Bell bell grande nachos. What a combo!

Please join in by tweeting your #Weekendeats at us Monday mornings @latimesfood and share your photos with us in our “Weekend Eats” gallery. We’ll feature some of the photos here on Daily Dish, so be sure to check back for more #Weekendeats and #Foodporn throughout the week.

Hope to see everyone next Monday morning on Twitter! It’s sure to be a drool-worthy good time.

ALSO:

Lift a glass to American Craft Beer Week -- it’s a busy schedule

Twin Palms restaurant and lounge in Pasadena to reopen in summer

‘Party food’ at Petty Cash Taqueria: Octopus tacos, pork ceviche (and shh, cricket tacos)

Follow Jenn Harris on Twitter or Google+