NFR - The Great BBQ Debate

[finnster01]

All this mild winter stuff here in NYC this year has me thinking BBQ already. Will have to visit a good smokehouse soon.
One thing I realize is that Americans do not fool about with the BBQ. It is nearly religious to some.

Now how do you like yours? This story on the BBC was a good read.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20120203-a-users-guide-to-texas-barbecue

[YankeeJim]

At the risk of sounding sarcastic, I like it in front of me. I love the deep smoke that the Texas boys do, the chopped/pulled pork that one can find in the Carolinas and I'm sure anyone from Kansas City will swear that theirs is the best. I also like the slow cooked carnitas and carne asada that one finds in old Mexico. In short, my favorite is what is in front of me. I will say that I lien away from the sweet sauces, preferring a bit of fire and a lot of smoke. God, I'm hungry!  Oh, and a fine red ale to go along with it.

[AmericanJames]

At the risk of sounding sarcastic, I like it in front of me. I love the deep smoke that the Texas boys do, the chopped/pulled pork that one can find in the Carolinas and I'm sure anyone from Kansas City will swear that theirs is the best. I also like the slow cooked carnitas and carne asada that one finds in old Mexico. In short, my favorite is what is in front of me. I will say that I lien away from the sweet sauces, preferring a bit of fire and a lot of smoke. God, I'm hungry!  Oh, and a fine red ale to go along with it.

You forgot that nice Memphis style ass well. I am with you though, I like it in front of me with a nice  or 5. There is a great little mom and pop shop close to campus here that does a hickory smoked pulled pork sandwich w/ homemade carolina style sauce for only 5 dollar and is out of this world. As well as a great place in the Corktown section of Detroit that follows a little bit of each bbq discipline which might be some of the best you can get in the North. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

[YankeeJim]

My apoligies for my oversite of Memphis...but than again I didn't mention the whole chickin  or those lovely fall off the bone baby backs that come off the Brinkman in the back yard. Ya aint a man unless you sear raw meat! 

[finnster01]

Help needed gents. I have been recommended this smoke house in NY. (Blue Smoke). Do me a favor, click on the FlatIron option (the place that is), click on menus and click on dinner.

What would you recommend I try of all these choices? I am a devoted carnivore, like a fair bit of spice, hate vegs (but understand that sometimes they are needed to keep the doctor away), and usually ignore desserts when eating out. Please help select an appetizer and main course. Any help would be greatly appreciated

http://www.bluesmoke.com/blue/index.html

[YankeeJim]

Had to work today so didn't get to this until now. Since it's 4:45 in LA you are probably on you second brew waiting for your table. What sounded interesting to me were the Texas Salt & Pepper Beef Ribs. I'm always looking for the perfect soup & alwasy ak the server what they have. The veggies & salads seem to be of standard fair but what woke up the taste buds were the Hush Puppies with Jalapeno Marmalade. Being half a southern boy, I always wake up when I hear those wonderful words.......husssh puppies.  

Sounds like a good place especially seasoned with 1 nil over the ha has.  

[TheDaddy]

Help needed gents. I have been recommended this smoke house in NY. (Blue Smoke). Do me a favor, click on the FlatIron option (the place that is), click on menus and click on dinner.

What would you recommend I try of all these choices? I am a devoted carnivore, like a fair bit of spice, hate vegs (but understand that sometimes they are needed to keep the doctor away), and usually ignore desserts when eating out. Please help select an appetizer and main course. Any help would be greatly appreciated

http://www.bluesmoke.com/blue/index.html

Finn,
Could you ask them if there have thought about going international ? just checked the menu and i think i could do the whole menu ! in a couple of visits, ok in a lot of visits ! my mouth is watering at the Texas salt and pepper beef ribs and the misses would be in heaven with those steaks !

[SoCalJoe]

Just noticed this thread, and one look at that menu makes me wish there was a great bbq place out here on the left coast (a few okay ones, but nothing compared to other parts of the country). When it comes to ribs, pork is where it's at (sorry beef rib people, but you're  ), and the Memphis Baby Backs would be the easy choice. If you didn't want to battle the ribs, the brisket (if done properly) is excellent.

[The Equalizer]

I never tried a true American BBQ, other than sampling the delights of 'The Big Easy' restaurant on Kings Road, Chelsea where I had the most amazing half chicken and a huge slab of ribs.

However, I have tried a proper South African 'braai', and I believe that this would challenge any BBQ connoisseur anywhere around the world.

The 'braai' is usually cooked using 'braai hout', which is their version of firewood. Delicacies include boerewors (ask Fat Fred), steak, choppies (pork chops) and any manner of other luxuries. I've never ever eaten a steak quite as good as the one I had at 'Barneys' pub in Port Elizabeth.

So, get out there, kidnap a South African, and get them to cook you one of the finest meals you'll ever eat.

[YankeeJim]

Truth be told, I don't think anyone agrees as to what is the best BBQ style. Saying it's Texas in Memphis just might get you a shot in the snot locker. Everyone thinks there is the best. Being from the Peoples Republic of California, I can eat it all and when in Memphis. Kansas City, Texas or the Carolinas I just tell them there's is the best. Saves wear & tear on said snot locker. Besides, I like it all. I lean towrds smoke rather then sweet but sweet just means you drink a lager instead of an ale.

Now sauage...if you haven't had the home made sauage my German grandfather made back in Noth Dakota, you certainly have missed a good one.

[AmericanJames]

Truth be told, I don't think anyone agrees as to what is the best BBQ style. Saying it's Texas in Memphis just might get you a shot in the snot locker. Everyone thinks there is the best. Being from the Peoples Republic of California, I can eat it all and when in Memphis. Kansas City, Texas or the Carolinas I just tell them there's is the best. Saves wear & tear on said snot locker. Besides, I like it all. I lean towrds smoke rather then sweet but sweet just means you drink a lager instead of an ale.

Now sauage...if you haven't had the home made sauage my German grandfather made back in Noth Dakota, you certainly have missed a good one.

Now that someone has mentioned sausages, whats the over/under on how long it takes Freddy to jump on here

[nevzter]

I love to do my own BBQ (just not as good as the professionals!!).  Transplants bring us Californians some good stuff - The Bricks Pig House in Oakland is great, as is Mack's BBQ in San Carlos - SF has a number of places as well - mostly run by non-natives.  Love it.  BBQ. 

The Homer Drool Sound

[mhatc]

I like the North Carolina style the best, either east or west. The mustard base in South Carolina is ok. Texas seemed a little dry to me. Memphis was pretty good from what I have tried.

[finnster01]

Went to the Blue Smoke over Easter.

Decided to go for the Memphis style baby back ribs.

One word: Outstanding!!

And one update for the Daddy: I asked if they ever had ever considered setting up a shop in London, and they said no, but was intrigued about such a venture

[AmericanJames]

Went to the Blue Smoke over Easter.

Decided to go for the Memphis style baby back ribs.

One word: Outstanding!!

And one update for the Daddy: I asked if they ever had ever considered setting up a shop in London, and they said no, but was intrigued about such a venture

There really isn't any real bbq in London? I am kind of shocked