Barbecue

Barbecue seems like such a simple word, yet it is anything but simple.

• First of all let's look at the word.  Is it Barbecue, or is it Barbeque, or is it Bar-B-Q?
• And is it a noun, or is it an adjective, or is it a verb?
• Then what kind of meat is it?  Is it beef, or is it pork, or is it chicken?

Not being raised in an area where this was such an issue, it was a big adjustment to move to an area where they draw regional lines concerning barbecue.

There is no issue around here about the word.  It is Barbecue.
Nor, is there an issue about the part of speech.  It is a noun.
And, there is no issue about the type of meat.  It is pork.

But, there is a big issue about what part of the state cooks the best barbecue.  Is it the eastern part of the state, or is it the western part of the state?  People around here are quite opinionated about the way they prefer barbecue.

This issue goes much deeper.  Which cut of pork should be used for barbecue, or maybe it should be the whole hog.  And, should it be cooked over wood or gas.  And, should it be season with a vinegar-based sauce or a tomato-based sauce.

And, then there are the side dishes.  Most people seem to agree that you should serve cole slaw with barbecue, but should the cole slaw be mayonnaise based, mustard based, or tomato based.  Now bread - should it be hush puppies or cornsticks.

Really, how is it that there are so many different opinions about what to prepare, how to prepare and how to eat?  Should it be coarsely chopped, finely chopped or pulled from the whole pig.  Do you even know what a pig-pickin is?  I didn't when I first moved here, but for my own good, I have learned.

Earlier this week my husband, my mother and I drove to a town a little more than an hour away to meet my aunt and two cousins for lunch.  We decided on Parker's which is famous for their barbecue.  I mean this place is well-loved, it has even been featured in USA Today.

Now,  just so there are no questions, they serve barbecue pork - chopped - vinegar-based - mustard-based cole slaw - hush puppies and cornsticks.  Don't tell anyone, but I don't know how it is cooked, but that is because I don't really care.  But, I do acknowledge that it is of extreme importance to many people.

We ordered family-style, and here is a picture of what we were served.  From the left there is chopped barbecue, hush puppies and cornsticks, cole slaw, Brunswick stew, boiled potatoes and fried chicken.  Now that is some clogged arteries waiting to happen.  And, please overlook that Diet Coke on the table because you are supposed to drink sweet tea.

And, how do I feel about the subject of barbecue?  Shhh!  I prefer Memphis style barbecue.

Just for fun, tell us what you think about barbecue.


***************Does anyone want to play Pink Saturday with me tomorrow?  If so, please send me the link to your blog, and I will include your link in my Pink Saturday post tomorrow.  Come on and play - show us your pink!!!*****************

*** There's a great contest that is just occurring in blogland.  Head over right now to visit Donna's - In The Attic.  Donna is a relatively new blogger, and take my word for it - she is lovely.  And, she wants to get to know you and make friends.

Donna is an incredibly talented quilter, and as a way to become acquainted she is sponsoring a contest with the prize being one of her lovely quilts.  I've already shared with you that I have zero talent when it involves needles and threads, but even someone like me can participate in this contest.  Apparently all you have to do is mail Donna a Fat Quarter in a color and pattern that blends with the originating fabric.  I never even knew there was such a thing as a Fat Quarter, but I am heading out today to buy my contribution to the quilt.

Do yourself a big favor.  Head over to Donna's - In The Attic and get to know her.  Leave her a comment, make a new friend.  And, jump at the opportunity to be the lucky winner of this beautiful quilt Donna will be making. ***

Comments

[Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio]

I grew up in Michigan. Mayo, vinager and sugar in the coleslaw. Baked beans made with molassas, brown suger, onions, ketchup, mustard, worchestshire and bacon.

Bar-B-Q, Pork or chicken. Sauce made from ketchup, mustard, molassas, garlic powder and brown sugar...

But, no matter how is it made I love it all!
Hugs,
Penny

[Love White Linen]

Beverly, your barbecue looks amazing...but...:) It is really hard to beat South Carolina barbecue...It is served like a hash over rice along with chopped pork. Of course hush puppies and cole slaw...The hash is not understood in most other states...have you heard of it? Dee Dee

[Donna]

Beverly,

TEXAS BARBEQUE is hard to beat! Oh my goodness, it has to be the best.

My favorite place to eat it is "DYERS BARBEQUE" in Pampa Texas (they also have a resturant in Amarillo TX). We usually call in a take out order on our way through town.

We order the Family Style take out. It includes 2 meats, and we get ribs and chopped beef. You also get a pint of brown beans, cole slaw, potatoe salad, and barbeque sauce. Oh my goodness, it is delicious!

If you eat in the resturant, they serve their meals with all of the above plus onion rings (delicious/the best), Texas Toast and peach preserves.

It is definitely worth a trip to TEXAS!

Have a great weekend!

Donna

[Judy]

You are so right...barbecue takes on a whole new meaning depending on where you live. My sister (Beverley) lives in south Texas and is always raving about 'barbecues'...and I haven't a clue what she's talking about. Up here (Pacific Northwest)a barbecue simply means a meal where something was cooked on the grill. It could be any kind of meat...any kind of veggie...hey, even pizza!

That is quite the meal you were served! Thanks for sharing.

[Donna]

Beverly,

You can put me down for "PINK SATURDAY". I will see what I can come up with. Sounds like fun!

Thanks so much!

www.donnasintheattic.typepad.com

Donna

[Donna]

Oops, sorry Beverly,

Here I am again! Thanks also for adding my "FAT QUARTER" Quilt drawing to your BLOG.

I really appreciate it!

Donna

[Pat]

Hi Beverely!

I blogged about meals we had in Ireland today, so we have similar posts! :-) I guess Barbeque is a portion of "traditional American food" and those dishes sure do look delicious!

I wish I could join you in "Pink Saturday" but I am not a pink girl -- I'm more of a color green girl -- I seem to have more in that color than anything else.

I don't sew either,and a "fat quarter" is foreign language to me, but I'll surely pop over to Donna's blog and say hello, and tell her you sent me :-) Thanks!

Hugs, Pat

[Lynn @ theVintageNest]

LOL...hands down it's vinegar based sauced bbq chopped and vinegar based coleslaw. We're doing the barbeque thing next Friday nite. :)

[Dana]

Now wait a minute! We are Bar-B-Q experts here in the Kansas City area! :-) I can't tell you what the base to any of their sauces is, but we have some dad-gum outstanding B-Q in these parts. If you have the chance to check us out some of our bigger establishments for well known B-Q are "Gates" (the owner, Ollie Gates, has been a guest on Martha's show), "Bryant's" and "Jack Stack". We have many, many more super spots around town and in the surrounding communities. There's a spot for everyone--each with their own little twist. I must say, however, I have NEVER seen so much food as that feast pictured as a "family style" spread. Whoa, that is a feast for sure!

[Mrs. B]

Hi Beverly! I love barbecue! But here in California it's not something you can get easily in restaurants. When we were in Virginia a couple of years ago I feel in love with the barbecue. The saucy, pulled pork sandwhiches were my favorite! I like different types of meats barbecued, but I like it with lots of sauce! Yum!

And you're very welcome for the award! Glad you liked my music. I've only just recently added it and I'm having fun with it.

[Mrs. B]

Oh, I forgot to say I will try to play along with Pink Saturday. Sounds like fun. I'll let you know if I actually do it.

[Nihal]

Me? Yes, I love BBQ when a plan comes together, of course;) And I love all the opinions that BBQ stirs up: I love the taste and smell of it, the depth and breadth and height of it. I do not mind if my steak is too crispy, or my chicken too rare.
Tks a lot for the hint about Parkers, all yrs noted -if or when I fly over in the US:)

[Dawn]

Coming from a northerner BBQ is not something we do much of. As a matter of fact will all mistakenly call our cook outs BBQ's when it is nothing more than throwing a piece of meat on the grill. No mocking me now!!! Oh, and I've never been a fan of coleslaw. Potato salad and baked beans are more my style.

take care,
Dawn

[Ann]

I like most all types of barbecue but only mayo based coldslaw. Are you from Eastern NC? I am and not all that far from a Parker's just off I-95.