‘Tis the Season
Text by Chef Jeremy Esterly
As the sun starts wanting to spend more time with us and the temperature starts to rise, it’s time to polish those white New Balances and barbeque. For some this is an all day or even all weekend affair. BBQing is one of those things, like how to boil an egg, that is discussed and argued about all over the country. There are so many styles, favorite cuts of meat, mops, sauces, types of wood, rubs, etc.
I’ve almost never met a smoked meat that I didn’t like. Some of my personal favorite things to smoke are whole oxtails, shortribs, meatloaf, and whole hogs. There is something extremely magical that happens after you’ve had that 4th or 5th beer and you admire the transformation that takes place with just smoke and time. I’ve had several nearly transcendent experiences biting into a succulent piece of smoked pork. The minute that slowly rendered fat kisses your lips you are transported to heaven.
Some of us are too busy to spend a day hovering around the smoker while discussing college football. One thing that I’ve noticed in our area, and this will probably be a point of contention with some, is the lack of truly notable BBQ restaurants. Don’t get me wrong, there are some really great ones but not a lot of them. I have a small list of places that I think are notable and worth checking out the next time you want to chow down on pulled pork and some delicious sides.
Number one on my list is RD’s Smokehouse in Harvest. It may be a haul for some but it can’t be beat. Everything I’ve tried is absolutely fantastic. The people are friendly, the food is affordable, and portions are huge.The pulled pork is tender, juicy and a perfect bite when you dunk it in their Smackjaw sauce. People sing the praises of Big Bob Gibsons for smoked chicken, but I think RD’s has them beat. This is just my personal opinion but it’s a hill that I am willing to die on. I send everyone that I know here and haven’t met anyone that was disappointed.
Number two is Whitt’s BBQ in Athens. I’ve been eating there since I was in middle school. The go to here is smoked turkey. Get a sandwich with slaw and some white bbq sauce. Crush up some Golden Flake Hot chips and put them on top. Delicious.
Last but not least, New Market BBQ. They are only open Friday thru Sunday, but everything I’ve had is great. This joint is one of those rare places where the the sides are as good as the meats.
Like I said, these are some of my favorites. We can argue all day about what place is the best and if you want to sit down over a drink and go back and forth with me, y’all know where to find me.
Like I said, these are some of my favorites. We can argue all day about what place is the best and if you want to sit down over a drink and go back and forth with me, y’all know where to find me.