Tag Archives: BBQ

#BBQbound: Savannah

From Charleston, I skirted my way along the South Carolina coast until I made it to my home state of Georgia for a few days more of BBQ and kindly hospitality before heading back to London. First stop in Georgia was picturesque and gracious Savannah, where a too-short but so-good lunch set a delectable tone and kept the bar raised high for an especially for delicious finale of my trip. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Charleston

Next stop on my carnivorously inclined Deep South expedition was the beautiful and historic port city of Charleston, South Carolina where a new breed of pitmaster appears to be taking over the culinary scene with an approach to making wood fired, slow cooked meats that’s as yummy and inventive as it is a mouth-watering tribute to the area’s great BBQ traditions. Continue reading

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Pit Stop: A Barbecue Road Trip Across the American South (Great British Chefs)

Here comes American Thanksgiving, a day set aside to be thankful for what you’ve got… and eat way too much food. As an American, it’s an occasion I take seriously, the giving of thanks (and, of course, the eating part). … Continue reading

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The South’s Best BBQ Road Trips (OneTravel)

Today is Go for a Ride Day, a day to hit the road to head off and discover something new – or at least inspire you to start planning that epic road trip you’ve been dreaming of for years. One … Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Pitt County, North Carolina

An epicentre of epicurean wonder (as long as you love whole hog BBQ), Pitt County is a prime destination for some of the best tasting meat in America. I had no idea so much good BBQ could come from such a concentrated and largely rural area. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Chapel Hill is a city I know fairly well from more youthful days. But I’d not been back there for well over a decade – and I must admit I knew nothing of the BBQ there. I’m pleased to report the town is as agreeable place as even – and that the BBQ is fantastic. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Hillsborough, North Carolina

The small town of Hillsborough, North Carolina made a big impression on me, despite only being able to drop in for a short overnight stay. Completely off my radar before planning my BBQ Bound itinerary, the town is now my top choice for a repeat visit of all the stops I made during my three weeks on the road. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Lexington, North Carolina

This small town (population 19,000) is home to its own signature Lexington style of BBQ (also known as Piedmont or Western Carolina style). Made with wood-smoked (a mix of hickory and oak) and chopped pork shoulder (aka Boston butt) and usually served “wet” with a vinegar and ketchup based red sauce, the BBQ as a sandwich or more typically as a tray jammed full of BBQ and a side of “red” coleslaw that’s been mixed with the same red sauce instead of mayonnaise, and hushpuppies. It’s distinctive and delicious. Continue reading

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#BBQbound | Road Notes: Arkansas and Tennessee

Blazing a path from Dallas to Memphis and then on through Tennessee to my next destination (stay tuned), I made a few tasty stops along the way. What was on the menu for my roadside dining? Well, BBQ of course! Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Memphis

It had been more than 20 years since I’d last been to Memphis, and I was glad my BBQ Bound road trip passed through it, affording me the chance to reacquaint myself with this fantastic town so prominently set on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Indeed, a tour of the best BBQ destinations in the South without a stop in Memphis would have been remiss. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Dallas

From Austin I headed north to Dallas, a city I’d never visited before and one that I really wasn’t certain whether I’d take to or not. I ended up regretting not having more time to spend there. As for the BBQ, Dallas wound up being one of the tastiest pit stops of my three week road trip. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Austin and the Hill Country

If y’all ain’t never been, let me tell you that Austin is as happening a place to visit as any in the USA. With a booming local economy and a population busting at the seams with an unprecedented number of folks flocking to live there (as much for the opportunity as for the all-but-guaranteed blue skies and sunshine) the city nevertheless retains a warm and informal feel that would have even the prickliest of pears soon feeling at home. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: An Epic Quest for the Best BBQ in the American South

I don’t mean to rub it in, but I’ve just returned from one of the sauciest adventures I’ve ever undertaken: a three-week road trip covering more than 2,500 miles across six states. The aim of my low ‘n slow sojourn was as straightforward as it was overindulgent – to find (and devour) the best BBQ in the American South. Continue reading

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One Sixty – City: “US Style” Smokehouse and Bar

After epic success with its original restaurant in West Hampstead (I’ve never been but have heard great things), the team behind One Sixty have opened a sister site roughly equidistant to Liverpool Street and Aldgate Tube stations. Meathead carnivores and folks in the area who like a strong drink: start salivating now if you haven’t already dabbled in the excesses on offer. Continue reading

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Carno-Bonanza-Blitz

It’s been a mightily meaty few weeks for me. I’ve learned how to make Buffalo wings like they do at Orange Buffalo (one of my favourite London street food traders); attended a rare chilli masterclass cohosted by London BBQ School and World of Zing; obtained Kansas City Barbeque Society accreditation and got to sit in as a KCBS judge at London’s first ever Grillstock BBQ festival … and I’ve loved every juicy minute of it. Continue reading

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Grillstock London: A Walthamstow Hillbilly’s Homecoming?

So, I was all sorts of messed up this weekend. Not because of the beer (although I had access to copious amounts of it). Or the whiskey (similarly ample volumes were at my disposal). Or the meat (there were mounds of epic proportion). But because, as a judge at the Grillstock BBQ festival in Walthamstow, wave after wave of out-of-context familiarity kept slapping me silly with wafts of hickory smoke, the lilting plink of a banjo here and there, and the sight of thousands of folks come together to celebrate their love of slow and low cooked meat. Continue reading

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Rare Chilli BBQ Masterclass with World of Zing and London BBQ School

The flavour experts at World of Zing have teamed up with the London BBQ School in Peckham for a new Rare Chilli BBQ Masterclass to demonstrate how to use chillies to “turbocharge your rubs and compliment the natural flavours of BBQ cooking.” Continue reading

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Meaty New “Bunsmiths” BBQ Menu at Sebright Arms: Oh Hell Yes!

Pub grub never looked so mouthwateringly mountainous! A new (not pop-up) menu at Sebright Arms pub off Hackney Road brings some of the finest “low and slow BBQ cooked meat served fresh and fast in delicious buns” to the table to be washed down with something sudsy from one of London’s more carefully considered lists of craft and quality beers. Continue reading

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Dub Jam Jerk BBQ and Rum Shack, Covent Garden

Transforming a cloakroom into a “rum shack,” tiny 16-seater Dub Jam has opened near Covent Garden serving reggae, rum and Caribbean inspired dishes – all with a heaping side of Jamaican kitsch. The reggae? A selection of Trojan Record classics on … Continue reading

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Nicos & Philthy’s Three Nights of Reef ‘n’ Beef, 27-29 March at Cambridge Heath Railway Arches

I am so bummed that this grubalicious pop-up conflicts with dates I’ll be out of town. But just because I’ve gotta miss Nicos & Philthy’s Three Nights of Reef ‘n’ Beef in Bethnal Green doesn’t mean you have to! Check … Continue reading

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Super Bowl Sunday in London (OneTravel)

Excited about that upcoming trip to London but bummed because you think you’ll have to miss the big game on TV? Nonsense. The NFL is becoming more and more popular in the UK. Besides, if there’s a reason to drink … Continue reading

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Heavy Metal Bowling vs Bompas & Parr’s Metal BBQ

Aw man, I’m going to be out of town and thus unable to attend this event but look: Heavy Metal Bowling – your chance to “finger holes, caress balls” while “crushing pins” to a soundtrack featuring Black Sabbath, Electric Wizard, Elder, The Sword, Slayer, Sleep, Metallica. Continue reading

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Where to Eat Hot Wings in London (CheapOair)

Winging it for next meal in Central London? Here are five London eateries with chicken-rific menus serving awesome wings that you should give a cluck about. Continue reading

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Win 2 Free Tickets to This Weekend’s @BackyardCinemas at @LdnFldsBrewery

What’s your favourite line from The Big Lebowski? It could win you a pair of free tickets to this weekend’s Backyard Cinema at London Fields Brewery. Continue reading

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Win Smokehouse Barbecue Rubs, Mills and Sauces from @BartIngredients

Courtesy of Bart Ingredients, I have a yummy package of the new Smokehouse Barbecue range of rubs, mills and sauces to share with one lucky reader. Continue reading

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Pup Idol Dog Show at Hampstead Heath Pub, London (CheapOair)

Great news! One of north London’s best loved and most picturesquely placed pubs is going to the dogs. Continue reading

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Sneak Peek at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013

It’s time again for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary. Got tix? Here’s a sneak peek from the VIP and press day of what you can expect. Continue reading

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Bubbles, Berries and More – a Brilliant Time in Bristol

Some work-related reasons led me to Bristol for an overnight stay. Kemey was able to join me for the trip, and we found plenty of pleasure to go along with the business during our short time in this small but vibrant town. Maybe it was the gorgeous sunshiny weather? we really didn’t do all that much while there but had an absolute blast. Here are some of the highlights from a chilled out 24 hours in Bristol. Continue reading

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Blue Boar Smokehouse & Bar, at London’s Intercontinental Westminster (OneTravel)

At £45 (about $68) per adult and £15 ($22) per child, brunch at the Blue Boar is an indulgence. Still, if you come with a hearty appetite and plan to relax over a few drinks, you should find the experience to offer exceptionally good value for an especially great meal. You’ll also be treated to friendly and efficient service along with live music in a chilled out and comfortable setting. Continue reading

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Luxury Sunday Brunch at the Blue Boar (CDCLifestyle)

Service was efficient and friendly … there was live music a la an acoustic guitarist … and just about everything pertaining to my brunch was pleasant and relaxing. The Blue Boar’s main dining room is especially comfortable. Beyond the dining area, an expansive bar and maze of cosy Chesterfield nooks await. Continue reading

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Luxury Brunch at the Blue Boar Smokehouse & Bar, Intercontinental Westminster

Chef Jon Ingram of the Blue Boar Smokehouse & Bar at the Intercontinental Westminster has done a bang up job taking a (barbe)cue from foodie trends around town and refining them to a five star standard while making sure keep his menu fun and yummy. Indulging in the Blue Boar’s Sunday only luxury brunch is an excellent way to taste what I’m talking about. Continue reading

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Five Great New Local Joints in East London (OneTravel)

All eyes seem to be on the London 2012 Games at the moment. But beyond the Olympic Stadium and the admittedly very exciting Olympic hoopla, some more locally based achievements of the foodie variety are taking place which hopefully after this historic … Continue reading

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Craft Beer and Killer Pub Grub at The North Pole, New North Road, N1

I was invited along the other night to review recently spruced up pub, The North Pole. A couple of days later, I’m still feeling rather smug for excepting the invite. Now under new management, this New North Road establishment is … Continue reading

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Big Smoke BBQ at Whole Foods Market Kensington

Whole Foods Market’s flagship store in Kensington has redesigned its first floor to introduce some new restaurant “venues” and create more space for eat-in customers. I paid a lunchtime visit today and was really impressed with the spacious and efficient … Continue reading

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AYCE Rib Competition at London’s Big Easy BBQ Restaurant (CheapOair)

Stuffing your face? It’s the American way or at least a guaranteed fun way spend your Fourth of July. So, in honour of U.S. Excess, London restaurant Big Easy is once again laying down the gauntlet to would be competitors for another … Continue reading

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