Tales from the Pits has a lot to be thankful for in 2023

Non-Spotify podcast link

Monk: I’m posting this a little late for the Thanksgiving holiday but I think its still worth sharing. The Tales from the Pits guys, Andrew and Bryan, share the trends in barbecue that they are thankful for including brick and mortar locations (particularly in the hot Texas summers), barbecue joints expanding into sports arenas, dinner barbecue, and more.

I’m always inspired by the passion for barbecue these guys have, so take a listen and see if you agree with their choices.

Description: There is a lot we’re thankful for right now in barbecue. From the craft pioneers who began expanding the boundaries of what barbecue could be to the new class who keeps pushing the cuisine forward while being mindful of its roots, it’s an amazing time in barbecue filled with immense talent. 

Linkdown: 11/28/23 – The Brisket Makes Everything Better Edition

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Monk: Team applications for Memphis in May are officially open for next year’s festival which will take place in Liberty Park

This of course is after a new, upstart festival has been announced to be held at (plot twist) Tom Lee Park, where Memphis in May had traditionally been held. Forward Momentum are the organizers behind the rival festival which will be held at the same time as Memphis in May, and Carey Bringle of Peg Leg Porkers is on board to compete, even going so far as to say “BBQ in Memphis belongs on the river, and with Forward Momentum, we now have the means and resources to make it happen.”

This has led to the picking of festivals between the big competition teams and so far it looks like Memphis in May is ahead early by my unofficial count with Jack’s Old South and Moe Cason are on board so far as well as The Usual Saucepects Championship BBQ, Heath Riles BBQ, and former 2x Grand Champions Willingham’s World Championship BBQ,

As for me? If I make either festival it will surely be Memphis in May at Liberty Park.

Finally, in perhaps somewhat related news, the CEO of Memphis in May is retiring at the end of January.


Native News

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Cozy Corner is one of Memphis’s most popular barbecue restaurants

Monk: Owner Bobby Bradley, Jr. of Cozy Corner in Memphis is carrying on the traditions of his family’s barbecue legacy to this day, including the BBQ bologna sandwich.

Description: Cozy Corner is one of Memphis’s most popular barbecue restaurants, opening in 1977. Owner Bobby Bradley, Jr. is carrying on his family’s traditions by making the restaurant’s popular ribs, bologna sandwiches, and barbecue spaghetti.

Linkdown: 11/22/23 – The Happy Thanksgiving Edition

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Monk: The Cuegrass festival, a mix of barbecue, bluegrass, and beer, is back next April in downtown Raleigh. It’s been a few years since I’ve been, but it looks like they’ve moved a few blocks away from in front of The Pit restaurant onto Fayetteville Street. Here were my thoughts from 2019:

Mark your calendars for April 20 for what is sure to be a fun time.

Native News

The Barbecue Festival has been nominated by NC Tripping for best annual festival

Non-Native News

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Team applications are now open for Memphis in May

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Noted fan of barbecue Jon Favreau recently stopped in at Heritage Barbecue

WANT:

Wayback Wednesday: