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Tomorrow night, UNC Press is hosting an online discussion with Adrian Miller, whose book comes out at the end of the month. Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue is my most-anticipated book of the year and I can’t wait to have it in my hands in a few weeks. The cost of the event is $15 and it benefits the Boston Book Festival.

Description: Just in time for the start of barbecue season, we’re eager to sink our teeth into award-winning food historian Adrian Miller‘s new book Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue. In this special pre-publication event, we’ll sit down with Miller—winner of the James Beard Book Award for Soul Food and a consultant on Netflix’s Chef’s Table BBQ—to hear the stories of how Black barbecuers, pitmasters, and restauranteurs helped develop this cornerstone of American foodways and how they’re continuing to influence American cuisine today. And, since Adrian’s book includes more than 20 authentic recipes, we might get some tips on how to make the most of our own adventures with the grill or smoker at home!

Kick off BBQ season on 4/15/21 at 6:30pm ET by reflecting on stories of Black chefs, pitmasters, and entrepreneurs behind this uniquely American culinary tradition with @soulfoodscholar and @Peggy_Hernandez, in a conversation to benefit @bostonbookfest. https://t.co/tWK4N7dvYB

— UNC Press (@UNC_Press) April 12, 2021

One of the best take out reveals that I've ever done. Just got my copy from @uncpress. #blacksmokebook will be out two weeks from now! #bbq #barbecue pic.twitter.com/wRjjyem2eK

— soulfoodscholar (@soulfoodscholar) April 13, 2021

Native News

Smoke Show BBQ is a new Texas-style barbecue pop up in the Charlotte area from transplanted Texan chef Brandon Belfer who has worked at fine dining spots The Stanley, Crunkleton, The Asbury, Kindred, and Hello, Sailor

4 Pop-Up Food Concepts to Try Right Now in Charlotte https://t.co/SuF4dXpdHT

— Charlotte magazine (@CharlotteMag) April 9, 2021

Charlotte-based Mac’s Speed Shop finds itself coming out of the pandemic in a strong position for growth

The barbecue brand's pandemic success has it set up to grow. https://t.co/DTX9B5crsp

— FSR magazine (@FSRmag) April 12, 2021

Roddey’s BBQ has changed their lunch hours in Rock Hill to Fridays only

Olde Mecklenburg Brewing’s Southern Spring Fest will feature smoked pork and brisket in addition to the oyster po boys and crawfish

OMB to host Southern Spring Fest, featuring live music, food — and bier, of course.

🖋: @melissaoyler
📸: Courtesy of @oldemeckbrewhttps://t.co/QsG4Lz6b0d

— CharlotteFive (@CharlotteFive) April 12, 2021

Christopher Prieto of Prime BBQ in Knightdale has joined the previously announced pitmasters for the Inaugural Pinehurst Barbecue Festival

Non-Native News

Distant Relatives is a new barbecue trailer in East Austin serving “modern African American barbecue” and is already making waves

Damien Brockway opened Distant Relatives in East Austin in February, and it’s already destination-worthy for folks looking for something unique in Texas BBQ. https://t.co/srvB2L77vT

— TMBBQ (@tmbbq) April 8, 2021

Exciting stuff from Damien Brockway and his new Distant Relatives BBQ in Austin. Smoked chuck instead of brisket was a nice change of pace. Phenomenal sides, great pulled pork and ribs, and ridiculously crispy/juicy chicken. Wow. pic.twitter.com/GFxKaW3Oiz

— Daniel Vaughn (@BBQsnob) March 26, 2021

Beaumont-style links are making a comeback

I fell hard for Beaumont-style beef links at the late, great Green's on Almeda. Now they're having a comeback. via @jcreidtx https://t.co/q4Smuppfyz via @houstonchron

— Alison Cook (@alisoncook) April 1, 2021

Speaking of Beaumont, craft barbecue is catching on there

Since the rise of the craft-barbecue movement 10 years ago, I’ve wondered if CTX-style barbecue could ever catch on in Beaumont, which has its own deeply entrenched tradition of smoked meats. Looks like the answer is "Yes." #houbbq https://t.co/W3wPmKKu4r pic.twitter.com/d2nRlqahWj

— J.C. Reid (@jcreidtx) April 9, 2021

Bourbon + Barbecue = Crazy Delicious

In today's issue of the NYC BBQ Weekly newsletter, I shared 3 bourbons (and one rye) to try at your next barbecue gathering, including from @knobcreek & @oldforester https://t.co/hrNlvmPmgx

— NYC BBQ / Sean Ludwig (@newyorkbbq) April 9, 2021