Friday Find: “Meet the Kings and Queen of Kentucky Style BBQ”

Monk: Zagat explores Kentucky barbecue in this 14+ minute video that spotlights the state’s historic joints as well as personalities. It also gives a little bit of a primer on mutton, the state’s unique contribution to American barbecue.

Description:
When it comes to distinct American regional style barbecue styles, the state of Kentucky doesn’t get the same praise as Texas and North Carolina. But residents of The Bluegrass State know that amazing barbecue, especially mutton, awaits for anyone traveling through. Zagat visited a selection of local BBQ joints – including Old Hickory Bar-B-Q, Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn, and R & S Barbecue – to speak with the hardworking families of these institutions to find out what makes Kentucky style ‘cue unique.

Friday Find: “Here’s Why Wood is the Unsung Hero of Texas Barbecue”

Monk: Zagat travels from New York to Lockhart, Texas to understand why post oak is so instrumental to that style of barbecue. Post oak – so named because it grows straight enough to make fence posts – is native to central Texas and in this video is referred to as “wholesomely sweet” and the “terroir of Texas barbecue.” The host even spends time with the hardworking laborers who have cut down and split it for Kreuz Market since 1975 before treating them to a meal there (a nice touch).

(h/t The Smoke Sheet)

Description:
Texas’ Hill Country is known as the center of American barbecue culture thanks to an abundance of amazing local ingredients. And while most people recognize cattle as the secret to the state’s legendary cuisine, it’s Texas Post Oak that helps put everything in motion. The wood is so popular that restaurants like New York City’s Hill Country Barbecue Market won’t use anything else, even if it means having it shipped over 1,700 miles every week. Zagat traveled to Texas’ famed Kreuz Market in Lockhart to discover what makes this regional wood a favorite amongst pitmasters – and why making that beloved brisket is a lot more dangerous than we think.

Friday Find: Santa Maria BBQ: Why Garlic Rubs & Red Oak Make Great Flavor

Santa Maria barbecue is not considered one of the four major styles of barbecue in the US, but it has its proponents. Zagat takes a deeper look.

The sight of grilling over an open flame and scent of red oak has made Santa Maria-stye barbecue a favorite for road trips. But what is it about beef tri-tips and garlic rubs that’s helped this alternative style of barbecue thrive? Zagat visited a selection of three Santa Maria area barbecue spots to hear from the men and women responsible for continuing the legacy of this west coast tradition.

Friday Find: Zagat Discovers the Soul of South Carolina Barbecue

Zagat explores the different meats and side dishes of South Carolina barbecue in a short documentary entitled “Hogs & Hash: Discovering the Soul of South Carolina BBQ”.

BBQ in South Carolina means whole hogs, hash, and plenty of mustard sauce. And although certain areas and establishments don’t abide by all of these features, the passion these pitmasters have to carry on the legacy of their state’s barbecue reputation unites them.