BBQ

I guess BBQ (or Barbecue) is in my bones. My first memories of BBQ hark back to a huge Oak tree. It was across a dirt road from my maternal grandaddy’s house on Deepstep Road. On special occasions, he and my uncles would dig a pit under that Oak tree. A grid of fence wire was laid on metal bars secured over the pit. Nearby, away from the tree canopy, an oakwood fire raged, creating abundant red hot coals. As the bed of coals grew, my uncles shoveled them under the metal grid. Lying on the grid, above the coals was a huge disemboweled hog, splayed wide open, skin side down. This started at sundown; shoveling the coals and roasting continued past dawn the next day.

Testing the meat doneness began well before daybreak. One morning, I happened to come on site in time for such tasting. I got my first bite of succulent, sometimes crunchy BBQ, torn right off the carcass. I was hooked! The pungent aroma of oakwood burning, mixed with the smoky fragrance of pork simmering over the red-hot coals captivated me. A unique culinary culture was instantly burned into my brain.

A reinforcing experience occurred upon my first taste of “store-bought” BBQ. On one of our family trips to Dacula, GA visiting my paternal grandparents. On the way home, we stopped at “The Hub,” a small restaurant somewhere on or near U.S. 278 and GA 11, in Rockdale County. Not only did I have a Heaven-sent, delicious BBQ sandwich and a bottle Coca Cola, but also saw my first TV show. It was Kukla, Fran, and Olli, playing of the restaurant TV. With such an amalgam of visual and satiating experiences, it is no wonder that Coke is the only beverage that goes with BBQ. For me, anyway.

Years ago, when I travelled Georgia doing church consultation, I could name and evaluate every BBQ joint in the state. (That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.) Sadly, some did not survive, such as The Hub. Others continue to thrive, and then there are the McBBQ-cookie-cutter franchises. I made a vetted list of favorite Georgia BBQ sites. It is available for a price$$$$$$ NOT. But, the list is in my head!

A few years ago my doctor raised the issue of my Cholesterol. Again. This time saying that if the indicators were not better at my next check up she would put me on medication. I promised to do better. Then said, “But, I really do like BBQ! Is there any way I can have an occasional BBQ sandwich and still be OK?” Without missing a beat, not looking up from her iPad, she said,”Yes. Lipitor!.” Nuff said. (But I still have BBQ sometime. Shhhhh.)