Home > Table Talk > Archives > 2008 > April > 04
Friday, April 4, 2008
Where’s the Best BBQ in Georgia?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
RIGHT: BBQ in Georgia means pulled pork sammies
Photo: Phil Skinner/AJC staff
A new book, “BBQ Joints: Stories and Secret Recipes from the Barbeque Belt” (Gibbs Smith, $15.95, April 2008), takes a good look at the South through one of its favorite pastimes — barbecue.
Author David Gelin is not a Southerner, but since he travels back roads with his dog Buddy, he seems to think he’s qualified to comment on one of the greatest rites of passage of being Southern: understanding barbecue and where to get it.
The book is filled with amusing anecdotes from folks all over the so-called “barbecue belt,” and many share secret recipes like Cajun red beans and rice from Danken Trail Bar-B-Q in Monroe, La., and the brew for concocting Georgia’s own “Mountain Man” Don Bryant’s boiled peanuts (the secret? use a stainless steel pot).
Tales and recipes from Texas, Oklahoma (who said that was the South?) Louisiana, Arkansas (see note on Oklahoma), Missouri (they’re kidding right?), Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina and our own dear Peach State.
From Georgia, the following ‘cue joints are featured: B-B-Q King in Albany, Bubba’s Ribs & Q in Tifton, Fincher’s Barbecue in Macon, Melear’s Barbecue in Fayetteville, Mountain Man Bar-B-Que in Flowery Branch, Oinkers Family Restaurant in Clayton, Shack by the Track in St. George, Williams’ Barbecue in Danielsville and Wynnton Pitt B-B-Q & Restaurant in Columbus.
Well, I thought I knew my ‘cue, but I’m sorry to report I have never eaten at ANY of these places — though I can’t wait to give them a try when I’m in their areas. IF I’m ever in their areas. Two others I’ve heard are great and haven’t gotten to are Beaver Creek Biscuit Company in Lithia Springs and Sugar Ribs, which is actually in Chattanooga.
Have you been to any of these spots? What did you think? Where’s the best BBQ in Georgia?
Still need more ‘cue? Portraits from Gelin’s book will be on exhibit at the University of South Carolina’s McKessick Museum from May 10 to July 19.
Permalink | Comments (632) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
