I’ve never been to Bum’s. It’s on the True ‘Cue list of North Carolina places that cook with wood, so it’s on my to-eat list, but it’s in the same town as the Skylight Inn, and just down the road from B’s and Sam Jones’. My nephew, Jimbo Tanner and his son, Jack (a.k.a. the new, much-improved John Tanner) stopped in while on a successful … Continue reading Bum’s Restaurant, Ayden, North Carolina
Have I told you that I’m now a grandfather? No? That’s odd. I’ve told everyone else several times. More than several times, in some cases. Yes, the lovely and talented Ella Grace Boyd was born to Liza and Michael Boyd five months ago. Now that Liza is back at work, Nancy (aka Nonnie) is the Nanny and I (aka Papa (or Papa-Q)) am the Senior … Continue reading July 4, 2017, at Stately Tanner Manor, Washington, DC: A New Hope
Flo’s Kitchen does not serve barbecue. Flo’s serves biscuits. I have never made a biscuit, and have no plans to learn the art. If I knew how to make biscuits (or bread or pizza dough), I would be as big as a house. A large house. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. But you should know about the biscuits at Flo’s. They are … Continue reading Flo’s Kitchen, Wilson, North Carolina
After the Peg Leg Porker and the Golden Rule, we drove on down to Marco Island with an important stop in Panama City, Florida. Now this was January and Panama City proper, not Panama City Beach. I haven’t been to Panama City Beach in season in years, and it is no longer an age-appropriate location for me. Liza was there in her second year after … Continue reading Hunt’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant, Panama City, Florida
Nancy and I went back to the Original Golden Rule in Irondale on our last trip to Birmingham. There has been a major change. When you order the pork, it is chopped much finer than it was before. Instead of chunks they have, well, shreds. Here’s my plate: And Nancy’s: The change to the fine chop is not good. The shreds dry out quickly unless … Continue reading Golden Rule (Redux), Irondale, Alabama
Work has interfered with my productivity lately, so I’m just getting round to posting a trip last January. Nancy and I detoured to Nashville on our way to warmer climes so that I could try Peg Leg Porker, which has been much ballyhooed, including in Garden and Gun. I had planned the trip down, as I explained to Liza — spend the night in Nashville … Continue reading Peg Leg Porker, Nashville, Tennessee
We mourn the passing of a giant. Mr. Archibald made the best ribs in the world, hands down. People may dispute whether his achievement counts as an art or a craft, but everyone who has eaten the ribs at Archibald’s knows that he achieved greatness. Here’s the family Facebook post: Woodrow Washington added 3 new photos — with Tammy Wallace and 11 others. 11 hrs … Continue reading George Archibald, Jr. Rest in Peace
Charleston is a truly lovely city. The historic district may be the prettiest urban place in the United States. These days that means lots of money is coming into Charleston, and the gentrified areas are is expanding. That’s wonderful for the city’s tax base, but it’s not really the best environment for barbecue. But stylishly-named Smoke gets a lot of love for its barbecue, and … Continue reading Smoke BBQ, Charleston, South Carolina
We have had odd weather in DC this year, with sudden swings in temperature. All in all, it has been a warm spring, and the recent rains have my garden bursting with new crops, including plantings inspired by this BBC documentary, which had a big impact on me when I first saw it as a young boy. Continue reading This Year’s Early Spring
Garden and Gun blesses us with a bucket list of good fried chicken places. I really like fried chicken. My mother, Dear, used to cut up whole chickens and pan-fry them, and make milk gravy in the pan drippings. Served over rice, usually with Le Sueur petit pois (this was the ’50s), it made perhaps my favorite meal. I especially liked to gnaw the neck … Continue reading Garden and Gun Fried Chicken Bucket List
Texas Monthly rates the Pecan Lodge in the Deep Ellum section Dallas as one of the 50 best barbecue places in Texas. Actually, with the subtlety and humility for which Texas is known, they rate it as one the 50 best barbecue places in the world, all of the top 50 being in Texas. Our intrepid Senior Roving Reporter, Doug Jacobson (better known as the Kansas … Continue reading Pecan Lodge, Dallas, Texas
