Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Battle BBQ: Texas v. California

After reading the title, I'm sure Texans are already scoffing at the thought that Cali might challenge Texas on the BBQ front. But I'm also sure some Golden Staters might point out that California is big and has no shortage of BBQ joints. They might point out that CA is home to loads of competition BBQ teams and mobile caterers. They might point out that some BBQ joints, like Phil's in San Diego, regularly have lines that stretch out their doors. At any rate, as I am with all rounds of Battle BBQ, I'm just trying to spark a little fighting, I mean, friendly debate. So, let's hear it: Does California deserve even to be mentioned in the same discussion as Texas, when it comes to BBQ? California knows how to party, but do they know how to serve up legit BBQ?

19 comments:

Unknown said...

I prefer my Q without pineapple and sprouts ... Thank you very much. Would be very hard for me to take the recommendation of goodies lined up for Q wearing boots made by Louboutin. Long live Taylor and Lockhart!

Unknown said...

That should have been foodies, not goodies. My auto spell check keeps changing it.

Shane Draper said...

The funny thing about saying you cant get good Q anywhere but one place is that it doesnt account for transplants of skilled people from one area to another. I've been able to find down right righteous bbq just about everywhere I have ever been....even in Cali as much as it pains this small town Ky boy to admit.

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "I'm open to the question...but what does #California #BBQ even mean? I can't even begin to imagine..."

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "Hell to the yeah."

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "Santa Maria Style tri tip...absolutely. The BBQ canvas is too diverse to apply to a particular region only"

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "No, no, and he'll no! Cali BBQ is Santa Maria style tri tip...no ribs, brisket, links, etc."

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response (@PhatMattsBBQ): "There are a few joints here in Cali that are serving up real deal BBQ. Granted we are one of the few, but there are some. No lettuce, sprouts, tomatoes here. Just good slow smoked meat with or without sauce!"

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "some really (really) good bbq joints in cali, but texas reins supreme. we're trying to catch up slowly - 1 joint at a time"

Sithlordsmoke said...

I'm going to California soon. If someone could actually name some decent joints in the L.A. area that would be awesome. I also have a layover at the Dallas Fort Worth airport so maybe I'll get a quick sample of some texas Que as well.

"Smokin' in Mpls"
Cory

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "There is no doubt that TX BBQ is the top of the line around the country!"

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "If the hippies in Cali will not cut down trees, then how can you get wood to burn to smoke meat?"

Jacob said...

I have to admit, I really like the tri-tip. I actually use it as my main cut when making chili. As bbq it still holds up well. Still, it pales in comparison to a well cooked brisket and meaty ribs. Texas takes this one easy... next competitor please.

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "by California BBQ do you mean those places in LA trying to replicate other regions or the true Santa Maria style stuff?"

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "Theres No BBQ In California they hate smoke."

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "Is there such thing as California BBQ: Yes, veggies on the grill. but Texas has done this since 1836"

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "What do they bbq in California? Tofu?"

Drew Thornley said...

Twitter response: "Neither Texas NOR California deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as South Carolina. Beef is not BBQ."

Jeremiah Red Johnson said...

Well Being the voice for Northern California BBQ I say "Yes we Do need a little more mention". But we do have only a handful of bbq joints to enjoy. Kinders being one of them and a few more mom and pop place. But at the cook offs we got some of the best. Slap O Daddy has been making waves and so have a few others in the Pit Master world.