Two young professionals with southern roots who have a shared love and appreciation for good "Q."
Some come to the Beltway to change the world, others to obtain power - we just want some good "Q." Through extensive research, recommendations from those we respect - some who we do not - and pure luck, we have discovered a pantheon of known and unknown BBQ joints throughout and across the greater Baltimore-Washington area.
This site is the pre-eminent resource for Beltway BBQ. Its mission is to debunk the region's reputation and once and for all prove, what we have surprisingly discovered -- Good "Q" is found here, you just have to know where to look.
Certifications
We are both members of the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) and are KCBS Certified BBQ Judges. We have also judged competitions done in the Memphis in May format.
What is BBQ?:
Most people incorrectly associate barbeque as an outdoor gathering of friends where one cooks hamburgers, hotdogs, and other food products on their favorite grill. This is only partially correct. True barbeque is slow cooked over a low and indirect heat source.
Depending on your region, different meats and sauces are utilized. Some use wood, some use charcoal, other use gas. Some use a dry rub, some a wet rub. Some regions put an emphasis on sauce, others let the meat stand by its self. However, one thing is consistent throughout – good barbeque is the perfect blend between smoke, flavor, and taste.
What we judge:
Our BBQ product of choice – Pork Ribs. It is our philosophy that good "Q" can be accentuated by a quality sauce. It can also be ruined by it. Too much sauce, or sauce that overpowers the meat, can only mean one thing – you are trying to hide something…
As this site grows, we will also add sections on BBQ products in addition to ribs, but for now this site will focus on the regions different ribs and sauces. We will grade each restaurant for appearance, quality of the meat, preparedness, smokiness, flavor, and overall taste. Bonus points will be awarded for the restaurants character.
Rating Chart (1 to 10; ten being the best):
A) Presentation/Visual: 1-3: This is what? 4-6: Thanks for not messing it up 7-9: Looks good enough to serve to family 10: Looks so good I think I want to cry
B) Tenderness: 1-3: I broke my tooth/Hold the baby pudding 4-6: Should have brought better teeth 7-9: Just about right 10: Down to a science
C) Taste/Smoke Flavor: 1-3: No Smoke, No Fire, No Taste 4-6: What are you hiding? 7-9: Mmmm, Can't talk right now 10: BBQ Coma
D) Sauce: 1-3: Bitter Sauce Face 4-6: Thanks, but I can buy my own Ketchup 7-9: Shaken and Stirred with Love 10: Can I get a gallon to go?
E) Overall Impression: 1-3: Can't keep it in my mouth 4-5: Good, but only if you are in the neighborhood 6-7: Above average Q 8-10: Worth the drive
What you will find:
Reviews, Recommendations, and Tips. Places to go, places to avoid.
This site is subjective and based upon the opinions of its administrators and staff. Disagree with our opinion - let us know and if you make a strong enough case, we will give your favorite BBQ joints a second chance.
2 comments:
Cool blog. FYI - the trailer is terrible. This is not KC bbq, not even close. Way overpriced too.
The truck is now on New York between 3rd and 4th. It will be there for the next six months.
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