Hogwood BBQ

Contrary to popular belief, the soul of barbecue isn’t in the south. It isn’t in any one place. It’s in the fire. It’s the flames that fuel the smoker, tenderizing and roasting until just the right temperature. It’s the fire that lives in the heart of the chef who meticulously hand-selects seasonal ingredients and pairs them in a way that’s unexpected perfection. It’s the fire that lights the path to faraway lands where spices are brought in by boat and chosen by aroma. It’s the flame that lit the kitchens of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers who hand-wrote recipes and tucked them away for future generations. It’s the fire burning out back for hours upon hours while food is cooked to temperature, with no regard for time or to do lists. Yes, the soul of barbecue isn’t in any one place. It’s in the fire.