Cooking Up a Story: Stories
It’s a long road, and it’s not easy, a personal look at a barbecue world champion.
If you haven’t noticed yet, I have a soft spot for barbecue. It all started when I was going to school in Memphis and a bunch of us would descend upon the local BBQ joint for a quick and cheap (and may I add, good) meal. I eventually moved away but always looked forward to having real barbecue in Memphis on trips back to visit family.
Years passed and things changed, but I still loved barbecue. I began researching a film project about barbecue competitions to learn what they were all about, and that is when I met Larry Mayes. He is the head cook (and only remaining Larry) of 2 Fat Larrys, a veteran competition team on the BBQ circuit. Through him, and many others I met at the American Royal BBQ Competition, I learned what it took to be a champion. Now champions come in all kinds of packages. From my own observations, no 2 look alike. But there is a recognizable thread running through: Hard work, attention to detail, openness to sharing (to a point!), a personal approach to making it their own, and a passion to win.
Larry isn’t competing nearly as much as he had been when I first met him. He is now part owner of a BBQ restaurant in Memphis. Anyone in the restaurant business knows it takes up a good part of your life. But I do know he’s making some really good barbecue and the passion is still there.
For this coming New Year, may we all be champions in what we do.
Recipes from the show: 2 Fat Larrys Rib Rub; Barbecue Beans; Wonder Peach Cobbler; Larry’s Slaw; and Grilled Catfish.
—Rebecca
2 Comments
Hey Kristen:
I am familiar with Oklahoma Joe’s and ate there awhile back. I had recently discovered brisket and tried their Z-man sandwich. It was a humdinger! I’ll be sure to try the ribs next time. They did look good:)
Thanks for the tip!
My husband competes occassionally in BBQ contests. He won 4th place at a contest here in Kansas City for his pulled pork.
Anyway, like you said, it is a lot of hard work and you have to have something special to offer.
If you are ever in KC, make sure to go to a place called Oklahoma Joes. They have fantastic ribs!
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[...] out the video story: Journey of a Barbecue Champion It’s a long road, and it’s not easy, a personal look at a barbecue world [...]
[...] Wonder Peach Cobbler « From the episode: Journey of a Barbecue Champion [...]
[...] out the video story: Journey of a Barbecue Champion It’s a long road, and it’s not easy, a personal look at a barbecue world [...]
[...] out the video story: Journey of a Barbecue Champion It’s a long road, and it’s not easy, a personal look at a barbecue world [...]