Regional Cooking Terminology question- "BBQ"
WHat does the term "BBQ" (I know, different folks spell it differently as well) mean to you in your region? In particular, if you were to go in your backyard and BBQ something- what would that mean? Please state your region/state. I hope to get feedback from all over, but I'm particularly interested to hear from folks in South Louisiana.
I'm from Texas. BBQ here, most of the time, means food cooked in indirect heat with a low temp. for a long time. Brisket is typically the food of choice(with ribs and sausage running close seconds), and wood is the most used heat source.
I was invited to a BBQ in Seattle once. It was burgers and dogs grilled on a gasser. It was very good, and I complimented the cook, but it was not what I expected.
Speaking only for North Carolina -
Bar-b-que is a noun, never a verb. Exactly what bbq means will vary depending on where in the state you are. In NC it is always pork - pulled, shredded or chopped - with either a tomato-free vinegar and pepper sauce or a similar one with the inclusion of a small amount of tomato. BBQ is best served with fresh hush puppies, a regionally appropriate slaw (red, yellow, or white) and, if I'm feeling expansive, Brunswick stew. Oh yes, and copious amounts of sweet tea, sweet enough to send you into insulin shock.
That thing you do out back with burgers, dogs, steaks, chicken, or whatever? That's grilling, son, never barbecuing.
In this area (New York City) it usually means food cooked on a grill over high heat, and usually gas....
To me it means low 'n' slow over wood to render the fat and collagen and resulting in a moist, tender product.....Mmmmm, brisket....see the attached picture.
I hear my Klose a'callin'....
in the NW a barbecue definitely means anything cooked outside on a grill.. generally meat (the grill itself is commonly refered to as a barbecue).
so for areas where bbq is a more specific term... What would you say to people if you wanted to invite them over to eat hot dogs/hamburgers you grill up in the back yard?
"I'm having a grill party, want to come over?"... ??? or just "want to come over for some hot dogs/hamburgers?"
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