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BBQ History And Culture (16 Articles)
Published On: 2/14/2019 Last Modified: 6/16/2025
BBQ. Barbecue. Barbeque. Bar B Que. No matter how you spell it, it is a phenomenon that has a fanatic following in all areas of the country and around the world. Barbecue is basic to cooking. Meat sizzling over open flame or slowly cooked in smoke. In this section you will learn where it all began and how people in different regions practice this ancient art.
The Invention of Barbecue
How did barbecue originate? Here is a similar explanation of the ancient Chinese discovery of barbecue told in an engaging tale.
Barbecue History: Outdoor Cooking Through The Ages
Barbecue was not invented in America. Here is the true story of where barbecue came from and how it evolved.
The History Of Barbecue Competitions
Here is the fascinating story of how these contests became a popular sport with more than 500 annual events.
Adventures Of An American Barbecue Judge
If you're a BBQ team interested in finding ways to better your scores, judging contests is a great way to see the other side of the turn-in table. I had the chance to judge four of the country's most prestigious contests and here is a breakdown of my experiences testing some of the best and worst competition BBQ.
Barbecue Sauce History
How was barbecue sauce invented? By whom? When? Learn the fascinating history of how BBQ sauce evolved from Chinese sweet and sour sauce.
A Guide To Chicago BBQ Restaurants And A History Of Chicago Barbecue
Chicago's barbecue heritage migrated from southern blacks of the Mississippi Delta, their unique Aquarium pit design.
Barbecue Diplomacy at LBJ’s Texas White House
President Lyndon Johnson loved BBQ and with his chef, the self-proclaimed "Barbecue King" Walter Jetton, LBJ invented barbecue diplomacy.
Struttin With Some Barbecue With Louis Armstrong
In 1927 Louis Armstrong made his first recording of the iconic tune 'Struttin' with Some Barbecue'. Surprisingly, it is not about food.
The History Of The Hamburger
The hamburger was not an American invention. Here's the fascinating story of how the hamburger became our national dish.
Top Dogs: Rating Chicago’s Best Dog Houses
Who makes the best hot dogs in Chicago? In this article, one expert gives their top picks for hot dog excellence.
Porkin’ Across America
The humor magazine/website, The Onion, has done it again. They've nailed a spoof of the travel food show with "Porkin' Across America."
Catalan Food Fight
In northeast Spain, Catalonia is a land of culinary riches and the heart of the Mediterranean diet. Read more about this Catalan tradition.
David Letterman’s Top Ten Barbecue Lists
David Letterman is a very funny man. He also knows a thing or two about barbecues. Click here for his top ten list.
Starting A Catering Business
Everybody tells you your food is so good you ought to start a catering business. Should you? What is involved?
Frankophilia: The Hot Dog Creation Myth
Who invented hot dogs? The bun? When were they first sold? And who named them hot dogs. We answer your questions and dispel the myths.Related articles
- Behind the scenes with a real iron chef – Part 1
- Behind the scenes with a real iron chef – Part 2
- Barbecue Competitions Are For The Real Iron Chefs
- Why You Shouldn’t Cook The Way They Do In BBQ Competitions
- What Is Barbecue?
- The Invention of Barbecue
- Barbecue History: Outdoor Cooking Through The Ages
- The History Of Barbecue Competitions
- Adventures Of An American Barbecue Judge
- Barbecue Sauce History
- A Guide To Chicago BBQ Restaurants And A History Of Chicago Barbecue
- Barbecue Diplomacy at LBJ’s Texas White House
- Struttin With Some Barbecue With Louis Armstrong
- The History Of The Hamburger
- Top Dogs: Rating Chicago’s Best Dog Houses
- Porkin’ Across America
- Catalan Food Fight
- David Letterman’s Top Ten Barbecue Lists
- Starting A Catering Business
- Frankophilia: The Hot Dog Creation Myth
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