Battle of the Barbecue: Nashville Smokes Meats Over Hickory Wood

Spring is in full swing, and so is National Barbecue Month. So far, we’ve explored Texas and Kansas City for their delectable brisket and mouthwatering burnt ends. Now, Nashville is calling for our attention. Tennessee’s capital represents the underdog in barbecue. Previously overshadowed by Memphis, Nashville is making a name for itself as an up-and-comer for offering fantastic barbecue.

Nashville isn’t just famous for being the birthplace of country music chart toppers. The capital city is also renowned for its barbecue – specifically pork. Whole hog, the practice of cooking an entire hog over a wood-fire smoke over several hours, is common barbecue practice in Nashville. The cooked pig is then chopped into pork shoulder, pork ribs and pulled pork, bathed in a vinegar-based sauce that is native to Tennessee, and served to customers’ delight.

“Nashville barbecue is a mix of a bunch of different styles,” said Carey Dringle, owner of Peg Leg Porker. “It’s a melting pot of West Tennessee, Texas and North Carolina. Our focus is on pork. We smoke our meat over hickory wood, which is unique to Tennessee.”

Wet ribs, a fancy way of saying pork ribs with lots of barbecue sauce, are another staple in Tennessee. However, the vinegar within the barbecue sauce gives these ribs a bit of a tang that is unique to the area. Whether you order a pulled pork sandwich, pork shoulder or wet ribs, your taste buds will be salivating long after you’ve devoured the meal.  

From brisket lovers to pulled pork fanatics, everyone can celebrate National Barbecue Month by indulging in a satisfying meal at their favorite restaurant. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, pull out your grill (if you’re allowed to have one on your patio - check with your apartment manager) or head to the grilling area in your apartment community. We will share some tips tomorrow that will help you to become a grill master in your own right.

Greystar's National Barbecue Month Series

• Coming tomorrow: So, it’s your turn to be a master griller. We’ve got some tips for you.
• In case you missed Texas: Texas boasts brilliant brisket and barbacoa, but preferences in barbecuing styles differ from city to city in the Lone Star State.
• In case you missed Kansas City: It’s sweeter because of the sauce, but does that mean its barbecue is the sweetest in the land?

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