“Barbecue” is a fighting word in this city; there’s no way to express a preference for one place over another without hearing how (a) Seattle has no good barbecue, and (b) your favorite isn’t actually the best. I’m glad I don’t man Sunset magazine’s inbox after seeing the latest issue choose “10 best barbecue joints in the West”. Surprise! While the top honors went to BarBersQ in Napa, Seattle won two spots on the list . Washington was the only state besides California to score more than one spot.
Julie Reinhardt’s bio says she’s “ready to talk pork butt with the most macho grillmaster.”
Really, though, she’s here to talk with the least macho audience, the women who have historically been the weaker half of the backyard family barbecue and grill. Here Reinhardt is with She-Smoke: A Backyard Barbecue Book
a thoroughly practical, well-researched new guide that manages to be fun but not patronizing.
It is, as advertised, a casually-styled, from-the-ground-up primer for those who don’t know their low from their slow. It explains how to turn on a gas grill (the book covers grilling as well as barbecuing), reviews the different regional styles of barbecue, and diagrams how to break down a chicken (the latter Reinhardt admits only learning at age 30, “out of sheer embarassment that I couldn’t do it.”) But Reinhardt’s expertise and enthusiasm comes through clearly enough to also satisfy ‘cuers who lick their chops at chapter headings like “Texas Beef Brisket: An In-Depth Study,” and would consider digging a pit for the salmon bake recipe she includes in honor of family summers on the Washington coast.
We talked with Reinhardt, co-owner of Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ in Ballard, just named one of the best barbecue spots in the West, for your Memorial Day mealtime pleasure. And if you’re planning your own barbecue this weekend, consider entering her contest (video above) to win prizes and fight hunger by creating “the largest virtual BBQ in the world.”
“I love the idea that barbecue brings people together,” said Reinhardt, a Seattle native with Alabama roots. We tend to think of “barbecue” as a noun, as a piece of smoked pork, say, but she loves the broader term that includes the event as well as the food. For her, it’s about the “down-home togetherness” of the cuisine and its history and roots.
Here are a few highlights from our talk and from the book. (more…)
@LtGovMattDenn No, no, your food choices are great! Except for the stuffing on a stick. I keep meaning to ask to print your waffle recipe. 19 hours ago
In which I inadvertantly insult @andrewzimmern by asking if he got punk'd at @seabreezefarm. Love the Seattle show: http://t.co/aE4ighQF19 hours ago
"I want everyone to receive the healthcare they need, not just the ones who believe as I do." Thanks @saltyseattle: http://t.co/VUGhsBhg2012/02/02
@Pretty_Veggie @SeattleTallPopp Regardless, I hope people would take the gesture in the lovely spirit it is meant. "Have a treat on me." 2012/02/02
@Pretty_Veggie @SeattleTallPopp the idea was "get some food, hungry person!" But this seems more like "relax, take a break, have a treat." 2012/02/02
@Pretty_Veggie @SeattleTallPopp Really? Seems if you hate SB, depending on the reason, you might also hate Subway. I'd do Subway cards if 2012/02/02
@Pretty_Veggie @SeattleTallPopp Also think $5 is perfect. Enough to get a drink+perhaps pastry and enjoy the treat, not enough to embarass 2012/02/02
@Pretty_Veggie @SeattleTallPopp I could give a card to my favorite indie shop or market, but what if they live nowhere near? 2012/02/02
@SeattleTallPopp @Pretty_Veggie I like the SB because they are so ubiquitous. Hard to find another card where most people could redeem 2012/02/02
RT @seattlefoodgeek: One night only (only... only... only...) @ModernCuisine's Maxime Bilet @BookLarder. Price inc. 2 tix, 1 book & bite ... 2012/02/02
I talk about this chili a lot, but it really is fantastic: http://t.co/yPB6uf6h2012/02/02
@gastrognome @chow Good point. Still, it'd be hard for me to draw the line on when hens become stew. 2012/02/02
Lovely idea, Traca! MT @SeattleTallPopp Every week I buy a $5 @starbucks gift card & spend the week looking for someone to give it to. 2012/02/02
@jonkauffman @springhill_ws But don't you want to visit to try some fried chicken with gochujang?? 2012/02/02
RT @waxwing: Really unhappy with Komen Foundation. Planned Parenthood provided me great healthcare when I was a grad student many decade ... 2012/02/02
