Ep 1. Southern, Spicy and Sweet

Burgers, Brew & 'Que is a food and travel show that explores the best destinations for BBQ, burgers, and beer across America. In this particular episode, entitled "Southern, Spicy and Sweet," the host, Michael Symon, travels to the southern region of the United States to sample some of the most delicious and unique tastes in the area.

The episode starts with Symon visiting a family-owned BBQ joint in Nashville, Tennessee, where he tries their brisket and ribs. They show him their unique smoking process and how they've been cooking for generations. He also discovers their secret house-made BBQ sauce, which gets him excited to taste the food and add more sauce.

Afterward, Symon heads to Memphis, Tennessee, to visit a legendary BBQ pitmaster who's famous for his dry rub and intense smoking techniques. Symon watches as the pitmaster prepares his signature dish, smoked baby back ribs. He then tries the tender, fall-off-the-bone dexterous of the baby back ribs, and his eyes roll back in his head in complete satisfaction. He also samples a southern classic, fried catfish, paired with tangy, hot sauce on top.

Next, Symon travels to Birmingham, Alabama, to visit a restaurant that has won awards for its unique take on southern cuisine. The restaurant prepares an unusual twist on traditional southern fried chicken, with a sweet and spicy sauce. Symon also tries the restaurant's popular chicken and waffles, which uses fluffy Belgian waffles and crispy fried chicken in contrast to the sweetness of the sauce.

Symon finishes off his travels in Savannah, Georgia, where he visits a place specializing in craft beer and gourmet burgers. Here, he learns how they perfectly cook their burgers, and he gets to make his custom burger, stuffed with bacon, washed in beer cheese sauce, and topped with a crispy onion ring.

The episode not only highlights the food and drinks that are unique to the southern region, but it also focuses on the diverse people who create them. The locals are proud of their tradition and dishes and are always willing to share their knowledge, stories, and famous sauces. Each place that Symon visits has a notable personality that reflects the soul of southern hospitality.

Throughout the episode, viewers can learn from the locals how to make these delightful dishes, or at least get the idea of how southern hospitality complements the dishes' tastes. The show combines Symon's expertise in the kitchen, his passion for BBQ, burgers, and beer along with his charismatic personality, which makes it incredibly insightful and engaging for the viewers.

Overall, Burgers, Brew & 'Que season 1 episode 1, "Southern, Spicy and Sweet" is a fantastic introduction to the series, showcasing the best BBQ ribs, fried chicken, and burgers that the south has to offer. It's an exciting culinary journey focusing on the unique southern flavors, traditions, and history that shape and influence the food's preparation across this region.