Ep 5. Sweet and Smokey
- TVG
- August 14, 2015
- 21 min
-
(6)
In this episode of Burgers, Brew & 'Que season 1, viewers are taken on a journey of sweet and smoky flavors as host Michael Symon explores some of the best BBQ and burger joints in the country.
The episode kicks off with Michael visiting a BBQ joint in Austin, Texas, where pitmaster Aaron Franklin has built a reputation for his brisket, which is smoked for 13 hours with a unique blend of wood. While there, Michael gets a masterclass in smoking meats and learns some key tips and tricks for perfecting your BBQ game.
Next up, Michael heads to a burger joint in Nashville, Tennessee, where he samples some of the most outrageous burgers he's ever seen. The standout item on the menu is called the "Donut Bacon Grilled Cheese Burger," which as the name suggests, features a thick patty sandwiched between two glazed donuts, topped with bacon, grilled cheese, and a fried egg. Needless to say, Michael is both excited and a little intimidated by this burger.
After indulging in some over-the-top burgers, Michael heads to San Francisco, California, where renowned chef Chris Cosentino is known for his unique take on classic BBQ dishes. Here, Michael gets a taste of Chris's sweet and smoky ribs, which are glazed with honey, garlic, and soy sauce, and smoked over applewood for five hours. Michael is blown away by the depth of flavor in these ribs and learns some important lessons about balancing sweet and savory flavors in BBQ.
Finally, Michael visits a BBQ joint in New Orleans, Louisiana, where pitmaster Rob Bechtold is famous for his juicy, smoke-kissed brisket. To accompany the brisket, Rob serves up a decadent mac and cheese dish that's spiked with andouille sausage and smoked for an extra boost of flavor. Michael gets a behind-the-scenes look at how Rob creates his signature dishes and comes away with some new ideas for elevating his own BBQ game.
Throughout the episode, Michael is joined by various guests, including local food writers and BBQ experts, who share their own tips and insights about the art of smoking meats and crafting delicious burgers. Viewers are sure to be inspired by the incredible flavors and unique dishes showcased in this episode of Burgers, Brew & 'Que.