Ep 26. Off The Beaten Q

Off The Beaten Q is the 26th episode of season 15 of Food Paradise, a popular food and travel show that takes its viewers on a culinary journey around the world. In this particular episode, the show's host, Jesse Blaze Snider, ventures off the beaten path to explore some of the country's most unique barbecue joints, highlighting the flavors, atmosphere, and history behind each unique establishment.

Throughout the show, viewers are treated to a diverse range of barbecue styles, each with their own distinct flavors and cooking techniques. From the vinegar-based sauces of North Carolina to the tangy flavors of Memphis, the show seeks to showcase the best that barbecue has to offer, while uncovering the stories behind the pitmasters who create these delicious dishes.

The first stop in this episode's journey is a small, family-owned barbecue restaurant in Michigan, where the owner has created a signature dish featuring smoked beef brisket, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. The restaurant, located in a converted gas station, is a hidden gem, and the host is invited into the kitchen to see how the brisket is smoked and prepared. The owner also shares the history of the restaurant, which has been a local favorite for over 20 years.

Next, the show takes us to a barbecue joint in South Carolina, where Jesse samples some of the state's famous mustard-based sauce, a tangy and sweet combination that pairs perfectly with the smoked meats. The pitmaster here has a long family history of smoking meat, and his passion for the craft comes through in the delicious flavors of his dishes.

From there, the show takes a detour to a unique barbecue joint in Oklahoma, where the owner has combined his love of barbecue with his passion for rock music, creating a lively, rock-inspired atmosphere that draws in customers from all over the state. The brisket here is smoked low and slow, and the show explores the unique combination of flavors that result from the owner's special rub.

Continuing the journey, the show heads to a small town in Georgia, where a local barbecue restaurant has been serving up delicious, Southern-style barbecue for over 50 years. The pitmaster here uses a traditional pit to smoke his meats, which creates a delicious, smoky flavor that is complemented perfectly by the restaurant's homemade sauce.

Finally, the show concludes its journey at a barbecue joint in California, where the owner has combined his love of cooking with his passion for surfing, creating a unique atmosphere that draws in locals and tourists alike. The show explores the fusion of flavors that result from the owner's combination of Southern-style barbecue with fresh California ingredients, and the host is treated to a delicious meal of smoked brisket and fresh, locally-sourced vegetables.

Overall, Off The Beaten Q is a deliciously entertaining episode of Food Paradise, taking viewers on a culinary adventure through some of the country's most unique and flavorful barbecue joints. The show's host, Jesse Blaze Snider, is the perfect guide for this journey, sharing his passion for food and travel with viewers while showcasing the best that barbecue has to offer. Whether you're a fan of tangy mustard-based sauces or rich, smoky brisket, this episode has something for every barbecue lover to enjoy.