Ep 4. Chicago, IL: BBQ

Roadfood is a show that explores the rich and varied culinary landscape of America by introducing viewers to some of the most iconic and delicious food establishments in the country. In season 1 episode 4, titled "Chicago, IL: BBQ," the show's hosts set out to discover the best barbecue spots in the Windy City.

Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches, but the city's barbecue scene is often overlooked. In this episode, the hosts aim to showcase some of the best barbecue joints in the city and highlight the unique flavors and techniques that make them stand out.

The episode begins with a visit to a local barbecue institution, Smoque BBQ. Located in the city's Irving Park neighborhood, Smoque has been serving up delicious smoked meats since 2006. The hosts sit down with Smoque's owners, Barry Sorkin and Mike McDermott, to talk about the restaurant's history and approach to barbecue. They sample some of the restaurant's most popular dishes, including the brisket, pulled pork, and hot links.

Next, the hosts make their way to Austin, a neighborhood on Chicago's west side that is known for its thriving food scene. There, they visit Green Street Smoked Meats, a bustling barbecue joint that is popular with locals and tourists alike. The hosts meet with pitmaster David Sandusky and learn about the specialty cuts of meat that Green Street is known for, including beef rib and pastrami.

As they continue their search for the best barbecue in Chicago, the hosts visit another iconic establishment, Uncle John's BBQ. Located on the city's south side, Uncle John's has been serving up mouth-watering barbecue since the 1950s. The hosts sit down with current owner Derrick Donaldson and learn about the restaurant's history and the way that their technique has evolved over the years. They sample some of the restaurant's signature dishes, including rib tips and brisket.

The final stop on the hosts' barbecue tour of Chicago is Ribfest, an annual festival in the city's North Center neighborhood that celebrates all things barbecue. The hosts chat with some of the festival's vendors and sample a variety of dishes, including pulled pork, ribs, and sausage. They also take a walk around the festival, checking out the different booths and attractions.

Throughout the episode, the hosts showcase the unique flavors and techniques that make Chicago's barbecue scene so special. They talk about the importance of the smoker and the different types of wood that are used to impart flavor into the meat. They also highlight the various sides and sauces that are often served alongside barbecue dishes.

Overall, "Chicago, IL: BBQ" is a mouth-watering exploration of one of the city's most underrated food scenes. The hosts do an excellent job of showcasing some of the best barbecue spots in town and highlighting the unique flavors and techniques that make them stand out. Whether you're a barbecue connoisseur or just a food lover looking for some new discoveries, this episode is sure to satisfy.