Ep 8. O.G. Flavor

Burgers, Brew & 'Que season 5 episode 8, titled O.G. Flavor, takes viewers on a culinary adventure through Kansas City, Missouri with the charismatic host, Michael Symon. As the name suggests, this episode is all about the original flavors of BBQ and the traditional methods used to create them.

The episode starts with Michael visiting Jones Bar-B-Q, a family-owned BBQ joint that has been in operation since 1980. The restaurant is famous for their burnt ends and Michael gets a tutorial on how to make them. The process of smoking the beef brisket, then cutting it into chunks and smoking it again with spices and sauce, takes hours, but the end result is worth it. Michael indulges in these savory bites and declares them the best he’s ever had.

Next up, Michael heads to Char Bar, a BBQ restaurant that combines old-school smoking techniques with new-school flavors. Here, he meets with pitmaster Mitch Benjamin to learn about the different cuts of meat and how to smoke them to perfection. Michael gets to sample the burnt ends, brisket, and ribs, all of which are cooked to perfection. He also tries a unique dish called the Frito Chili Pie, which is a combination of chili, Fritos, and cheese served in a bag of corn chips. Michael is blown away by the flavors and says it’s one of the best things he’s ever eaten.

The episode then takes a break from BBQ to focus on burgers, visiting the iconic Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill. Michael meets with owner Joe Zwillenberg to learn about the history of this historic bar, which was once a meat market. Today, it’s a popular spot for burgers, and Michael gets to taste the famous Flea Market Burger. This massive burger is topped with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, and Michael proclaims it one of the best burgers he’s ever had.

After indulging in burgers, Michael heads back to BBQ with a visit to Q39, a modern BBQ restaurant that puts a new spin on traditional flavors. Here, he meets with pitmaster Rob Magee to learn about their unique process of smoking meats. One of their signature dishes is the burnt end burger, which features flavor-packed burnt ends, melted cheese, and BBQ sauce on a soft bun. Michael is blown away by the combination of classic BBQ flavors with a modern twist.

The final stop on this BBQ tour is Slap’s BBQ, a popular joint that has won numerous awards for their delicious meats. Michael meets with owner Joe Pearce to learn about their process for smoking brisket and ribs. He also gets to try a unique dish called burnt end mac and cheese, which features tender burnt ends mixed with creamy mac and cheese. Michael can’t get enough of the smoky flavors and proclaims it one of the best dishes he’s ever tasted.

Throughout the episode, Michael is his usual charming self, engaging with owners and pitmasters and learning about the history and traditions of BBQ in Kansas City. He is blown away by the dedication and skill required to make truly delicious BBQ, and it’s clear that this episode is a celebration of the passion and hard work of those who devote themselves to this delicious cuisine.

In conclusion, Burgers, Brew & 'Que season 5 episode 8, O.G. Flavor, is a must-watch for anyone who loves BBQ or just good food in general. Michael Symon takes viewers on a delicious tour of Kansas City, introducing us to some of the most talented pitmasters and chefs in the area. With mouth-watering dishes and engaging personalities, this episode is a celebration of the flavors and traditions that make BBQ so beloved.