Ep 8. BBQ in Big Cities

Man, Fire, Food is a TV show that takes fans on a journey to discover the best and most flavorful barbecue dishes from all around the globe. In season 8, episode 8, titled "BBQ in Big Cities," the show's host Roger Mooking visits four different cities in America to discover the unique and mouthwatering barbecue dishes these urban areas have to offer.

In this episode, Roger starts his journey in Houston, Texas, which is known for its brisket. He visits a barbecue joint called Blood Bros. BBQ, where the owners, two Asian-American brothers, fuse classic Texas BBQ flavors with their own unique twist. Roger samples their signature dish, the "Beef Rib," a mammoth sized cut of beef that is perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to juicy perfection. The brothers explain how they use their Asian heritage to influence their menus and create a fusion of flavors that they believe is unlike any other BBQ restaurant in the state.

The next stop on Roger's BBQ quest is in Phoenix, Arizona, where he visits a restaurant called Little Miss BBQ. The restaurant is known for its incredible beef short rib, which is smoked for over 24 hours to achieve a perfect tenderness and rich flavor. Roger gets to explore the process of dry aging beef, which is the key to the unique flavor of their dishes. The staff at Little Miss BBQ believe that their BBQ has a lot of soul and they are dedicated to made-from-scratch cooking.

Roger then travels to Nashville, Tennessee, which is famous for its hot chicken. However, it is also home to a BBQ shack called Martin's BBQ Joint. Roger meets with owner Patrick Martin, who explains the difference between traditional Tennessee BBQ and other southern BBQ styles. Roger is impressed by the slow-roasted brisket, which is coated in a tangy vinegar-based sauce that complements the rich meat flavor perfectly.

Lastly, Roger heads to Los Angeles, California, where he visits a restaurant called Bludso's Bar & Que. This BBQ joint was opened by a Texan who brought his regional style to the West Coast. Roger gets to try their BBQ platter, which features pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. Roger learns about the unique wood used when cooking in the West Coast, and the owners explain how they get their Southern style BBQ, while still having a West Coast feel.

Overall, "BBQ in Big Cities" showcases the diverse and unique flavors of BBQ all around the US. Roger Mooking is able to discover creative chefs with their unique cooking methods to create the amazing BBQ flavor that everybody knows and loves.