The Best Thing I Ever Ate Season 1 Episode 2 Bar-B-Que

In the second episode of season 1 of The Best Thing I Ever Ate, the focus is on barbecue, one of America's most beloved culinary traditions. The show features a diverse range of chefs and food personalities as they reveal their favorite barbecue dishes from all over the country.

The episode is broken into several segments, each highlighting a different barbecue dish. The first segment features Bobby Flay and his take on a classic southern staple - pulled pork. Flay reveals the secret to making succulent pulled pork lies in a slow-cooking process, allowing the meat to absorb all the flavors of the spices and seasonings used for the rub. He also suggests pairing the pork with tangy coleslaw and a vinegar-based sauce for the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Next up, chef Cat Cora shares her favorite dish from a barbecue joint in Tupelo, Mississippi - slow-cooked beef brisket. She explains that the secret to this particular dish is in the rub, which includes a blend of spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Cora also loves the smokiness that comes from cooking the meat over a wood fire, giving it a lovely charred flavor. She pairs the brisket with pickles and toast for the ultimate barbecue experience.

In the third segment, Michael Symon takes viewers to a famed BBQ team in Kansas City, Missouri, where they specialize in burnt ends. Symon describes burnt ends as the crispy bits of the brisket that are cut off and then re-smoked to give them a charred, chewy texture. He loves the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce that comes with the burnt ends and suggests pairing it with a cold beer for the ultimate BBQ indulgence.

The fourth segment features chef Alex Guarnaschelli, who shares her favorite BBQ dish from a spot in Charleston, South Carolina - shrimp and grits. While not a traditional barbecue dish, Guarnaschelli explains that the smokiness and char from the grill adds a unique flavor to the dish. She loves the combination of creamy grits, plump shrimp, and smoky bacon that all come together for a delicious and comforting meal.

Finally, the episode ends with a dessert segment featuring Duff Goldman's favorite BBQ-inspired dessert - grilled pound cake with honey. Goldman explains that grilling the pound cake adds a lovely charred flavor and crisp texture to the dessert. He then drizzles honey over the top for a touch of sweetness and suggests pairing it with fresh berries for a refreshing finish to any BBQ meal.

Overall, The Best Thing I Ever Ate season 1 episode 2 showcases the diversity and deliciousness of barbecue in America. From classic pulled pork to unconventional shrimp and grits, there's something for every palate to enjoy. The show also highlights the importance of seasoning, smoke, and slow cooking in achieving the perfect barbecue dish.