The Smoke Show
The beauty that is barbecue
February 2, 2024
Barbecue has long been quintessential American fare. From ribs to briskets, there’s just something about it that can’t be replicated.
Dry-aged tomahawk steak with homemade malfatti pasta in a creamy truffle sauce. Photo courtesy Culinary Crafts
“The popularity of barbecue can be linked to a great combination of attributes. Barbecue has depth with its intensity of flavor, it solicits feelings of nostalgia, and it is an example of many food traditions that often include the fellowship of large groups of people,” says Patrick Wagner, Culinary Institute of the Carolinas at Greenville Tech (South Carolina).
Now, barbecue may not scream “elegance” when associated with a wedding or other catered event, but it has moved beyond its roots of backyard cookouts. Caterers are now discovering the secret to mastering the art of smoke and fire. From corporate events and weddings to outdoor festivals and family reunions, barbecue is a crowd-pleaser that can turn any gathering into a memorable experience.
Culinary Crafts' "Scenic Route" Burger (house-made brioche bun toasted and brushed with butter, an heirloom tomato and crisp leaf of butter lettuce, a thick slice of local Beehive cheese, house-made chocolate ketchup and garlic aioli, and a hand-shaped patty made with a special blend of custom spices and grilled over a mesquite charcoal grill). Photo courtesy Culinary Crafts
“People tend to underestimate the art of barbecue,” said Einwav Gefen, Corporate Executive Chef for Unilever Food Solutions in a video for the Culinary Institute of America. “Barbecue, like many other things in food and in cooking, is a matter of perception.”
Slow and steady wins the race
There’s a common misconception among consumers that grilling and barbecue are interchangeable, but in reality they are actually quite different. In a nutshell, barbecue requires smoke to properly flavor and color the food. So basically, grilling means to cook over a fire, hot and fast. Barbecuing refers to cooking at low temperatures for extended time.
“Low and slow is key to most great barbecue for sure,” says Duce Raymond with SBR Events Group out of Illinois (and Catersource + The Special Event 2024