Eat Southern BBQ in the South

“While in the planning phase of this trip, someone suggested that I couldn’t go on a southern barbecue tour without visiting Big Bob Gibson in Decatur. Since we wanted to visit the nearby Muscle Shoals anyway, we decided to add in this detour. And thank goodness we did, as it turned out to be the all-round winner as a total southern barbecue experience. Not only that, but I have to give it some individual plaudits too. The coleslaw was done in a mixer and was perfectly vinegary – just the way my grandma made it. Talk about nostalgic eating. The roast chicken was basted in their house-made Alabama white sauce, and was so tender. A dash more on top made it beyond tasty. Roy had the brisket and was impressed by the juiciness, while the outside was crunchy with the rub and the smoke ring was strong.”

“Their baby back ribs were so delicious – less meaty, but more bacon-like in flavour, a bit of crunch and chew, and sticky with sauce. They typified southern barbecue for me, because they left you messy and needing extra napkins! We also had their pulled pork nachos – the tortilla chips were fantastic, and the queso was a good contrast to the bbq pork.”