A Thousand Words: The Second Annual Jon G’s Jubilee

Monk: A family vacation prevented me from attending last year’s Jon G’s Jubilation, which is part barbecue festival and part birthday celebration (the original was created to celebrate Garren’s 40th birthday). This year, my family obligations didn’t conflict with my barbecue obligations, so I made my way to Peachland around 4pm on a Saturday – which, by the way, is an odd feeling – for this year’s edition of the Jubilee featuring Lawrence Barbecue, Elliott Moss, N. Sea Oyster Co., and NoDa Brewing.

Swag and jubilee setup

Beef fat caramel wings from Lawrence Barbecue out of Durham

Beef rib croissant sandwich, burnt ends, and watermelon salad from Jon G’s Barbecue

Oysters from N. Sea Oyster Co. out of Hampstead, NC

Whole hog from Elliott Moss, now out of Florence, SC

Dessert from Brown Creek Creamery in Wadesboro and beverages from NoDa Brewing out of Charlotte

Here’s hoping there is a third edition next year!

Tasha Hammett continues her grandfather’s legacy at LC’s BBQ

Monk: LC’s BBQ is a Kansas City barbecue institution founded in 1986 by LC Richardson. Located adjacent to the Royals and Chiefs stadiums, it has become a must stop for home and away fans on game days. Anthony Bourdain even filmed part of his 2012 Kansas City episode of “No Reservations” there and raved about the burnt ends.

In this video, Xplor Kansas City meets with Richardson’s granddaughter Tasha Hammett, who took over the restaurant after his passing in 2021 but still maintains his original recipes. From his old weathered office chair, she discusses what she learned from her grandfather, early memories of the restaurant, and even gives some advice for aspiring restaurateurs. Staying true to her Kansas City roots, Tasha picks LC’s burnt ends as her favorite dish from the restaurant.

Initially too small to see over the counter when she began helping out at the age of 12, Tasha now oversees the entire operation while maintaining her grandfather’s original recipes that she inherited along with the 38 year old joint. That’s not to say she didn’t make some changes though, starting with some much needed upgrades to the ever-present three tiered smoker in the middle of the restaurant.

Hammett hopes that upgrade plus her business sense will help LC’s BBQ last at least another 38 years. From the looks of it, the city of Kansas City is also hoping for the same as well.

Description: Xplor the legendary Kansas City barbecue joint – L.C.’s Barbecue, famous since 1986 for its slow smoked meats and sweet tangy sauce! Meet Tasha, the owner’s granddaughter, as she shares the history of this family-filled restaurant, the secret behind their distinctive barbecue flavors, and her personal journey growing up in the business. From renovating the old fire pit to preserving her Grandfather’s chair, Tasha reflects on the legacy of L.C.’s, from its humble three-bar-stool, outdoor-smoker beginnings to it becoming a Kansas City staple. She provides a few wise words for anyone looking to start in the business, emphasizing the importance of location and customer service. If you’re in the Kansas City area, make sure to visit L.C.’s Barbecue, located at 5800 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, to taste some of their tantalizing barbecue recipes.

Seoul Food Meat Company Combines Southern Barbecue with Korean Flavors

Monk: Seoul Food Meat Company opened their second location in Charlotte’s Mill District in 2022 in a larger space that expanded on their original concept by adding a playground and a dog park. What didn’t change was the combination of southern barbecue and Korean flavors like brisket or pulled pork with a gochujang sauce, soy pork spare ribs, or Korean fried chicken wings.

Description: Seoul Food Meat Company in Charlotte combines Korean fusion, barbecue and karaoke.

Linkdown: 6/19/24 – The Whole Hog Jubilee Edition

Native News

A couple of updates for this Saturday’s sold out Jon G’s Jubilee: first, Elliott Moss will be cooking whole hog!

…Comedian Tim Shrop will also be at the Jubilee

Elliott Moss has teased plans for his next venture in Florence, SC on Instragram

Meet pit crew member Jamie from Sam Jones BBQ’s Winterville location

After launching their barbecue program last year, Resident Culture is now offering a barbecue class with pitmaster Edmar Simoes. Classes will start on July 14 and run every second Sunday of the month from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. at Resident Culture’s South End location.

Ronald Simmons may be coming to a city near you in July

I’d saw Lewis Donald had a great week last week; first Sweet Lew’s BBQ was serving barbecue at last week’s US Open in Pinehurst

…and then he got engaged! Congrats to the happy couple!

Non-Native News

Lewis Barbecue‘s Charleston location has been closed since last week due to termite damage but will reopen tomorrow but temporarily shifting to outdoor dining with the full menu available from the trailer

Chef Angel Jimenez’s La Piraña Lechonera will continue this year in the South Bronx