I believe with all my heart that Kansas City-style barbecue is the best. But let's be honest, it's difficult to be unbiased toward one's own region. One of the most enlightening conversations I had at the American Royal barbecue last year was with a pair of contestants who had come from Texas to compete in the invitational and were shocked that their brisket, which had won nearly every award in Texas, didn't even place in the top half.
A truly impartial competition must take place in a non-barbecue city and have representatives from the major regions. The Los Angeles Barbecue Festival this weekend in Santa Monica fills both requirements. There's only one problem: It's not a competition. At least not officially.
Representing Kansas City is LC's Barbecue, which is serving in two categories: spare ribs and beans. Next to it will be vendors from Memphis, Chicago, Texas, North Carolina and even California.
Why aren't they competing? Because organizer Dan Silberstein asked them to bring different items depending on what region they're from and said it would be "comparing apples to oranges."
That's too bad because I know L.C's would have won. As it is, they'll just have to win the hearts and taste buds of Los Angeles residents.
(Image via Kansas native Adam Kuban of Seriouseats.com)
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Interesting anecdote about the Texas BBQ'ers.
I'm from KC but live in Texas and I worship at the altar of Brisket... My take is that it's much easier to find good to great brisket in Kansas City and of course the sauce in KC is the thing. But, and I hate to admit this trust me, the best brisket in Texas is better than the best brisket in KC. The brisket from Smitty's in Lockhart and Snow's in Lexington is a religious experience. And neither takes any sauce. Or even a fork for that matter.
Also, the sides in KC, especially the beans, are hands down better than anything you can get in texas.
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