...and if you can't eat it without sauce, it ain't worth eating
Personally I think Bourdain isn't educated enough to make that call. Oaklahoma Joe's is bland, nearly smokeless in flavor and requires heavy saucing. I admit I haven't had LC's, but there are some 190 BBQ joints in Kansas City. Authur Bryants' beef isn't bad, but their sauce is awful. There's something wrong with actually SEEING the spices floating through the sauce there is SO much. Jackstack is nearest the top for me, but definately no cigar. Nobody can smoke long enough or properly, because they give that up just to meet sales. Rosdale the same. Smoking is one thing but braising is another.
Re: “Opening Soon: Matchstick BBQ”
I've had Tommy's barbecue before, and it is absolutely unmatched and a completely unique style to Kansas City. He's catered very large events in KC, and championed competitions as well. I am ecstatic to see him put this place together, and I tell ya, the competition better not take this one lightly. My money says he'll give them all a run for the money. Good Luck Tommy and partners!(Cook some of that Italian food too Tommy!)