I really do love good barbecue. Karen and I moved to Texas in 1990 where we learned the culture that surrounds good Texas barbecue. (Texans think there is no other kind) We learned about smokers, and rubs, and barbecue sauce, and how good brisket can be.

We also learned about the different kinds of woods needed to create the smoke that makes for the best barbecued brisket, ribs, and chicken. We learned that good Texas barbecue is created by low heat over a long period of time (with some beer along to pass the time).

The pastor of our church had a “smoker” that was on a trailer, which he towed behind his car. Yes, it was that big. Because we had a big backyard, there were many parties and church picnics with the smoker as the centerpiece.

This barbecue education has allowed me to enjoy the many different types of barbecue found in various parts of the country, like Kansas City. One of my favorite places to go when I am in Kansas City is Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue. It is an institution in Kansas City and is always among the top of the best barbecue places in the city.

I always order: Lamb ribs, burnt ends, coleslaw, and baked beans. I have never found lamb ribs at any other barbecue joint anywhere. If you enjoy lamb, they really are quite good. Burnt ends are the tapered end of the brisket that often gets more well done than the other part of the meat. But, they are far from burnt, are very tender and very good.

If you are in the Kansas City area and like good barbecue, Fiorella’s is highly recommended.

Fiorella’s Jack Stack BBQ – www.jackstackbbq.com