I should know by now that when in America, some fights are just not worth getting involved in.
One of them is the BBQ debate - specifically, which region is best. You see, in my latest YouTube video, I discussed a recent trip to South Carolina’s famous Bessinger’s BBQ, which was recommended to me by one of my viewers.
I compared it to Texas BBQ, and this seems to have sparked some controversy. Then I made it worse by talking about sauce.
I’ll explain in more detail in a moment, but first:
News in Brief
If you didn’t already know, I arrived in America today for a new Halloween tour. Wow things have become expensive! If you’d like to send me a tip to help cover my film making expenses, please do so via my payPal link.
You can now join my Patreon page for free, and I’m posting an exclusive (free) Patreon vlog there every Saturday. Watch the first one here.
I have launched an exclusive new Instagram page that tackles the subject of this newsletter and much of my content. Shaun Takes America. If you use Instagram, please come and give me a follow.
South Carolina BBQ
Back to the BBQ wars. I’ve now tried BBQ from many regions, including Texas, but I’m told that there is much more to see across America.
Meanwhile, everyone argues passionately that their home region is the best.
So, in your opinion, what’s the best BBQ region in America?
Bessinger’s was truly amazing, and I especially loved the ribs and what I thought was a vinegar sauce. Having watched my new video, the team at Bessinger’s got in touch to let me know that it is actually an old family recipe mustard sauce. It does have vinegar in it, but it’s a mustard.
This seems like a common thread in the comments of my latest YouTube video, with people arguing between which is the best sauce to use with BBQ meat, and indeed, many telling me to use none.
It kinda reminds me of ketchupgate.
In the case of Bessinger’s, the sauce was truly delicious and goes together SO WELL with their amazing ribs.
If you happen to find yourself anywhere near Charleston, do head over there and try this combo. Watch my video review below:
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying making videos recently, and am excited to be back in the States as I write this.
The above video from Charleston represents the finale before a mid-season break for my Southern road trip series. I have more videos to post from that trip - from Savannah and Florida - and I’ll post them towards the end of this year.
For now though, I’ll be posting a new series of videos from my current Halloween tour - including some live videos (keep your eye on my channel over the next few days).
What Friends are for
A lot of people ask me what sparked my fascination with the USA, and I’ve always said that part of it was growing up with so much American pop-culture.
For me, as a teenager in the late 90s / early 00’s, a HUGE part of that pop culture revolved around TV sitcom Friends. I was a massive fan.
As such, I was very sad to learn about the passing of Matthew Perry this week.
Friends got me through some hard times. I felt it was always there for me, in good times and bad.
Over the years, the show and its characters made me feel a growing warmth and admiration for New York City and America.
After all, a place with characters as funny as Chandler Bing can’t be bad at all.
Speak soon,
Shaun
Lol it will always cause an argument but idea is just enjoy the bbq you like
Bar-B-Que is a very delicate subject around here. (TX) It's like "Who has the best Fish and Chips in the UK, or "The Best" of any other great regional food.
Honestly the best Bar-B-Que I've ever had was in Tulsa OK at the Admiral RD Bar-B-Que. There motto is "Don't Need No teeth to eat our Beef". (if that gives you a clue)
The second best bar-b-que is at Big Al's on Inwood road in Dallas TX. There is an autographed picture of Rod Stewart on the wall.
In some parts of the Southwest (AZ, New Mexico, TX) you can find yourself in trouble if you proclaim your favorite Mexican restaurant as the best.