The smell of wood smoke drifting through the air, the sight of pink smoke rings on tender meat, and the inevitable sauce stains on your favorite shirt – these are the hallmarks of barbecue worth traveling for.
California might be known for its salads and smoothies, but hidden among the health food are smoke shacks that would make even the most dedicated Texan or Carolinian tip their hat in respect.
I’ve put thousands of miles on my car tracking down these temples of smoked meat excellence – places where the parking lots fill with license plates from counties far and wide…