And how do you know that a Curry family road trip has begun? With "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" of course. Only fitting that the great hunter of meat on the African plain should be the mascot for all of our road trips, since we have now started our second trip as a full family. Aislinn has developed a strong love for the song, and has requested that we play it upon leaving on our 2 family road trips. Both have consisted of a hunt for THE BBQ of the region. Last Memorial Day weekend, I stole the idea from my brother-in-law (gratuitous nod, to appease his desire to claim credit and join the fun) to drive through BBQ country and finally make that decision as to the best type/style of Que.

We have begun the second leg of our Q-Trips, and I have to say that my brother in law is a genius. Starting from the humble downtown location of my office, the trusted and afore mentioned family has packed up our trusted Mini(van) and helped me slide off on a quest for smokey goodness.

Now to place some bias into this blog, I am a smoke fiend, and have realized (to my chagrin) that I have successfully passed on this gene to both of my children (picture proof to follow). As a family we are traveling through different part of the country searching for that certain combination of meat and sauce that will make us happy. Along the way we have made it a goal to write our thoughts about what we eat, and the experience that accompanies each meal/snack. To set up some ground rules for this blog, each post will follow three parts:

Part 1 - Review of the Que: We will delve into the style that each location touts as their way of preparing said fine meat, and the style they choose to dress it up. Culinary skill aside, we (meaning Sean) will try to get into the kitchen at each place (at minimum into the smoker), and talk to each smoke master about his art. Also, taste being a close second to style, we will rate each piece consumed and sauce that accompanies.

Part 2 - Photo Record: Pictures will accompany each post. How it was prepared, how it looks before, during, and after consumption. This is mostly for prosperity reasons, so I can have a guide for improving personal attempts at home. Additionally, we would hope that mouths begin salivating. If you don't see something you like, let me know, we will try to get it on our plates.

Part 3 - Revelations of Americana- we will also try to get some personal stories about each establishment, and the region it represents. As a Road Trip is the basis, we will also add some of the interesting and weird local lore that travels with us. How better to know you Que, but by getting to know the land and people that shape it.

We hope that you enjoy these journeys. We invite you along with our family as we set out for entertainment, sight-seeing, stress, and above all MEAT, MEAT, and more MEAT.

Sean