I stood at the table in the rain wearing a plastic poncho. While the raindrops fell, my focus remained on the deliciousness in front of me. Each year I wait patiently for one of my favorite annual Chicago outdoor events, Windy City Smokeout. And while some attend it for the best in country music, my singular obsession is BBQ.
The air was perfumed with smoke of the dozens of smoke rigs parked around the festival. The best of the best in BBQ flexed their culinary muscles, rain or shine. Whole hog, brisket, short ribs, chicken, turkey, burnt ends… you name it, and it can be found on offer during the Smokeout. We sampled a fair cross section. I mean, these are things we have to do in the name of research…
Our favorite dish turned out to be not actual BBQ or even meat. Then again, we welcomed a quality departure from all things meaty, so we loved the Cajun crawfish boil from Chicago hometown favorite, Pearl’s Southern Comfort. Personally, I have never met a crawfish I didn’t love, but at Pearl’s these guys are treated properly, Louisiana style. Yum.
When it comes to true blue BBQ, our hearts belong completely to yet another Chicago favorite, Smoque BBQ. Their brisket required no sauce or embellishment, as perfection rarely does. Meltingly tender, with a lovely bark and solid smoke ring, this brisket is a thing of beauty. Devoured.
For something other than the usual suspects we headed to the visitors from Brooklyn, NY (tipped off by a local pitmaster we know & love). Pork belly pastrami sandwich topped with red cabbage slaw and tangy housemade honey mustard from Hometown BBQ was a revelation. It might just be worth a flight to New York City, in our humble opinion. Yes, it was that good.
The Smokeout offered something for every palate. Even vegetarians would be well fed at this festival. Cold beer and craft cocktails were flowing, and the sweet tooth could be indulged in ice cream and cupcakes. What else can you ask for on a summer weekend? All the while a stellar lineup of country music was happening on multiple stages. Despite the rain, Chicagoans came out in droves. That really does go to show that all of us city slickers a just a little bit country at heart…
Hey, it’s ok to admit it! That little bit country part comes with outstanding BBQ. Rain or shine.
Windy City Smokeout is an annual event that takes place along the river in Chicago’s River West neighborhood.
The Local Tourist complimentary festival access and food credit for two courtesy of The Door Idea House.
All photos by Gourmet Rambler.
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