meals' table: weekend of tender meats

 I did not expect BBQ stories to make me cry, but Chef's Table BBQ really found a way to hit all the emotional notes with their introduction of Tootsie. I mean, in addition to just how beautiful and romantic whole animal cooking is and every slow motion shot of that meat, juices dripping, sauces glistening. Tootsie talks about how fast everyone's moving these days (I mean, maybe not these days), which is at odds with what bbq symbolizes and how she does her bbq - taking hours tending to every piece of meat over those coals.

Earlier this year, I was randomly and unexpectedly in Houston for an impromptu college reunion. And we had to make an obligatory stop for bbq at Pinkerton's. Where we heard the story of how Danielle and Dave's relationship blossomed... and then accidentally found ways to challenge their relationship while waiting in line.

The burnt ends of brisket is a reason to live in itself. And the brisket... so tender.

But also pulled pork, sausage, mac n cheese, potato salad, slaw, and a little boat of baked beans for Amelia. Apparently no one else cares for baked beans...?

Currently drooling, wondering what my favorite bbq side would be if I HAD to choose one.

I can't. I love all these babies equally.