Sky Full of Bacon 17: A Barbecue History of Chicago

[Chris Allingham]

Though not as famous as barbecue styles in other parts of the country, Chicago's South Side barbecue culture is distinctive and shaped by the African-American experience in the 20th century— from the great migration from the South to the civil rights movement and racial turmoil of the 1960s. This in-depth tour talks to half a dozen pitmasters, a sauce maker, a pit manufacturer and barbecue historians to show how barbecue was shaped by life in Chicago and in turn served as a vehicle for the aspirations of the black community from the Depression to the present day. Oh yeah, and it tastes pretty good too.

NOMINATED FOR A JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION AWARD 2012.

 

[Robert McGee]

Chris;
That's a FINE video! There may be an idea (or two or three) hiding in there, too.

Thanks for sharing with us!

Keep on smokin',
Dale53

 

[Robert-R]

Cool vid. I'm next to deaf, so couldn't understand most of the conversation.
I like their type of smokers. Got a kick out of them misting the wood fires.
Would like to try some of that Mumbo Sauce.

 

[Rich Dahl]

Growing up in Chicago I found the video to be quite interesting, thanks Chris.

 

[Bob H.]

The way that this video shows Leon's Ribs more than once as closed, one might think that they are out of business.
That is not true. Chicago legend Leon's is alive and smokin. But I sure wish that their place in Northbrook was still there.

 

[Steve Cleveland]

Thanks for sharing this Chris, I really enjoyed watching that video.

 

[P. Kelly]

Thanks Chris, that was a great video. I enjoy the history and stories of BBQ and cooking with wood.