The Smile Politely Editors are comprised of Justine Bursoni, Seth Fein, Joel Gillespie, Doug Hoepker, Brian McGovern, Ryan Neaveill and Dan Schreiber. They, along with the website designer Mason Kessinger and founding Editor-in-Chief Chris Maier, decide to highlight certain events going on in Champaign-Urbana in a democratic fashion, without bias, in order to best bring to you the finest information on the entertainment around town.
We all know about Texas and Memphis. Carolina and Kansas City are staples. But, Illinois BBQ?
Sounds flippy to us too. But wouldn't you know it, Bon Appetit recently named the 17th St. Bar and Grill in Murphysboro, Ill the best ribs in the US of A. And while that's not Champaign, it's getting awfully close.
Last weekend saw the premier of what is bound to be one Urbana's best annual traditions with the first annual Blues, Brews and BBQ in the parking lot of the Lincoln Square Village. The turnout, especially given its infancy was more than affirming of the fact that we, too, have a burgeoning BBQ scene that is just about ready to bust from the belt.
So, let's have it. You know the suspects with the smoke and sauce — as well as, if not better, than we do. So, who's got it in ol' C-U in the world of BBQ?
Happy 4th to all.
Comments (3)
Thursday, July 3, 2008 10:36 PM
Sweet Jeebus, 17th Street is wonderful. If you ever get there, try putting some of their magic dust on the mac and cheese. Outstanding. I bring back some of their sauce and dust every time I'm down that way.
Saturday, July 5, 2008 10:40 AM
Lil' Porgys sauce is sold by the quart but I suggest bringing your own container. The Blues, BBQ privately held event at Lincoln Square was $20 a head. It makes one wonder if any of the salaried Urbana Park District that did not work on an event for the park district, picked up some money from private sources for this one. The event would have had more room and brought more revenue for itself and the area if it had charged $5 a head to get in and $20 a car to park at the empty fairgrounds lot. The fair grounds lot is empty when the clinic is not operating. It looked empty when the farmers market during the farmers market. Few knew or seemed interested and there was not enough parking there for those going to the market. Did anybody go? Was the neighborhood covered with cars?
How did BBQ become one with a celbration of indepedance? Should'nt we be smashing crowns and burning tax bills?
Saturday, July 5, 2008 4:52 PM
jesus - $20 a head? that does sound a bit expensive.