Perfect Southern BBQ and Bourbon

10/17/2025

Tonight at dinner after an extremely long week! Took the Mrs and our 2 dogs up for dinner.
Started off with an Old Fashion (On Happy Hour) with Benchmark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from .
Two of these bad boys will help ease into the weekend.
Cheers…

10/12/2025

I picked up some Key West Pink Shrimp from Lombardi's Seafood in Winter Park, Florida, and paired them with tender filets from Publix.

For the perfect side, we cracked open a jar of home-canned green beans straight from the garden in Tennessee, can’t beat the flavor.

The shrimp got a generous dusting of BAY® Seasoning, while the steaks were rubbed down with Dr. BBQ Steak & Chop Chicago Style Rub. Everything went straight on the Big Green Egg, seared to perfection at 500°F for that smoky finish.

Just plain delicious!

09/18/2025

It's National Cheeseburger Day!!

While everyone's celebrating with fast-food burgers today, let's talk about what makes a truly exceptional cheeseburger on the smoker.

The difference? Indirect heat at 350°F and proper cheese technique.

Here's what separates a great BBQ cheeseburger from the rest:

🍔 80/20 ground chuck - fat content matters for moisture
🍔 Don't press the patty - you're squeezing out the juices
🍔 Add cheese during the last 2 minutes with the lid closed to create a steam chamber

The result? A burger with actual smoke flavor and cheese that's perfectly melted, not just thrown on top.

09/11/2025

Just landed in Chicago! Early check in at my hotel on the Mag Mile and headed under Michigan Ave. for a quick lunch at the Legendary Billy Goat Tavern.
Tried one of their specialty drinks called the “Uncle Billy” which is made with Ginger Beer, Lime Juice and Lime Wedge.
Perfect drink to get my trip going after a 2.5 hour plane ride! Cheers…

08/16/2025

🥃 National Rum Day 🥃

While bourbon remains our first love here at Perfect Southern BBQ, we respect all well-crafted spirits. National Rum Day reminds us that great barbecue has always paired beautifully with quality rum, especially when you understand the technique behind both.

Rum's molasses base and complex aging process create flavor profiles that complement smoky meats in ways many pitmasters overlook. The caramelized sugars in aged rum enhance the bark on brisket, while white rum's clean finish cuts through rich pulled pork perfectly.

Today we're sharing three rum recipes that honor the craft of both distilling and smoking. These aren't just party drinks; they're thoughtfully crafted cocktails that respect the spirit and elevate your BBQ experience.

Recipes in the comments.

07/04/2025

03/21/2025

Just now hit up Smokemade Meat & Eats in Orlando’s Hourglass District for lunch, and WOW… this spot does Texas-style BBQ RIGHT.

For lunch I ordered their EPIC Brisket Cheesesteak Sandwich—and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

Brisket Cheesesteak – Smoked 16 hours to tender perfection, topped with melted cheese, and served on fresh-baked Kolache bread. Every bite = smoky, cheesy deliciousness.

Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage – House-made with a beef & pork blend, stuffed with fresh jalapeños & melty cheddar, then double-smoked for that spicy, smoky, cheesy greatness.

Mac & Cheese – Corkscrew pasta, cheddar & Gruyere sauce, and just the right amount of black pepper.

Collard Greens – Slow-cooked in pork stock with onions & chunks of smoked pork, and packed with flavor.

Heads up: This place has limited hours & sells out FAST—so get there early or risk missing out! But trust me, it’s 100% worth the wait.

Next time you’re in Orlando, do yourself a favor and check out Smokemade Meat & Eats. And if you see that Brisket Cheesesteak on the menu—GET IT.

08/21/2024

If you've followed me for very long, you know I'm obsessed with anything pumpkin spice. I've been drinking pumpkin spice coffee this week at home thanks to Soozie the Foodie who turned me onto pumpkin spice cold foam. However, Starbucks is rolling out their pumpkin spiced lattes and cold brew with pumpkin cold foam tomorrow (my fav!). I'll be in line for sure!

06/16/2024

! Watching the Cards vs Cubs Game on TV. drinking Ice Cold and firing up the grill later!
Hope all dads out there have a Great Day!

05/31/2024

Interesting unplanned stop for lunch.
Today I had to run down to Lakeland, Fl. pick up some items I needed.
Didn’t have time to wait for a shipment. After my planned stop I headed back to Orlando.
As I-4 was fairly busy I decided to head north on more backroads headed towards Orlando.
With that as I was driving into the Auburndale and Winter Haven area I decided I needed to stop for lunch.
As would have it I know a couple of really good BBQ places down that way but decided that I needed to try a new place. Which can always be suspect when trying something new. As I had time to drive around a bit I started looking at various BBQ places to see what might interest me. I stopped by a place that had been recommended by a friend. As I parked that smokey wood BBQ flavor hit me just as I walked into the place. As I stood there waiting to order... After about the 10 minute mark of being in the lobby area alone I left. Not to be discouraged I decided to try another place roughly about 10 minutes away. I found myself at Smokin’ Jim’s House of Bar-B-Q in Auburndale. Let me just say not much to look at building wise and again as I entered I was the only person here. However I was now really hungry and decided to give it a try as I was promptly greeted and sat at a table.
My order was Sweet Tea, 4 Bone Rib Plate with Garlic Toast, Collared Greens, Mac & Cheese and Lima Beans. 2 words WOW!, WOW! The food was some of the BEST BBQ Ribs and Sides I think I have had in a long time. Again this was a no frills BBQ joint and the food was quite amazing. I have generations of family members who make me Lima Beans and I can tell you these were some of the best Lima Beans I have ever had. The ribs (my rules are THE BITE has to be perfect) were extremely tender and a perfect combo of smoke and seasoning and my “The Bite” was as it’s supposed to be. This place will for sure go on my list of future stops when I am in the area. Absolutely one of the best BBQ lunches I have had out in some time in a straight up mom and pop type place.

05/23/2024

One of our favorite lunch spots in Orlando, Fl.
It’s always a great day to stop !
Roast Beef Sandwiches, Tots and a Drink!
Bigdawg’s go to though is that X Large Pastrami with cheese and Tots with a Root Beer!
Add some Jack’s Sauce and your lunch is complete!
One of the best sandwiches out there.
Now we need a nap!
# ComfortFood

05/10/2024

Today, I had an impromptu lunch at Smokemade Meats BBQ in Conway West. Their social media team was busy snapping pictures of the Brisket & Cheese Kolache (Bread) for lunch. While I was waiting at the light near Conway Rd. on Crystal Lake, I spotted a rare parking spot, and the line inside was out the door. Without hesitation, I hurried in and ordered, pairing my meal with a side of Mac and Cheese.

The combination of meat, cheese, and bread in that sandwich was truly remarkable—just WOW! Smokemade Meats, a newcomer to the area with the restaurant but with a devoted food truck following, knows how to deliver Texas-style BBQ. They keep their hours limited based on demand and often sell out within a few hours of opening. If you’re a fan of local BBQ with an authentic Texas taste, it’s worth stopping by—even if there’s a line out the door. Absolutely delicious!