When someone invites you over for bbq...

sumoconnell

Let's barbeque barbeque on the barbeque at the barbeque this weekend. 

booksw

Having grown up in the Northeast and spent my entire adult hood in the Southeast, after reading this thread I had an 'aha moment'.  The trick is in the 'A'.  In the South, if someone invites you over "for barbecue" that means pulled pork- MAYBE brisket, but more likely pulled pork (and cole slaw).  In the North, no one would invite you over "for barbecue"- they would invite you over "for A barbecue"- and that means anything cooked on a grill- hot dogs, burgers, steaks, chicken.  Generally hot dogs are available if kids are around. Maybe kielbasa if they aren't...  We have those types of get togethers here too but we don't call it "A barbecue" We say "Stop by Saturday for dinner- we'll be grillin' up some fill-in-the-blank"  Sound about right @northGAcock?  

buzd504

For us, a bbq means we're boiling crawfish.

1voyager

rekameohs said:

jtcBoynton said:

To many "bbq" means southern style smoked barbecued food - ribs, brisket, butts, etc.  It actually has a broader meaning. The social gathering meaning of a barbecue has been around ever since the founding of this country.  

This explains it all

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ubTQfr_tyY

"Bury me in BBQ"

I dragged myself out of bed @ 3:30 this morning. Pork shoulder is smoking on BGE @ 4:15. I'm binge-watching BBQ Pitmasters and wondering if my obsession with BBQ is out of hand.

Then I watched that hilarious video. You made my day.

northGAcock

booksw said:

Having grown up in the Northeast and spent my entire adult hood in the Southeast, after reading this thread I had an 'aha moment'.  The trick is in the 'A'.  In the South, if someone invites you over "for barbecue" that means pulled pork- MAYBE brisket, but more likely pulled pork (and cole slaw).  In the North, no one would invite you over "for barbecue"- they would invite you over "for A barbecue"- and that means anything cooked on a grill- hot dogs, burgers, steaks, chicken.  Generally hot dogs are available if kids are around. Maybe kielbasa if they aren't...  We have those types of get togethers here too but we don't call it "A barbecue" We say "Stop by Saturday for dinner- we'll be grillin' up some fill-in-the-blank"  Sound about right @northGAcock?  

Could not have said it better myself sister. Preach on. 

KegerEgger

I’m from Nor Cal and growing up a BBQ was a social gathering that consisted of hamburgers, hot dogs and occasionally ribs. My dad and I got into Southern Style BBQ when my sister moved to the south and we went to visit, since then my dad and I have gone that direction. However, Traegers have become quite popular around our area and a few decent Southern Style BBQ joints have opened up, since then quite a few people have transitioned into the southern expectations of BBQ. It’s not hard in my area of Nor Cal to find decent brisket, pulled pork, ribs etc. and most BBQs we go to now will have something along those lines along with hamburgers/hot dogs.

cssmd27

GrateEggspectations said:

To be quite honest, recognizing that a lot of folks can’t cook (not that I’m Gordon Ramsay or anything!), I tend to interpret “bbq” as social gathering and don’t even consider the culinary aspect, especially in the context of an invite from neighbours, etc. So yes, I expect pre-made burgers and hot dogs. Of course, rules of engagement are a little different if I’m being hosted by someone who works in the food industry or if hosted by a real food enthusiast. But for me, “bbq” means banter, bevies and anything cooked on the grill, whether simply mystery meat or otherwise. 

You nailed it.  For most people, inviting folks over to BBQ is simply this and most people can grill a protein to get it done.  It may not be done correctly, but it's food and won't kill you.  That's my level of expectation for most friends and neighbors.  If it ends up being something great, that's a huge bonus.