peg leg porker

Rather than write a review of Carey Bringle’s BBQ joint, Peg Leg Porker, this entry will simply be a description of my visit. You see, I met Carey a few years ago when we both attended a seminar called “The Business of BBQ” hosted by Mike & Amy Mills at 17th Street Barbeque in Murphysboro, IL. Subsequently, I hung out with Carey and his competition team at Priase the Lard a couple of times and helped him serve at the first annual Kentucky State BBQ Festival. So to say that I’m predisposed to enjoy my trip to Peg Leg Porker would be an understatement.

My daughter is in the process of selecting an institution of higher learning, so that drew us to Nashville for a college visit. While the family enjoyed learning about some of the finer points of college dining halls, I discovered that Peg Leg Porker was only a short drive away. I excused myself from the cafeteria line and hit the road.

I’d seen a numer of photos from Carey’s social media sites, so I quickly recognized the place when I saw it. Located in an area of Nashville called The Gulch, Peg Leg Porker is in a trendy area of Southwest Nashville and a popualr destination for locals and college students.

Out front, Peg Leg Porker has a whole hog pit that they use on occassion and plenty of patio seating. Inside, the front wall is graced with a huge bar, TV’s, beer, and spirits, including Peg Leg Porker bourbon. But that’s a topic for another time. At the back of the place, a counter sits in front of the open kitchen. Like any good BBQ joint, the menu is simple and displayed above the register.

Being familiar with Peg Leg Porker, there was no doubt that I was having the dry ribs. So I ordered up a 1/2 a rack with a couple of sides, a glass of sweet tea, and settled down to enjoy me some Tennessee BBQ. And, I was not disappointed. The ribs were just the way I remembered them and my only regret is that I only ordered a 1/2 a rack.

When I finished, I bought a trucker hat with the Peg Leg Porker logo and headed back to meet up with the family. Carey was out of town this particular weekend, so we didn’t get a chance to reconnect. I did get a chance to talk with one of his crew that I’d met before.

I’m not sure how this college search will turn out, but I’m pulling for Belmont Unviversity. That would keep me in Nashville and good BBQ for the next 4 years!

Cheers,
Braddog

WOW! That’s really all I can say about the innaugural Kentucky State BBQ Festival.

Brad & Cindy Simmons of Lucky Dog BBQcontacted me a couple of months ago about an idea that they had to create a festival atmosphere where competition quality BBQ was available for purchase by the public. You see, BBQ competitions are all the craze these days but you can’t sample or buy the BBQ that the teams prepare. They only prepare enough for the judges and since they travel all over competing, they aren’t certified by all the local health departments to serve the public.

Brad & Cindy’s idea was to emmulate the Big Apple Block Party format and have competition teams prepare their specialties and make it available for purchase by the public. They coordinated with a half dozen teams and the health department, and then threw the gosh-dangdest festival I’ve been to in awhile.

Big Moe Cason of Ponderosa BBQ, Craig Kimmel of Firehouse BBQ, Carey Bringle of Peg Leg Porkers, Melissa Cookson of Yazoo Delta Q, Shelly Hunt of Desperados BBQ, and Brad and Cindy of Lucky Dog BBQ were the featured attractions, serving their competition grade BBQ. But there was plenty more to take in. Ray “Dr BBQ” Lampe was on hand for cooking demonstrations on the Big Green Egg. Shane Draper of Draper’s BBQ was there with his awesome new rubs and sauces. And there was a wide varity of vendors displaying their wares and an excellent selection of music throughout the day.

I spent some time getting photos and taking in the festival, but I spent a good part of the day on Saturday pitching in to help the Peg Leg Porker team handle over 1,000 customers. The festival began at 11:00am and by 4:30pm, Peg Leg was sold out of his Memphis style pork shoulder sandwiches. Lucky Dog was out of brisket about the same time, and all the other teams ran short on at least one item. For a first year event, the turnout was phenomenal.

Firehouse BBQ took home the People’s Choice award, but with the turnout and incredible November weather, all the teams were winners. I sure hope this becomes an annual event!

Here’s a link to a few more photos.

Cheers,
Braddog

My Visit to Peg Leg Porker – Nashville, TN

2011 – Inaugural Kentucky State BBQ Festival