I had spent the last couple years wanting to get down to Charleston, South Carolina. It looked like a bustling town, rich with history and culture. Charleston also reminds of you of a foodies’ paradise.
With COVID issues becoming more lax, and both my Wife and Myself longing for a reason to get out of the house, (she actually had something else going on earlier in the week down in Savannah) we were able to work out a schedule that had me meeting her in Charleston for a quick overnight stay. While it’s true you can’t really experience ALL that Charleston has to offer in just a day or so, we wanted to get a taste of this town.
Southern barbecuing traditions and much of what makes the southern culture around cuisine so famous, was something I wanted to make sure I experienced before we left. I have been a complete fan-boy of Rodney Scott’s ever since seeing him pop up on Youtube, then on various barbequing programs on Netflix and other streaming carriers. That’s right, in my free time, you can catch me watching shows focused on cooking and barbequing. What can I say? I like it!
I became particularly fond of Rodney’s work, and his level of experience cooking whole hog barbecue over hickory wood smoke. His process is incredibly primitive, at face value, with old worn out fencing used for hog-holding grates; his long primitive cinder block pit, capable of holding and cooking likely 10 or more hogs at a time. It’s hard work, and pretty constant, when you figure in keeping the temperature just right. In a way, though, he has his methods down to a complete science; which I find fascinating!
I had to find a way to try this barbecue!
Realizing Rodney Scott’s BBQ is just south of North Charleston, it was a no brainer for me; and an easy OK from my wife, who doesn’t mind allowing me to indulge in some of these passions I have. She makes out just fine as well.
When we arrived just as the store was opening, for lunch, I was taken aback by a few things worth mentioning: the smell was out-of-this-word. On this small corner, the patio seating, the landscaping/hardscaping, and the hand painted branding that seemed to completely cover the entire building really allowed customers to leave reality, in a sense, and immerse themselves into a full sensical experience of his world. All senses were on full throttle! From seeing the branding and modern building, smelling the wood fire and meat, standing in a long line, with other like-minded folks, to finally tasting the end product; this was a complete home run!
We had to get a sampler platter. So we had the ribs, chicken and pork with some side fixin’s. My favorite was the ribs. I hadn’t had a rib quite that good in a long while. Sure I make my own and they are really great, but there certainly was something special about Rodney’s. Still can’t quite put my finger on it. While we were seated outside on the patio, a little bird decided to pay us a visit, no doubt wondering if he could taste a little bit of what we had going on on our plates. I decided to snap a couple pictures of him, as he got super comfortable with us as lunchtime passed.
There is such simplicity to what Rodney does. I can liken that to his brand and the design work that went into creating a simple look that also elevates and makes the customer feel special. That’s the beauty of what Rodney has created in Charleston.
If you are ever in the area, I would encourage any meat-eating foodie to check out this gem. Great brand, great atmosphere. Even better barbecue.
Stay hungry!
Cheers Gang!