Paris.....Texas. The subject to two movies over the years, the most recent a romantic comedy. Listen, folks, this ain't no joke. I can personally attest that BBQ is alive in well in Texas and this day was a Championship Blowout.

Wine Talks was so intrgiued about the whole culture of BBQ, that we set up a podcast with Steven White, last years Grand Champion, Laura Caldwell, the representative from the Championship Barbecue Alliance, and Paul Allen, the 8 year President of the Paris, Texas Chamber of Commerce. We had a hoot.

This episode is all about barbecue in Paris, Texas, but it's also a celebration of community, camaraderie, and a bit of competition. The host, Paul Kalemkiarian, kicks things off with heartfelt family anecdotes and dives straight into the welcoming spirit of Paris. Our guests — Steven White, Laura Caldwell, and Paul Allen — are true barbecue champions, and their love for bringing people together through food is practically contagious.

A few tasty tidbits:

• Barbecue isn't just about grilling meat — it's about balance. As

  Steven White

  explains, the trick is not being "too sweet, not too spicy, not too anything."

• The competitions are run by alliances like the Champions Barbecue Alliance, who keep judging modern with QR codes and cell phones — no greasy, handwritten scorecards here!

• Newbies are ALWAYS welcome. Veteran pit-masters love sharing tips, but the real trick is in the execution (and maybe wrangling an occasional bacon stretcher just for laughs).

• The event supports local scholarships for kids, blending culinary skills with giving back.

Most importantly, it's all about the joy of gathering around good food. Whether you're debating the merits of beer, whiskey, or a surprising glass of wine with your brisket, you're guaranteed to find laughter and friendship.

If you want more nitty-gritty details, heartwarming stories, or just an excuse to fire up your grill this weekend, this episode's transcript is packed with flavor. Just ask if you want to zoom in on a specific part!

Let me know if you want more fun facts, tips from the pit, or favorite wine pairings to go with those ribs. I'm here to serve — lighthearted and informative, just like this Paris, Texas shindig!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/PYXxTffwzdI?si=zObHVBSRQdP9j2PM

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