Putting the Q in Barbecue
People spell barbecue in all sorts of ways. Digging into how and when the shortened forms Bar-B-Q and BBQ came into being.
Robert F. Moss
Latest posts
On Coleslaw and Barbecue
Digging into a historic but controversial combo
How Banana Pudding Became Barbecue’s Iconic Dessert
Not as old of a tradition as you might think
Still Waiting for Charleston's Signature Sandwich
Plus a little sandwich origin theory
Read the Robert F. Moss Newsletter
For my latest dispatches on barbecue, Charleston dining, and culinary history, check out my email newsletter on Substack.
Lights Out at Charleston Grill
After 36 years a Charleston fine dining institution closed its doors and a new venture is taking its place. I dined at Charleston Grill on its last night of service and reflected on what it meant to Charleston and what's coming next.
I Will Replace You With Machines - Episode 73
Food writers beware: Meta AI is shockingly good at writing restaurant reviews and even better at recipe writing.
Southern Living Top 50 BBQ Joints 2025 is Out!
The 2025 edition of my Top 50 BBQ Joints in the South list for Southern Living just posted. Quite a lot of change up in the list this time around, including a new restaurant landing in the #1 slot!
For the Latest . . .
To see my latest food writing for Southern Living , the Post & Courier and more, visit the Portfolio page or check out my Instagram feed .
Hot off the Presses: The Roffignac
Once famous then almost lost to history, the Roffignac is the most mysterious of New Orleans’s iconic cocktails. My latest book, published by LSU Press on Sept 10th, tells for the first time the cocktail's tangled story, including its birth in subterfuge and its near-extinction in the 20th century.
End of Summer Link Fest
I rounded out the summer with a Best New BBQ Joints list, a couple of restaurant reviews, and a slew of media appearances. Check out the Portfolio and the Media pages for the latest.
Keeping Busy
I fell a little behind on updating the web site, but I've been busy with writing and media appearances. Check out the Portfolio and the Media pages for the latest.
Southern Living's Top 50 BBQ Joints Is Out!
My annual list of the Top 50 BBQ Joints in the South for Southern Living just posted. I put in a lot of miles researching this year's list, and it resulted in a reshuffling in the top ranks.
The True Story of Hushpuppies, a Genuine Carolina Treat
No barking dogs required
June Media Appearances
Summer is when magazines and newspapers run their big barbecue features, and over the past few weeks I was interviewed by several writers for their summer pieces as well as made my regular appearance on the BBQ Central Show.
Announcing the BBQ Hall of Fame 2023 Nominees
This afternoon, Monday, May 8th, at 3:00 PM Eastern, Elizabeth Gunter of the American Royal and I will be joining Greg Rempe on the BBQ Central Show for a live announcement of the 10 finalist nominees for this class of the BBQ Hall of Fame.
Barburgers & Toasted Ravioli
Throwback burgers and digging into the disputed origins of a St. Louis's signature deep-fried appetizer.
BBQ Bests, Grievances, and 20 Years of FIG
I have a few bones to pick with you people (including some rib bones!)
New Reviews: Husk and Vern’s
In the past month I’ve published two new restaurant reviews, one of a long-running Charleston destination restaurant and the other of a new, much-talked-about kid on the block.
I'm Now on the Menu
Announcing my new monthly column for the Post & Courier 's CHS Menu newsletter, where I'll dive into the latest trends and happenings on the dining scene in Charleston and beyond.
The Headline Story
Those damned foodies are at it again
9 Simple Questions About Hopping John
Everything you need to know about a Carolina New Year's icon — the history, the right (and wrong) ingredients to use, and more
New Review: Malika Canteen
For my latest restaurant review for the Post & Courier, I headed to Mt. Pleasant's Towne Centre to visit Malika Canteen, the only Pakistani restaurant in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
New Review: Chubby Fish
My latest restaurant review for the Post & Courier is out, and it's for a real keeper. Chubby Fish might just be the quintessential example of Charleston dining today.
November is BBQ Festival Month!
November is shaping up to be quite the month for barbecue festivals, and I'm heading out to Texas for the TM BBQ Fest then back here to Charleston for Hogs for the Cause.