Cultural discovery through Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese opened a door into a cuisine I'd previously known almost nothing about. The bold and smoky flavours are unlike anything in my usual rotation and I mean that positively. regional BBQ styles from Texas to Carolina are matters of fierce local pride. Understanding that context made the dish taste different — richer with meaning.

I learned that hot sauce is central to this cuisine's character, not just a seasoning. The a Fourth of July cookout setting was authentic and helpful for understanding what I was eating. bourbon on ice completed the picture. A genuinely educational meal.