Arthur Bryant's BBQ

[Andrew Fenton]

A KCMO friend of mine (who knows just what I like) sent me a bottle each of Gates' and Arthur Bryant's barbecue sauce. The latter is emblazoned with the phrase, "The President's Choice." Which raises the question: which president? Their website isn't much help: there's a photo of Jimmy Carter, who is evidently a fan. And Harry Truman ate there, no surprise: I suppose the reference might be to him (like those British food companies with the seal declaring them to be "Royal Barbecue and Haggis Purveyor to HRH..." But it's a little obscure; and I'd imagine that LBJ and Bill Clinton are examples of presidents with strong feelings about the barbecuinal arts as well.

Any insights?

[viaChgo]

I remember seeing a picture on the wall of Clinton when he ate there.

[Lone Star]

I don't know about KC, but our current president is a big fan of Mr. Coopers bbq in Llano, Tx. That is who he gets to cater his barbeques in Crawford.

"Home of the giant pork chop"

[sammy]

I think that just about every President elected since Bryant's opened has at least tasted the food, either at the restaurant or at an event.

[Andrew Fenton]

I think that just about every President elected since Bryant's opened has at least tasted the food, either at the restaurant or at an event.

No doubt; but the phrase is definitely singular: "President's", not "Presidents'".

[skchai]

I think that just about every President elected since Bryant's opened has at least tasted the food, either at the restaurant or at an event.

This is getting interesting. What makes Arthur Bryant's such a destination for presidents? I know it's become something of a national icon since Calvin Trillin annointed it some time back, but is there some specific political symbolism attached to visiting Bryant's that wouldn't attach to other famous neighborhood establishments around the country?

I assume the barbecue is still great, but that can't be the reason!

[sammy]

I think that just about every President elected since Bryant's opened has at least tasted the food, either at the restaurant or at an event.

No doubt; but the phrase is definitely singular: "President's", not "Presidents'".

Have you ever been there? From the looks of the place, I wouldn't rely on the expectation of proper punctuation.

[Andrew Fenton]

This is getting interesting. What makes Arthur Bryant's such a destination for presidents? I know it's become something of a national icon since Calvin Trillin annointed it some time back, but is there some specific political symbolism attached to visiting Bryant's that wouldn't attach to other famous neighborhood establishments around the country?

I assume the barbecue is still great, but that can't be the reason!

Well, the bbq is that good, but you're right that it can't be the sole reason.

If it is a particularly political spot, I'd love to hear about it, but my hunch is that it's just one of those spots that attracts visiting politicians: good food, and tradition associated with it.

[Andrew Fenton]

I think that just about every President elected since Bryant's opened has at least tasted the food, either at the restaurant or at an event.

No doubt; but the phrase is definitely singular: "President's", not "Presidents'".

Have you ever been there? From the looks of the place, I wouldn't rely on the expectation of proper punctuation.

Good point. Nonetheless, there's a fair amount of writing on the label (including a blurb about the restaurant's history, that namechecks two presidents), and no grammatical errors that I noticed.

[jhlurie]

Bryant's and Gates are hardly the cream of the K.C. crop anymore. They're just the biggest and most established.

[Andrew Fenton]

Tradition does count for something, though; same reason why politicians visiting Philadelphia go to Pat's Steaks. Not the best cheesesteak, but the oldest. (Er, the restaurant, that is.)

[ronnie_suburban]

My guess is that the president in question is the president of Arthur Bryant's

=R=

[ulterior epicure]

Dropped in a couple of weeks ago for their burnt ends. Not the best. Not the worst, either. It was rather mushy. I prefer the meatier burnt ends at LC's in Kansas City.

I've decided I am not (sorry Calvin Trillin) a fan of AB's "Original" BBQ sauce. Too much paprika. Next time, I'm going to ask for their "Sweet Heat."

[Zeemanb]

Dropped in a couple of weeks ago for their burnt ends.  Not the best.  Not the worst, either.  It was rather mushy.  I prefer the meatier burnt ends at LC's in Kansas City.

I've decided I am not (sorry Calvin Trillin) a fan of AB's "Original" BBQ sauce.  Too much paprika.  Next time, I'm going to ask for their "Sweet Heat."

←

I think the problem(s) with their burnt ends are that they aren't really burnt ends, they are more of a "casserole" of sorts........ from what I recall they chop the points, drown them in their sweet sauce, and then put them back in the pit. This is what makes them way too mushy. Even when Bryant's is having an "on" day, those burnt ends are the worst. I'm not sure how or why they came up with that method.