Bluffton (South Carolina) Barbecue

March 3, 2015:

Our trip to Hilton Head began with disaster: ice storms had brought Wilson, NC, to a standstill, and both Parker’s and Bill’s were closed. We soldiered on, however, and on a day trip to Bluffton went to the eponymous Bluffton Barbecue. A negative first impression (they are in a new building decorated to look old) was overcome by a remarkable policy. Lacking a liquor license, Bluffton Barbecue gives away beer, and makes a jar available for free will donations.

More important than the free beer, however was the barbecue. I had a pork plate with collards and sweet potato casserole. All were good. The pork was tender and smoky and included a good bit of outside meat. The collards were good — note the odd but good inclusion of a couple of pickled pepperocini, and the sweet potato casserole was everything that a sweet potato casserole should be — a thinly disguised dessert. Nancy was happy with her chicken and friends John and Helen Tierney liked the pork and ribs, respectively.

The cutesy decor was offset by photos of a host of leading Republicans — Tim Scott (but not Lindsay Graham), Gingrich, Giuliani, etc. — and other Republican signage.  When politics is on display, a lot of people who support the other party get on their high horse and are inclined to boycott.  I take a different view.  I believe that barbecue is bigger than politics. As Voltaire said, “I may not agree with what he says but I am always happy to eat good barbecue.” Or words to that effect.

• Liza Tanner That’s definitely a direct Voltaire quote.