CUT/CHOP/COOK from UM Media Documentary Projects on Vimeo.
One of the highlights of the weekend in Hilton Head was when we got to taste the wares of Scott’s Bar-B-Que in Hemingway, served by Rodney Scott himself.
But the event’s organizers did a cruel thing to us: They showed us the above film in the morning, and we didn’t get to eat the barbecue until that night. But when the time came, we made up for the wait.
I was deeply impressed by the craftsmanship, passed from father to son, that goes into this awesome pork. Starting with cutting the wood. I was surprised (perhaps because I’ve been influenced by Memphis style) that the wood wasn’t hickory. But it’s selected and hand-cut by the pitmaster.
And you can taste it.
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I think the key is to arrive right at 9:30 a.m. That’s when it’s first available, after cooking all night.
But don’t come before 9:30. As Rodney’s hand-lettered sign says, “Respect that.”
There was an article on Scott’s in the NYT a couple of years ago, and it got me to make a stop at their actual location. I was seriously underwhelmed, but I think the cue had been sitting out a long time, kind of dried up. It’s not a restaurant, just a funky country store truly in the middle of nowhere. If they’re cooking it up fresh and serving it in a catering situation, I’m sure it could be really good. I’ll have to try it again. I’ll drive a long way for cue.
Grew up in Hemingway. Scott’s is excellent. There are several good barbecue restaurants in the area. Williamsburg County barbecue is very different from the mustard base around Columbia and the pour on method in the Upstate but I have enjoyed it all. Just favor the kind I grew up with.
@ Phillip– Carolina Barbecue in New Ellenton, out Highway 19 south of Aiken, is my favorite, but maybe that’s just because it’s the first I had.
Not really a big barbecue eater but Hudson’s in Lexington is pretty good. A long ride anywhere else seems like a waste of time and gas.
but Aiken is a great destination even if you don’t have relatives living there–Laurens St. and the rest of the downtown shopping district is charming, as is the Willcox Hotel. Hitchcock Woods is amazing….catch some polo on Sundays, or the Triple Crown….
Hudson’s used to be good, now it’s barely mediocre as far as barbeque goes.