Pregame Pork Ribs

A full rack of ribs at Fat Matt's Rib Shack in Atlanta, Ga., Monday, November 14, 2011. (photo by Denny Culbert/ The Barbecue Bus)

Barbecue in Louisiana remains a rare commodity. Citizens of my home state occasionally celebrate with a pit-roasted cochon de lait, but this Cajun pig roast remained unknown to me growing up. My first real barbecue memory occurred during the 2000-01 New Year's Holiday. I was in Atlanta for LSU's bowl game and a Widespread Panic concert. My friend Harry Barton introduced me to Fat Matt's Rib Shack's full rack of pork ribs and baked beans. A quick pit-cooked convert, I returned on every subsequent trip to the city, just as I did today. Fat Matt's barbecue does not resemble what The Barbecue Bus will be documenting throughout North Carolina, where ribs served rack-style are uncommon. But you always remember your first.

-Rien

Fat Matt's Rib Shack in Atlanta, Ga., Monday, November 14, 2011. (photo by Denny Culbert/ The Barbecue Bus)

Our Official Press Release and Photo

The Barbecue Bus press release download

Ready to eat.

Rien and I are officially on the road. We said our good-byes to friends and family in Lafayette this morning and I finally packed up my cameras. We'll be in New Orleans shortly to gather the last of our supplies. You can see the first photos of the trip by following me on Instagram @dennyculbert.

Thank you to my wonderful wife to be, Katie for our first photo with The Barbecue Bus. I'll miss you dearly, while I'm away on this barbecue trail.

-dc