What IS Santa Maria Style BBQ, anyway? It’s so much more than just a cut of meat and special seasoning. As the name implies, it’s a style of cooking that embodies the Ranchero lifestyle that's unique to the Central Coast of  California. Food + Drink Journalist, Jaime Lewis, joins us this week to educate us about the not-so-little town of Santa Maria, and the food that put it squarely on the food map. 

What’s in this episode:

• What exactly is Santa Maria Style BBQ 
• How Santa Maria Style BBQ  came to be 
• The original cut of meat that defines the dish 
• The ingredient you will NOT find on SM Style BBQ 
• What a traditional fiesta looks like 
• The three components of great BBQ 
• What indigenous trees give this BBQ it’s special flavor 
• The hole-in-the-wall spot that does this dish the best in the world
• The side dishes that must be served alongside top sirloin 
• The reason Santa Maria is no longer a Tourist destination 
• Details on a secret BBQ society, oh my!
• How spreading the message about food can preserve culture 
• And much more!

Links from the show: 

• Jaime's Website: https://jaimelewis.com/
• Jaime on Instagram: @JaimeCLewis
• ‘Consumed with Jaime Lewis’ Podcast - listen here

Be on the Show

Tell us your food stories!  The first time you remember tasting food, your dream dinner, or just a food that you can’t stop thinking about. Call in to leave us a voicemail at 626-709-6551 or send your messages to dearfoodpodcast@gmail.com 

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