It’s not hard to find an opinion on where to get the best pulled pork in the state. But if you ask the Alabama Pork Producers trade association, your best bet is a walk-up spot in Elba.
The results are in on a contest sponsored by the group, which is a division of the Alabama Farmers Federation. More than 100 nominations on Facebook led to a Final Four that drew more than 2,000 votes. The winner: JJ’s BBQ in Elba, about 50 miles northwest of Dothan.
“JJ’s BBQ serves slow-smoked pork shoulder infused with hints of hickory, oak and pecan,” said a release announcing the contest winner. “The tender meat is then mixed with burnt ends that crackle and melt when diners bite into the ‘que, particularly when it’s served on a sandwich or piled on a baked potato.”
Walker County pork farmer Josh Tubbs, one of three judges who evaluated the final four, praised Chequita Walker’s family establishment for pork that rated high on texture and taste and for sauce that didn’t cover it up.
“If I can take a good piece of pork and enhance it with sauce, that’s good,” Tubbs said. “If the sauce doesn’t take away from the flavor, that’s even better. JJ’s was the best of both worlds.”
“I’ve always told people that if I could have only one meal for the rest of my life, it would be BBQ pork, so judging this contest was a dream come true,” said “Simply Southern TV” host Mary Wilson, another judge. “The four finalists did not disappoint and definitely deserved to be honored. It was tough competition, but the smokiness of JJ’s BBQ really stood out. I also judge pork by the flavor you find in the burnt ends, and Chequita has found a way to give it a perfect char without drying the meat out.”
According to Tuesday’s announcement, Walker is a full-time employee at the Department of Corrections whose restaurant is named for her son and staffed by family. She grew up watching her father and grandfather smoke whole hogs and hopes to build a dine-in restaurant.
“The recipes aren’t a big secret, but I’m not telling everybody,” Walker said. “Texture matters. If the pork is cooked right, it falls apart.”
“The people of Elba have shown me nothing but love,” she said. “They come out and support me.”
The win comes with a $500 prize, among other perks. The other three finalists were Heard’s BBQ in Maplesville, Holy Smoke BBQ in Hartselle and The Pink Pig food truck in Moulton. All will be featured in the next season of “Simply Southern TV,” a show sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation. The show can be seen online, on the RFD cable network and on select Alabama TV stations; for more information, visit simplysoutherntv.net.
The Link LonkJuly 22, 2020 at 03:56AM
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Where’s the best pulled pork in Alabama? Try Elba - AL.com
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