One of America’s culinary gifts to the world is BBQ. Before I came to the US I had no idea how many styles, flavors and techniques there were that make up this delicious, smoky genre. Traditionally BBQ was used to make less flavorful, cheap cuts of meat more tasty by cooking slow over a smoky fire. Note the phrase ‘cheap cuts of meat’ – hence it is hard to find BBQ made from grass fed beef, free range chicken or heritage pork. I love BBQ and have even started smoking and experimenting with different meats myself. However smoking a pork butt or beef brisket is a long involved process that can take all day and a lot of prep and cleaning up. Therefore I limit this exercise to 2-3 times per year. During the other times of the year I needed to find a place to satisfy my BBQ cravings that was in line with my new meat philosophy. Sweet Cheeks saved me….
This excerpt from their website was music to my ears:
“Doing it right: For us, it’s using the best of everything possible. All of our meats are responsibly sourced and all natural. Most of our beef is “Never Ever”, meaning it’s all sustainably-raised “Super Natural,” premium Black Angus beef that is NEVER EVER treated with hormones, antibiotics, or chemical additives. Other beef options are from small New England farms adhering to similar practices. Our pork is Berkshire, our chicken and turkey are all natural. We use local farms when possible. We’re committed to doing what’s right.”
I was lucky that I found Sweet Cheeks quite quickly during my search for BBQ constructed from responsibly sourced meat. I haven’t found another BBQ restaurant in Boston that adheres to the same meat standards. If I was to be real strict on the Meat Philosophy rules then I would need to ensure the the animals are being treated humanely and free-range, the beef needs to be grass-fed not corn-fed. But the phrase above from their website is very comfortably and checks a lot of boxes.
I have been to Sweet Cheeks four times now and the BBQ is absolutely delicious – I have tried most the meats and they are all delicious. The menus has plenty of hints to the meat sourcing philosophy – all natural chicken, heritage-breed pulled pork, all-natural pork belly and the phrase above should confirm your confidence to go all out here. You order a ‘tray’ which usually consists of one meat and 2 sides – one hot and cold. I suggest to go for the Fat Tray where you get 3 meats and 2 scoops (sides) – try them all and go back for your favorite!
Sweet Cheeks has been a savior for me – amazing BBQ concocted from responsibly sourced meat right here in Boston. My search for others continues, haven’t found any others yet….
The Evolution of a Selective Flexitarian 