Seasonal Florida......Southern Grit and Goodness

Southern Grit and Goodness!

With shorter days and less relentless sun, the annual migration of snowbirds has begun. An annual Fall tradition.....Peebles BBQ in Auburndale, recently opened for the season.  September through June,  local residents are able to enjoy this cultural cuisine.  To understand just what this third generation restaurant is....understand this southern state, its people, its cuisine...its lifestyle.

Some forty miles away from the theme parks, shopping meccas, restaurant chains and whatever else dominates the central Florida landscape, nestled in the heart of one of Florida's older counties, Polk County, is a small seasonal dining establishment named Peebles BBQ and it's about as "local" as it gets.  This gritty little smokehouse, a former chicken coop (according to local yore) is open just three days a week (Thurs. Fri. And Sat.) and packs the customers in.  

But what is it that appeals to its patrons?  Nothing better than a lingering smokey aroma of southern BBQ, gently floating on the afternoon breeze, signaling this little local "hotspot" is open and I do mean "hotspot" in every sense of the word.  The smoke pit, located smack dab in the middle of the restaurant, no air conditioning, it's Florida for goodness sake, and people everywhere, it's a melting pot... tantalizing every sense of your being! The perfectly smoked meats, chicken pork beef and sausages stand alone....a variety of BBQ sauces are at your table.  This speaks volume of their ability to produce perfectly smoked, fall off the bone, meat!  

Sides are sides, beans, potato salad, coleslaw, nothing fancy, BBQ is the star but its Cast of characters, the patrons, bring this altogether.... a place where friends meet, renew acquaintances and welcome the migratory snowbird back to their home in this tropical paradise called Florida. 

For those unfamiliar to southern BBQ, seasoned "finger licking" patrons always willing to share tried and true techniques. This is a place where everyone is welcome, there are no cultural barriers, no strangers, just average, hardworking everyday citizens from across the globe, all sharing two common bonds.....love of amazing BBQ and breaking bread with their neighbors!