Mike Mills and the 17th Street locations are doing BBQ in all the
right ways. Next time you’re craving that authentic smoky flavor
of pull-apart meats and classic sides, take a trip to the new south!
Another BBQ phenomenon that happens to be located in an
arguably “non-BBQ” state, is The BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville,
Virginia. The BBQ Exchange is responsible for fusing all regions
known for BBQ together into one outrageous menu. The traditional BBQ fare is available, but give the crazy twists a try, too. You
will be pleasantly surprised.
Take, for example, the Fu-Q, a smoked tofu served with hushpuppies. Tofu will never be the same again. Another funky remix on the
menu is the BLT with pork belly, where the bacon is spice-cured for
a week and then dried for an additional week. After that process,
it has a sleepover in the smoker before being placed on a soft roll
with freshly-pulled lettuce and sliced tomato.
The BBQ Exchange might be most well-known for its variety of
sauces, like the Soo-Eet, a sweet Memphis style sauce made with
roasted onions, molasses, and the Exchange’s “secret red rub.”
The Colonel Bacon sauce is killer, which is an original Virginia style
BBQ sauce with a base of smoky bacon and a blend of several
mustards. It is said to be quite addictive, and it is no surprise as
to why.
The feel of the restaurant is very down-home, with cedar picnic tables and a white washed tin exterior. The ceiling fans and
barn-inspired walls on the interior make the establishment both
upbeat and comfortable, perfect
for getting down and dirty with
your favorite plate of sauce-covered smoky goodness.
FoodTraveler l Winter 2016
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