Diversity

Diversity evokes passion.  Whether it evokes negative or positive passion is often a concern.  Many fear diversity for xenophobic reasons; many welcome it as a sign of breaking down historical barriers.  Many take the view of if it "ain't broke, don't fix it." Diversity does not seem to be an issue in the culinary scene here in Nashville.  There is none, unless, of course your concept of divesity involves choosing among Memphis, St. Louis, Kansas City and of course, the ever present, Chinese Style ribs.(Which don't count in my opinion)  Now don't get me wrong, ribs in the South are second to none and certainly whether smoked, grilled or BBQed low and slow, these folk have raised the preparation to an art form. Frankly, I never had a bad rib here.  Smokers and grills line the highway rest stops and every piece of vacant land as far as the eye can see.  Every respectable rib joint has its adjacent smokehouse warming up at midnight for the next evening's dinner crowd.  Pork is king around these parts and although I have fun abusing Nashvillians about, well, just about everything, I can't complain about the ribs.  I just don't understand how all these rib places stay in business.  It seems just about every household has a smoker.  From the ubiquitious Weber models, to the Big Green Egg to the giant truck size, tow along, custom made smoker parked somewhere in the backyard, I don't think I know a household without one.  Now, if you want to see passion just ask a neighbor for the best way to prepare ribs.  There is less passion at a UT-Florida game.