‘Steve Harvey Show’ to feature Dallas vs. Nashville BBQ battle
TV-radio personality/author/lots of other things Steve Harvey was born in Welch, W.Va., but he has a lot of Dallas in his background. So you might think that if he was going to present a barbecue battle on his show featuring a Dallas pit master, he’d go for something Texan, like brisket.
But on Thursday’s Steve Harvey Show (2 p.m., KXAS/Channel 5), he will present the latest in his recurring “Great American Food Fight.” And this one, “Great American Food Fight: Country Edition,” will pit a Dallas cook vs. a Nashville one in a pulled-pork battle.
And the Dallas guy specializes in Kansas City-style barbecue. And a lot of Texans love it.
Representing Dallas will be Matt Dallman of 18th & Vine, which despite its name is at 4100 Maple Ave. in Dallas. The joint owes its name to a bit of KC barbecue history: According to the 18th & Vine website, Kansas City barbecue began with Henry Perry, who sold his wares from a pushcart through neighborhoods around 18th and Vine in KC.
Although 18th & Vine might not seem as representative of Texas ’cue as, say, Pecan Lodge, Lockhart Smokehouse or Fort Worth’s Heim Barbecue, it has received rave reviews since opening in 2015. Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn began a December review with: “I’ve never eaten at a restaurant more often before a first review than this one.”
Vaughn says that the burnt ends are the best item and writes of the pulled pork: “The pulled pork is basic but well executed with a slaw that is good only as the supporting cast.”
Dallman will be up against Katie Garner of veteran Hog Heaven in Nashville. It specializes in hickory-smoked barbecue and is known for its “Kickin’ Chicken” white barbecue sauce. Hog Heaven’s pulled pork sandwich is served on pancake-style cornbread and covered with the Kickin’ Chicken sauce.
“White barbecue sauce? Sounds a lot like mayonnaise to me,” Dallman says in an advance clip.
While Vaughn says that 18th and Vine is elegant enough to merit being called a restaurant instead of a “joint,” Hog Heaven is a takeout restaurant with outdoor seating on the edge of Nashville’s Centennial Park.
Champion barbecue competitor/TV personality/author/lots of other things Myron Mixon will help Harvey host the episode. And help him eat. To the victor goes the “Golden Spatula” award.
Again, the episode airs at 2 p.m. CDT on KXAS/Channel 5.
This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 3:20 PM with the headline "‘Steve Harvey Show’ to feature Dallas vs. Nashville BBQ battle."