In this engaging conversation, Devin Pickard, a pitmaster and preacher, shares how he balances his roles at Papa KayJoe's BBQ and Hope Church in Centerville, Tennessee. He opens up about the healing power of food and community amidst personal challenges. Tammy Allgood, a cookbook author and food editor, adds her insights on Sunday dinner etiquette and the competitive spirit of church potlucks. Their discussions highlight the rich cultural traditions of Southern cuisine and the emotional ties that bind families and communities over shared meals.
Devin Pickard's dual roles as a pitmaster and preacher exemplify how food and faith intertwine to foster community support and acceptance.
Sunday dinners in the South are characterized by etiquette and communal bonds, highlighting the importance of shared meals in building connections.
Deep dives
Devin Pickard's Journey as a Pit Master
Devin Pickard, the owner of Papa K. Joe's Barbecue in Centerville, Tennessee, learned the art of barbecue at a young age while working at a barbecue restaurant in Dixon. He emphasizes that barbecue is a craft that requires practice and knowledge of various techniques, particularly cooking by feel, as he had no thermostats to rely on for his cooking. His restaurant serves as a testament to his family's history, having originated from land that has been in the Pickard family for decades and named in honor of his late grandfather and his children. Devin believes that great barbecue is about understanding the meat and mastering the smoker, highlighting the difficulty in making consistently good barbecue even when following the same method every time.
Hope Church: A Welcoming Community
Devin founded Hope Church, a non-denominational congregation, to create a welcoming environment centered around compassion for those struggling with addiction. His personal experiences with addiction, particularly his daughter's journey to recovery, inform his ministry and highlight the importance of understanding and embracing those facing challenges. Holding services in an approachable manner rather than rigidly formal, Devin encourages inclusivity for individuals regardless of their background or beliefs. He aims to foster an environment where everyone feels accepted and free to share their struggles without fear of judgment.
The Intersection of Food and Faith
The connection between Devin's roles as a preacher and pitmaster is evident in how he nurtures his community both through barbecue and faith. Meals at Hope Church often involve food from Papa K. Joe's, creating a casual space where churchgoers feel comfortable discussing their problems. Devin finds that some parishioners prefer interacting in the barbecue pit rather than a traditional church setting, allowing for genuine conversations. He considers both places synonymous in offering love, acceptance, and nourishment, ensuring that everyone leaves feeling better than when they arrived.
Culinary Traditions of the South
Dining experiences, particularly Sunday dinners in the South, are marked by preparation, etiquette, and a strong sense of community. A great casserole balances flavors and textures, while Sunday dinners often emphasize the enjoyment of food without delving into controversial topics during meals. The tradition of 'sweet out,' where diners have a bite of something salty after dessert, showcases how food culture in the South integrates symbols of comfort and community. Guests at Papa K. Joe's experience this hospitality firsthand, surrounded by the smells and tastes of Southern cuisine that encourage connection over shared meals.
Monday through Saturday, Devin Pickard and his family run Papa KayJoe's BBQ in Centerville, Tennessee. But on Sundays, Devin trades the BBQ pit for the pulpit at Hope Church, the non-denominational congregation where he preaches. In many ways, food is a natural fit for a southern preacher, but there are other, less obvious ways Devin's two professions come together. Later in the episode, cookbook author Tammy Algood talks about Sunday dinner etiquette and competitive church potlucks.
This episode originally aired on October 9, 2017, and June 10, 2019, and was produced by Dan Pashman and Anne Saini. It was edited by Dan Charles. The Sporkful production team now includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O’Hara, Kameel Stanley, Jared O'Connell, and Giulia Leo. Publishing by Shantel Holder.
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