As I learned conclusively over Memorial Day weekend, when my family
and I logged several hours watching the Food Network’s Memorial Day BBQ
Weekend programming extravaganza featuring Bobby Flay, it’s barbecue
season. Especially riveting was coverage of the Memphis in May
World Champion Barbecue Cooking Contest, which followed several teams
on their quests (some triumphant, some heartbreaking) to be recognized
for best barbecue pork in one of three categories: ribs, shoulder, and
(my personal favorite) whole hog. My family being no bunch of slouches
(especially when it comes to eating), we fired up the grill and ate an
inordinate amount of steak.
Wallingford’s Joule has, apparently, gotten the barbecue
memo. They’ve just launched an “Urban BBQ” series—every Sunday
through August, they’ll be transforming their dining room into a
“casual picnic environment” and grilling. I must admit I was a bit
skeptical at first—it always feels gimmicky to me when a
fine-dining restaurant strives for a “down-home” feel, and I don’t
exactly get the whole Urban BBQ concept. But, as I looked over the
themed menus chefs Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi have planned (including
items like chicken-liver-mousse popsicle and bone-marrow popcorn), I
got excited, remembering why Joule is one of my favorite new
restaurants—the food is always thoughtful, playful, and perfectly
prepared. Whatever the Urban BBQ proves itself to be, it starts off
with a bang: “Let’s Talk About Goat” on June 8 and “Hot Korean Grill”
on June 15. 
Urban BBQ series at Joule, 1913 N 45th St, www.joulerestaurant.com, Sun
noon–8 pm.
