I know I'll be slammed for this, but frankly, I don't care.

I find it funny -- and almost bordering on odd -- that people talk about barbecue in places such as Oregon, California, Massachusetts...Yes, I'm a Texan, and I just can't fathom barbecue actually being good outside of this state (same thing with Mexican food). You'd think you could get good Mexican food in California. Have never found it (maybe I'm just used to Tex-Mex). My waiter looked at me like I had 6 heads when I asked for an order of queso. And the facsimile we received was a crying shame.

Anyway, Texas offers what I consider the only "real" barbecue, but if you want the most succulent, slap-you-in-the-face good barbecue, venture to Cooper's Barbecue in Llano.

Beef is king there (as it is everywhere in the Lone Star State). You go outside and pick your meat straight off the mesquite pit. You then go back inside; sit at picnic tables; and pick up some raw sliced onions, jalapenos and slices of Mrs. Baird's bread.

This was the exclusive purveyor of barbecue to LBJ, and he had them cater a state dinner at the White House.

Here's their website: www.coopersbbq.com

Anyway, best of luck to all in their pursuit of good eating!