Doug Collins Fans the Flames of Barbecue Dominance

Posted July 9, 2015 at 10:30am

Bragging about award-winning eateries residing in one’s district is nothing new in the House of Representatives. Georgia Republican Doug Collins Wednesday did so with gusto, putting colleagues on notice that the unexpected rise of Joe’s BBQ in Blue Ridge proved their barbecue providers were the pits.

“He calls it beginner’s luck. I think we’re just turning into a legacy and tradition in North Georgia,” the two-term lawmaker boasted of TripAdvisor’s crowning of Joe’s back in May as the top barbecue restaurant in the nation. “I give credit to the staff I have for the designation. It’s their good service and satisfaction with the barbecue that allowed us to get the recognition,” owner Joe Ray told local press about the humbling accolade.

Joe’s appears to specialize in slow-cooked pig parts, fielding whole smoked butts, pulled swine and dry-rubbed ribs, along with a handful of poultry products.

Collins’ staff was hard pressed to provide additional guidance (“He’s been in committee all day,” an aide told HOH) regarding which, if any, of Ray’s signature offerings the congressman had personally experienced.

Still, he seemed supremely confidant that the crowdsourced love was well deserved.

“The best barbecue is in North Georgia, the greatest place in the world,” Collins baited nonbelievers from the House floor.