Just opened: Smoque BBQ

Photo: Donna Rickles

TAKING HIS ’CUES Barry Sorkin logged hundreds of miles driving around the South sampling barbecue, all in the name of “research” for the launch of his own Smoque BBQ (the BYOB spot is slated to open Mon 18). After eating his weight in smoky meats, he narrowed down his favorite styles to Kansas City, the Carolinas and Austin, Texas, and has been back in Chicago for the last few months working on creating a signature combination of those. Over a trio of apple, oak and mesquite woods, Sorkin smokes baby back ribs, spare ribs, pulled pork and brisket for around 12 hours, and adds chopped-up “burned ends” to his baked beans (à la Kansas City’s Jack Stack). He’s concocted three different sauces for his meats: bold and peppery for brisket, sweet and tangy for ribs, and vinegar-laced tomatoey for pulled pork. So is this the new Chicago-style ’cue? “Nope,” Sorkin says. “It’s Smoque-style.” 3800 N Pulaski Rd at Grace St (773-545-7427).—Heather Shouse