Photo taken at the Whole Hog Extravaganza. ©Ken Goodman Photography.
Before I ever met Patrick Martin personally, I was avid reader of his blog chronicling the blood, sweat, and tears involved in leaving his job in the financial industry and opening the original Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nolensville, Tennessee. Martin’s set the current standard for western Tennessee-style whole hog and if you ever visit, you have to order the Redneck Taco, featuring pulled pork, slaw, and spicy sauce on a hoe cake. Barbecue aside, the most compelling thing about Patrick is his devotion to his family – wife, Martha, and children, Wyatt, Daisy, and Walker – and his circle of friends.
1. Travel destination: Islamorada, Florida. Been going there since I was a kid; a lot of great memories. Holds a special place in my heart.
2. Drink of choice: Wine. Depending on the time of year – a good, chilled glass or rosé, or a big, earthy red Zin.
3. Favorite pie: My mom’s strawberry pie. Hands down.
4. Best gift: My grandfather gave me his 1952 Belgium “Sweet 16” shotgun. He was an avid quail hunter, and I am, too. I look forward to passing it down to my sons.
5. I admire: My dad. I’ve yet to meet anyone with as much character. Always doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.
6. Barbecue joint I’d like to visit: Pappy’s in St. Louis … love Mike Emerson! He’s an incredibly nice and humble guy.
7. Words I live by: “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” ~ Vince Lombardi
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What a great article! He’s an amazing human being.
I haven’t gotten to know Pat personally but I travel to Nashville for business at least once a month and I always eat at Martin’s BBQ. The redneck taco is hard to beat as is the brisket taco, pulled pork, and wings. Until they opened their Mt Juliet restaurant last year (which is on the way), I had to drive 20 minutes out of the way (both ways) to get my Martin’s fix each month and it was worth it.
Yes, well worth the detour! Great food and great person. He’s terrific.