Chopping pork at the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party. Photo by Ken Goodman

Chris is a respected restaurateur, fierce competitor, and cherished friend. We’re fortunate to spend time with him and the McLemore/extended Big Bob Gibson family at a number of events each year. Mike will tell you that no Memphis in May is complete without a slice of that famous Big Bob Gibson pie. I was on the team of finals judges who awarded Chris his third World Grand Champion title at Memphis in May in 2011, enabling him to join the ranks of Apple City Barbecue and Jack’s Old South in the exclusive three-time Memphis in May World Grand Champion club. Here’s Chris’s take on the One-7:

1. Travel destination: Rocky Mountains

2. Favorite cut of meat to cook: Ribs {pork, beef, lamb}

3. Favorite pie: Chocolate Pecan

4. Best gift received: My children

5. Hero: My father

6. BBQ joint I’d like to visit: any jerk shack in Jamaica

7. Words I live by: “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” ~Albert Einstein

Visit Chris at Big Bob Gibson in Decatur, Alabama and add his book to your collection. He’s also featured in Peace, Love, and Barbecue. You can see Chris on a number of shows about barbecue including the Kingsford Invitational {of which he was the host} and BBQ Pitmasters.

The One-7 spotlights barbecue luminaries and gives a little insight into their worlds.