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Remembering the partner at Hamilton's BBQ 2025-09-24 - Cumberland County, KY - Photo from personal collection. Back in the day, in order to get real, lip-flaming, vinegar-sauced barbecue, it meant a trip toward the Tennessee border, to either Tompkinsville, or Burkesville, which was closer for our family. The place in Burkesville was Pat and Norman Hamilton's BBQ a block from the Cumberland County Courthouse. Pat made the slaw and baked beans and kept the customer lines moving, brooking no nonsense. Norman kept the wire grill covered with ribs, pork shoulder and chicken, turning and slathering it all in his special sauce, cooking slow to perfection, all the while welcoming conversation with waiting customers, entertaining them with plenty of good natured nonsense. When I read Pat's obituary today, I remembered loving our encounters where Pat challenged my husband (who passed away this same week seven years ago) and her grill-master husband to cut the big talk and keep business rolling. I miss them both. - LW Read More... | Permalink | Comments?

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