When you order a pulled pork sandwich in North Carolina, you get a heaping of juicy meat that reflects the same natural brown color of the pork, but has a little spice to it and is often topped with cole slaw right on the sandwich. When you order ribs in Memphis, you get a juicy slab that is coated in sweet sauce that is bound to require a napkin or two for cleanup. When you order brisket in Texas, you get beef that is so juicy and tender on the inside it could be mistaken for Kobe, had it not appeared completely charred from the outside. But when you have your special event catered by Phil Eitman, you get all three of these things.

That’s because Phil Eitman is a barbeque enthusiast who has an appreciation for all of America’s bbq flavors. You would be hard pressed to get such variety in a single bbq event, as many barbeque establishments pride themselves on where their recipe comes from, and therefore adhere to the parameters set forth by their region of the country. Phil Eitman sees things differently, and thinks there should be no borders in bbq; the best is the best, and that’s it.

So when he graduated from culinary school, Phil Eitman decided he would explore the far corners of the south, and gain valuable experience in some of America’s most well-known bbq regions. His first stop was North Carolina, where he learned the benefits of using simple ingredients such as vinegar and peppers that give the pork extra spice and zest. He then moved to Memphis, and gained an appreciation for the sweet, molasses-based sauces that are commonly seen brushed on ribs or on a non-Carolina style pork sandwich. His last stop was Texas, where he focused solely on the region’s staple: juicy, tender brisket that is charred on the outside and smooth as butter on the inside.

Now running his own catering service in Salt Lake City, clients of Phil Eitman and their guests get to tour a form of culinary art that is specifically American, while also sampling the way this traditional form of food is celebrated in different parts of the country.