BBQ story and nincompoopery

In re: “Kansas City BBQ” (June 28): I am a California expatriate who has lived in the Kansas City area for 12 years.

It’s obvious that reporter Catharine Hamm did not spend enough time catching up with relatives because of a huge omission and a bit of nincompoopery reporting.

First, the nincompoopery. Kansas City, Kan., is the economic “can do” city in the region. The Kansas Speedway, Cabela’s, Nebraska Furniture Mart, the Legends Shopping Center, Schilitterbahns Waterslide Park and, possibly, a Hard Rock Cafe/Casino at the Speedway. Kansas City, Mo., had a chance for those things but fumbled the opportunity.

Now the omission. Although I will agree with you on Bryant’s and Fiorella’s Jack Stack, the one joint that was glaringly missing from your report was Oklahoma Joe’s Barbeque. The original location is still in a gas station on 47th Street and Mission Roadand. Guess what? It’s in KCK! Oklahoma Joe’s rivals Bryant’s in taste, texture and “omygodivegonetoheaven” satisfaction.

Perhaps I’m detecting a bit of KCMO/Plaza snobbery?

Chet Mayekawa

Overland Park, Kan.