Southerners take great pride in many things, among them regional barbecue. Barbecue is a source of great discussion, cultural pride and friendly competition.

If one region's citizens dare insist their barbecue and only theirs is the real deal, other bona fide Southerners are likely to take offense. After all, barbecue making skill is one thing you don't insult. Them's fightin' words.

I have not lived in the South in many years. But, I have never stopped hoping to find barbecue, the real deal, out here west of the Mississippi River and north of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Daddy Bruce used to make some mean barbecue in downtown Denver in the 1980's. He hailed from Arkansas and knew his stuff. Since Daddy Bruce faded from the Denverscape, I have found no suitable substitute.

Until this past week, that is.

I met a man from my hometown, Memphis, recently. We had not talked five minutes when he asked, "Do you know any good barbecue places out here?"

I shook my head "no".

He said excitedly, "You have to go down to Colorado Springs to Red, Hot and Blue. It is authentic Memphis barbecue, I swear."

Now, I took his words to heart. No Southerner would dare steer another Southerner wrong in such an important matter. I got directions from him and made the trek with my family at the earliest opportunity.

Red, Hot and Blue barbecue is, indeed, authentic Memphis barbecue. They offer all standard barbecue fare, side dishes and desserts. The restaurant is decorated pure Memphis, from photos of Dixieland Jazz greats to Elvis.

We found the food and the décor grand at Red, Hot and Blue, but those were not the best parts. The best part was our server, Bruce, a Memphis native.

Bruce is a Southern cuisine expert. His eyes lit up as he described the meats, sauces, trimmings and when he shared the history of the restaurant chain. He was quick to point out he is the very person who makes the sweet potato pies served at Red, Hot and Blue. He also revealed the cobblers are not authentic Southern ("It's what they pass off as cobbler", he said) and that the ones he makes at home are far, far better. He said his specialty is peanut butter brownies people claim they cannot resist. He told the story of his baking a big batch for a local physician who ate almost the entire batch in his car on the way home.

Bruce offered to make peanut butter brownies for us and have them ready next time we visit. He said, "Just call me the day before and I'll bake them." Then, he wrote down his home phone number for us.

What can I say about Bruce? The man has soul. I stashed his phone number in my purse and vowed to call him before our next trip down.

I highly recommend Red, Hot and Blue in Colorado Springs. I also recommend calling ahead to make sure Bruce will be working. Though the food might be superb with or without Bruce, the overall dining experience would no doubt be less thrilling on his day off.

And, if you email me nicely, I just might share Bruce's phone number with you, so you can order up a batch of those peanut butter brownies before you go.

Red Hot and Blue Southern Grill and Bar
4290 N Academy Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 592-0300