Our Summer Reads: ‘Black Smoke’ Cooks up Denver’s Barbecue History
Colorado isn’t usually the first state people think of when it comes to barbecue. But it turns out, we have our own barbecue story to tell — and our Black community is at the center of it all. James Beard award-winning author Adrian E. Miller has that story and more in his most recent book, “Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue.” He joined host Bree Davies on the show last May to talk about everything Colorado barbecue, from the 1898 barbecue riot at the Stock Show to the legacy of “Daddy” Bruce Randolph and his son, Bruce Jr.
NOTE: This interview originally aired in May of 2021, and is back as part of our special summer book series. Tune in all week for more!
Learn more about Adrian and his work at adrianemiller.com
What’s your favorite barbecue spot in Denver? Let us know on Twitter @citycastdenver
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
The DPS Board’s Half-Decade of Drama, Meet Your Soulmate, and Will a Chatbot Replace Denver's 311 Operators?
Denver Public Schools board member DJ Torres resigned last week, his reasoning being “too much of my time and energy have been consumed b...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Denver
When Denver looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City d...

Privatizing the Trash, Drones Delivering Pasta, and How to PorchFest
Denverites already pay for trash pick-up, but what if that money went to a private company instead of the city? The city’s waste services...

Will Denver Ever Say Yes to the Duplex? Plus, the Ethics Investigation Costing the City $800,000
A proposal to make sweeping changes to the zoning code was sent back to the drawing board by city council – signalling the end of a push...

Your Guide to October 2026 in Denver
Fall is here — and we’re ready for the sweater weather, cozy vibes, and spiced everything! From finding the right craft meetup to enjoyin...

Glendale’s Failed Nightlife Promises, New Live Music Venue in Cap Hill, and Duck Liver on the Ballot
The historically counter-cultural strip of 13th Avenue in Capitol Hill will be home to a concert venue once again! After all the drama an...

Who Is Funding This Year’s Conservative-Backed Ballot Initiatives?
Ballots are hitting mailboxes soon and the campaign money is flowing. But where is it coming from and where is it going? In his investiga...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Denver
What’s a seemingly small project in Denver that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just...

The Unwritten Rules of Surviving and Thriving in Denver
What are the things you need to know to thrive in Denver? You know, like remembering to bring a jacket regardless of the weather – which...

It's Film Fest Season! Plus, Red Rocks Ticket Troubles and Our Concert Recs
Sundance Film Festival’s Colorado debut is just months away, but there are plenty of homegrown film fests happening this fall and winter....

