Trying to lose those pandemic pounds? While we don’t subscribe to the keto diet, lots of people swear by it. And the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin M (meat, of course!) is with barbecue from around the world. These are some spots that opened this year to feed our needs for protein and lots of it.
Schmidt’s Barbecue
Skip the sides like creamy, zippy mac and cheese and cakelike cornbread in favor of a meatwave of epic proportions. Juicy Alabama Everything Wings are enhanced with the sesame and poppy seeds, onions, and garlic you’ll find on an “everything” bagel. Moist brisket, bark-covered ribs, and even a veggie plate make it easy to skip the carbs here. 14 Loudoun St. SE, Leesburg
Brazza Steaks on Stakes
There’s only one place in NoVA to sample Venezuelan barbecue. The fried plantains and black beans are tempting, but pass them by in favor of sides that include blood sausage and chorizo. The South American carne en vara on offer is cooked over a fire on wood sticks, hence the restaurant’s name. The result? Smoky, tender meat that’s perfect with a side of, well, more meat. 46970 Community Plz., Ste. 111-A, Sterling
The Qui Korean Grille
For $28, choose from 16 different meats, as well as veggies and cheese, to grill yourself in this cavernous two-story restaurant. There are basics like brisket, and while you should definitely get those, your feast should also include cumin-rubbed slabs of thick pork belly and an orange-infused version of bulgogi. Roll up the hot flesh in pickled radish slices, and you won’t miss the rice. 13972 Metrotech Dr., Chantilly
This story originally ran in our August issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
