City preview - Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas

The BBQ Capital of the Universe (Don't @ Texas)

If you know one thing about American BBQ geography, it's probably this: Kansas City is a very big deal.

While Texas will argue loudly for beef and the Carolinas will wave their vinegar-based sauces at you, Kansas City sits at the centre of it all — a city so obsessed with BBQ that it has over 100 BBQ restaurants for a population of around 500,000. That's one BBQ joint for every 5,000 people. Al considers this a model for civilised society.

We arrive on the 3rd of June after a big drive north from OKC, and we have two full days to do justice to the city's smoked offerings. The hit list includes Slap's BBQ — a no-frills, all-flavour joint that the locals will fight you over — and the legendary Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, which started life as a gas station and is now considered one of the greatest BBQ restaurants in America. Yes, a gas station. Yes, really. The Z-Man sandwich — brisket, smoked provolone, onion rings on a Kaiser roll — has been described as life-changing. We will report back.

Day two brings Chef J BBQ for lunch and Turkey Legg Man for a late-night snack that is exactly what it sounds like. We also stumble into the Old Shawnee Days festival, which promises live music, fair food and the kind of wholesome American fun that makes you feel like you've walked into a movie.

Kansas City BBQ is all about the sauce — thick, sweet, tomato-based, and utterly magnificent. It's a style that Al has strong opinions about, which he will share at length with anyone who makes eye contact. What we're most excited about: Joe's Kansas City. The Z-Man. End of discussion.

What Ro is most excited about: A city with this many restaurants surely has exceptional cocktails and wine bars. She is correct.

Liddy's status update: Two states down, four to go. Fuel tank full. Patience intact. Only slight frustrations.

Mikey's analysis: How many ways can he beat Alan at Canasta.

Full reports coming 3 and 4 June.