1

Texas barbecue

Image: Andrik Langfield

Texas barbecue is heavily influenced by central European traditions . German and Czech immigrants settled in the state in the mid-nineteenth century introducing new ingredients. That is the main reason we find pork products like sausages in Texas-style barbecue, in addition to the classic beef brisket. In order to preserve fresh meat longer, they used to smoke it and cook it for a very long time. Over the years, this traditional barbecued meat, which originated in central Texas, spread throughout the state, so today we can enjoy not one but four different styles !

Central Texas BBQ is generally very straightforward, the meat is smoked over pecan, mesquite, or oak wood with just a salt and pepper dry rub. South Texas BBQ has Mexican influences and uses a molasses-based sweet sauce. East Texas BBQ is marinated in a sweet tomato-based sauce and slowly cooked via indirect heat. Finally, West Texas BBQ is prepared over an open flame using mesquite wood.

2

Memphis barbecue

Image: Philipp Kämmerer

No doubt about it, Memphis is one of the BBQ capitals of America . Unlike barbecue styles in other states, in Memphis, the meat is cooked using charcoal instead of hardwood logs. Pork ribs and pork shoulder are the signature cuts prepared with a tangy and sweet sauce based on molasses and tomato. Classic sides for the Memphis barbecue are sweet baked beans and slaw.

Barbecue originated in Memphis at the beginning of the 20th century , when African Americans began to populate the state. Often found in lunchtime pork sandwiches and late-night treats in nightclubs, Memphis BBQ style soon became a staple in the area. Many entrepreneurs opened new restaurants during this time, including John H. Mills, considered Memphis’s First Barbecue King. Rumor has it that even the great Bing Crosby was a regular at Mills’s place whenever he was in town.

3

Kansas City barbecue

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According to the Visit KC website, "Barbecue in Kansas City is more than a menu item or a method of preparation. It’s an institution." The fact is that Kansas barbecue has a long history and is central to the city's culinary culture . Not for nothing is it called the "BBQ Capital of the World". With more than 100 restaurants, there’s even a Kansas City Barbeque Society in charge of promoting this style of cooking around the world.

Kansas City’s love for barbecue started in the early 1900s when a man called Henry Perry began selling slices of hickory smoked meat wrapped in newspaper. Soon after, others followed and started developing their own barbecue recipes. Nowadays, the Kansas City barbecue style involves grilling or smoking different kinds of meat seasoned with a dry rub, then finished with a tomato-based barbeque sauce. Sides include bread, pickles, baked beans, and slaw.

4

North Carolina barbecue

Image: Peter Bravo de los Rios

Whether at a backyard grill, or a traditional wood fire pit at a local restaurant, North Carolina has a proud barbecue tradition. This particular method of smoking and cooking meat has its roots in the emergence of hog cultivation . In the 1500s, Spanish settlers brought pigs to the region and natives on Roanoke Island contributed with their wood-fired slow-cooking method. Over the years, barbecue in North Carolina became a special feature in every celebration and special occasion.

Although recipes may vary between different regions in the state, pork is always the main ingredient . While in the East people cook the whole hog, western Carolinians prioritize the pork shoulder. The sauce is a matter of controversy too. The Eastern tradition calls for a thin vinegar and pepper sauce, whereas Western recipes add tomato or ketchup. Geographical customs aside, if you happen to visit North Carolina, order a local barbecue in one of the many great restaurants and you won’t be disappointed!

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South Carolina barbecue

Image: @felipepelaquim

Some argue that South Carolina is "The Birthplace of Barbecue" . We won’t be able to settle this debate here and now, but what is certain is that the Palmetto State's barbecue tradition goes back at least five centuries. As with North Carolina, South Carolina barbecue also has its origins in the cultural exchange between Spanish settlers and American Indians . Europeans brought and raised pigs on the islands off the Atlantic coast and the natives knew exactly how to cook them.

The South Carolina barbecue style means cooking and smoking meat —preferably pork— low and slow over hardwood coals. Sometimes pulled from a whole hog, sometimes chopped from a shoulder or ham, South Carolina barbecue comes with a signature sauce depending on the region . You can find a blend of vinegar, salt, and some red pepper to spice things up or a yellow sauce made of cider vinegar, brown sugar or honey, and mustard. No matter which one you get, be prepared for an exceptionally tender and flavorful dish!

6

St. Louis barbecue

Image: Rachel Bramlett

Did you know St. Louis is said to consume more BBQ sauce per person than anywhere else in the country? St. Louisans are big on spare ribs, which may have been introduced in the local culinary tradition more than a century ago. As the legend goes, a steamboat cook named Henry Perry used to slow smoke discarded slabs of ribs from the Kansas City stockyards using locally harvested hardwood trees.

Nowadays, the St. Louis barbecue style includes a variety of seasonings and cooking methods . From grilling to slow smoking, ribs, pulled pork, burnt ends, and pork steaks are smeared with a sauce made from ingredients such as salt, vinegar, black pepper, brown sugar, tomato, and even apricots. Unlike other types of barbecue, St Louis style does not require a dry rub and it cooks a lot faster. White bread is the side of choice, especially if you want to make the most out of all that BBQ sauce!

7

Hawaiian barbecue

Image: Tirza van Dijk

Yes, they have barbecues in Hawaii. Although you won’t get the traditional ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, the Aloha State is home to a delicious kind of barbecue. Influenced by its many immigration waves —primarily from China, Korea, Japan, Portugal, and the Philippines—, it has labor origins dating back to the late 19th century . While modern Hawaiian barbecue includes various cooking techniques, such as roasting, smoking, and grilling, the traditional way requires an imu , an underground oven lined with hot rocks, and banana and ti leaves.

Barbecues from the Paradise of the Pacific are often sweet, tangy, and tropical . You can find chicken, beef, pork, and even seafood. Marinades and sauces incorporate Asian flavors and ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Side dishes range from sticky rice to macaroni salad, complementing and balancing the bold flavors of the meats.

8

Alabama barbecue

Image: Rachel Bramlett

In the South, barbecue is synonymous with any meat that's cooked over the fire. Although pork is often the protein of choice, some restaurants in Alabama also feature brisket, chicken, and beef ribs. Barbecue became popular in Alabama during the early 19th century when difficult economic times required a clever way for the working class to bring flavor and tenderness to cheap cuts of meat.

Sauces involved in the Alabama barbecue style are as diverse as they come . Influenced by the neighboring states of the so-called "barbecue belt", you can find variations of tomato-based sauces, spicy marinades, mustard dressings, and even a white sauce made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Across Alabama, these mouth-watering smoked meats are often served on hamburger buns filled with dill pickles and topped with coleslaw.

9

Kentucky barbecue

Image: Luis Santoyo

Barbecues in Kentucky have been popular for a long time. In the Bluegrass State pork shoulders are a popular cut cooked on concrete block masonry pits for at least half a day. However, Kentucky is most famous for smoking mutton over hickory coals . Kentuckians also barbecue other meats like chicken, pork tenderloins, cured hams, and turkey breasts for sandwiches.

Kentucky is home to a diverse array of barbecue sauces with almost every county having its own take. For example, Hickman County uses mostly vinegar and cayenne pepper, while McCracken County sauces taste strongly of vinegar and chili powder. Others prefer an allspice Worcestershire-based dip. The signature sides for Kentucky barbecue are toast, vinegar slaw, and pickled eggs.

10

Florida barbecue

Image: Dim Hou

Florida may be best known for its fresh seafood but the Sunshine State also has its own barbecue style . And a soft spot for pork too! A testament to the important place pig meat has in Floridian cuisine is the Cuban twist on the classic BBQ sandwich found at many local joints.

What sets Florida barbecue apart from others is its Caribbean and Latin American influences. Florida BBQ often blends techniques of the Southern United States style barbecues —like the use of sweet tomato sauce or mustard sauce— with Caribbean flavors such as vinegar, fruits, peppers, and spices. It may not be the most traditional barbecue in the country but it is certainly worth a try!

1

Robin, Batman’s boy wonder

Image: Studbee

Holy teamwork! Since his first comic book appearance in 1940, Robin has been Batman’s dependable backup even when things got rough. Sure, he often found himself tied up by villains, but his bravery and quick wit always made him the perfect No. 2. Whether it’s Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, or any of the Robins since, the Boy Wonder brought heart to Gotham’s dark nights.

2

Tonto, The Lone Ranger’s trusted partner

Image: V

Long before duos like Batman and Robin hit the screen, there was Tonto. Played by Jay Silverheels, this brave and loyal companion stood by the Lone Ranger through thick and thin. He didn’t just tag along; he was the Ranger’s conscience, guide, and moral compass. Without Tonto, the masked man would have been just another cowboy in the desert.

3

Ethel Mertz, Lucy’s partner in chaos

Image: Pawel Czerwinski

When it comes to classic comedy duos, Lucy and Ethel take the cake. Ethel Mertz was the level-headed neighbor every mischievous friend needs. She complained, she warned, and yet, she always joined in on Lucy’s hair-brained adventures. Let’s be honest, without Ethel, Lucy’s messes wouldn’t have been half as funny.

4

Piglet, small in size, big in heart

Image: Taha

In the Hundred Acre Wood, courage doesn’t come from being big or brave; it comes from being there. Piglet’s tiny voice and timid ways make him easy to overlook, but his loyalty to Winnie-the-Pooh is second to none. When he takes Pooh’s paw and says, "I just wanted to be sure of you," it melts every heart.

5

Ed Norton, Ralph Kramden’s comic counterpart

Image: Aleks Dorohovich

From The Honeymooners , Ed Norton was the easygoing neighbor who kept Ralph Kramden’s temper in check most of the time. Played by Art Carney, Norton’s goofy charm made him one of TV’s most lovable sidekicks. When Ralph barked, "Get out!" we all knew Ed would be back by breakfast.

6

Barney Fife, Mayberry’s greatest deputy

Image: Bruna Araujo

Every small town has that one guy who means well but causes chaos. For The Andy Griffith Show , that was Barney Fife. Don Knotts’ Barney turned bumbling into an art form: nervous, loyal, and always just one mistake away from disaster. Andy’s patience made for perfect chemistry, and together they gave us some of TV’s most wholesome laughs.

7

Art Garfunkel, the harmony behind the melody

Image: Marius Masalar

Paul Simon may have written most of the hits, but without Art Garfunkel’s golden voice, those songs wouldn’t have soared. Bridge Over Troubled Water still gives goosebumps thanks to Art’s heartfelt delivery. His harmonies gave Paul’s lyrics wings, and even though Simon got most of the credit, Garfunkel made sure the music had a soul.

8

George Costanza, Jerry Seinfeld’s lovable disaster

Image: freestocks

George Costanza was the friend you couldn’t live with or without. Selfish, neurotic, and hopelessly insecure, he somehow made Jerry appear to be the most well-adjusted man in New York. Jason Alexander turned George’s every meltdown into a comedy masterclass. As sidekicks go, he’s the one who proves misery really does love company.

9

Chewbacca, Han Solo’s fuzzy conscience

Image: Justin Wilkens

Who needs words when a growl says it all? Chewbacca was more than Han Solo’s co-pilot; he was his moral compass, mechanic, and best friend rolled into one very hairy package. Brave, loyal, and endlessly patient, Chewie made the galaxy far, far away feel a little more human.

10

Donkey, the heart of Shrek

Image: Dovydas Žilinskas

If there’s one friend who’ll stick with you no matter how grumpy you are, that’s Donkey. Voiced by Eddie Murphy, this chatterbox proves that friendship can melt even an ogre’s heart. He sang, he talked (a lot!), and he taught us that everyone deserves to be loved… How could we not love him?

1

The 1920s: Flappers and a new sense of freedom

The 1920s brought a new sense of independence and modernity to American women, and fashion reflected that changing attitude. After centuries of restrictive styles, women embraced clothes that allowed greater freedom of movement and a more youthful appearance.

Flapper dresses, bobbed hair, cloche hats, Mary Jane shoes, and long strands of pearls became signatures of the decade. The rebellious flapper embodied this new attitude, with silent film star Louise Brooks becoming one of the era's most recognizable style icons.

2

The 1930s: Hollywood glamour

The hardships of the Great Depression contrasted sharply with the glamorous world presented on the silver screen. Hollywood offered an escape, and movie stars became powerful influences on how American women wanted to look. Fashion was elegant and feminine, with clothing designed to create a long, graceful silhouette.

Bias-cut dresses, fitted gowns, wide-leg trousers, fur-trimmed coats, and chic hats were popular, while satin and silk added a touch of luxury. Jean Harlow, known for her platinum-blonde hair and glamorous gowns, was one of the decade’s most celebrated style icons, alongside other actresses such as Carole Lombard.

3

The 1940s: Fashion during wartime

World War II brought practicality to the forefront. With fabric rationed and millions of women entering the workforce, clothing had to be functional, durable, and economical without completely sacrificing style.

Tailored suits, shorter skirts, button-up blouses, trousers, sturdy shoes, and simple dresses became everyday staples. The iconic image of Rosie the Riveter, with her work shirt, rolled-up sleeves, and headscarf, came to symbolize the capable working woman of wartime America.

4

The 1950s: The feminine silhouette returns

The postwar years ushered in a very different mood. As prosperity grew, fashion celebrated femininity, polish, and carefully put-together appearances. The hourglass figure became the decade's ideal silhouette.

Full skirts, cinched waists, fitted sweaters, gloves, pearls, and tailored dresses dominated women's wardrobes. Hollywood stars reinforced the look: Marilyn Monroe represented glamorous, voluptuous femininity, while Grace Kelly became synonymous with restrained, sophisticated style.

5

The 1960s: Mini skirts and mod style

The 1960s belonged to youth culture. Younger women were challenging traditional ideas about fashion and society , and clothing became a way to express independence and a willingness to break the rules.

Mini skirts, shift dresses, go-go boots, bold geometric prints, colorful tights, and bright colors gave the decade its unmistakable look. British designer Mary Quant became closely associated with the mini skirt, while First Lady Jackie Kennedy influenced millions of women with her polished dresses, pillbox hats, and timeless elegance.

6

The 1970s: From hippie to disco

Individuality was the name of the game in the 1970s. The decade's fashion reflected everything from the counterculture and growing women's movement to the glamorous nightlife of the disco era.

Early on, bell-bottom jeans, flowing maxi dresses, peasant blouses, fringe, denim, suede, and platform shoes dominated. Later, sequined dresses, jumpsuits, halter tops, and metallic fabrics took over the dance floor. Diana Ross was one of the era's standout style icons, effortlessly embodying its glamorous side.

7

The 1980s: Big shoulders and bigger statements

Confidence, and plenty of it, defined the 1980s. As more women entered professional and corporate environments, clothing became a way to project ambition and authority , while pop culture encouraged an equally bold approach outside the office.

Power suits, shoulder pads, oversized blazers, leggings, bright colors, statement jewelry, and wide belts captured the decade's love of excess. Madonna influenced a younger generation with lace, layered jewelry, leggings, and rebellious accessories, while Dynasty’s Joan Collins represented the decade's polished glamour.

8

The 1990s: Casual becomes fashionable

After the extravagance of the 1980s, fashion took a more relaxed turn. The idea that clothes could be stylish without looking overly polished gained ground, and casualwear moved firmly into the mainstream. Grunge also made its mark, bringing a deliberately undone attitude to everyday fashion.

Straight-leg jeans, flannel shirts, slip dresses, simple T-shirts, sneakers, and minimalist dresses became staples. Inspired by the grunge scene, many women embraced layered, oversized, and thrift-store-inspired looks. Princess Diana was a major style influence, particularly for her effortlessly chic casual outfits, while supermodel Kate Moss represented an edgy, minimalist glamour.

9

The 2000s: Low-rise jeans and celebrity style

Early-2000s fashion was playful, youthful, and heavily influenced by celebrities. Low-rise jeans, cropped tops, velour tracksuits, tiny handbags, platform sandals, and logo-covered clothing were everywhere. Matching sets and highly coordinated outfits were also popular, creating some of the decade’s most recognizable looks.

Celebrities became fashion trendsetters on an unprecedented scale. Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton were among the decade’s most recognizable style icons, with their outfits frequently appearing in magazines, celebrity news shows, and online. For many women, keeping up with the latest celebrity looks became almost as important as following traditional fashion trends.

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The 2010s: Social media changes fashion

The 2010s ushered fashion into a new digital era. Instagram, fashion blogs, and social media changed how women discovered trends, while celebrities, influencers, and even everyday users could become style authorities. What people wore could suddenly reach millions of people with a single post.

Skinny jeans, leggings, statement necklaces, jumpsuits, sneakers, and athleisure became everyday favorites. Women increasingly mixed casual pieces with more polished ones, creating looks that worked just as well for running errands as they did for going out. Kim Kardashian became one of the decade’s most influential style figures, while fast fashion made it easier than ever to follow new trends.

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The 2020s: Comfort meets personal style

The 2020s have brought a more flexible approach to fashion. Comfort has become a major priority, with wide-leg pants, oversized shirts, relaxed denim, sneakers, matching sets, and other comfortable basics becoming everyday favorites. At the same time, women have more freedom to decide what feels stylish and authentic to them.

Rather than following one dominant look, women today can mix styles from different decades, combining vintage dresses with modern sneakers or classic pieces with contemporary trends. The biggest trend of the 2020s so far may simply be personal expression.