One of the highlights at the inaugural Slow Food Nations was the History of BBQ dinner that showcased The Tradition of South Carolina Whole Hog Barbecue – arguably the slowest food that exists. Attendees got a glimpse into the rural South of the past while eating South Carolina Whole Hog BBQ prepared by sought-after pitmaster Dr. Howard Conyers.

After the pig was pulled from heat, but before the dinner began, Kat Johnson was able to spend a few minutes speaking with Dr. Conyers, who by day makes use of his PhD in Mechanical Engineering by working as an engineer at NASA Stennis Space Center. By night and weekend, he travels the nation to host educational dinners on South Carolina Barbecue.