Smokebelly Serves Up New Culinary Flavors

Staff Report

Smokebelly, the popular Buckhead spot known for its gourmet, chef-crafted approach to classic American barbecue, is getting an infusion of new flavors with the addition of executive chef Nagib Sued. The restaurant also has debuted a new menu, along with a Southern Pride rotisserie smoker.

Sued, who boasts more than a decade of experience at such Atlanta culinary hotspots as Pura Vida and Big Tex Decatur, is excited to expand the restaurant’s current menu. “My love and passion for barbecue goes way back,” he says. “I am focused on taking Smokebelly’s food to the next level. The addition of our new Southern Pride rotisserie smoker has been a game changer, and I am proud to say our smoked pork and brisket is now some of the best I have ever had.”

The revamped menu features new additions - like a pressed banh mi sandwich with smoked pork, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro and pickled vegetables - and new takes on familiar favorites, including hummus with smoked and roasted red peppers, a barbecue chicken sandwich Sued describes as “sexy as can be,” with pulled, smoked chicken, avocado, tomatoes, arugula and barbecue ranch dressing., a kale salad (entrée salad or side salad option) and a smoked half- chicken plate. In addition, Sued has worked with the team to improve any item that he thought could be better.

The chef says his favorite new item may be the sharable “killer skillet mac and cheese,” featuring such inventive offerings as bacon and smoked feta with diced Peppadew peppers; the “Buffalo,” with smoked turkey, blue cheese and scallions drizzled in hot sauce; and the “Porky Pig,” with smoked pork, green onions and pork crackling “crumbs.” These reflect Sued’s passion for taking classic barbecue staples in new and intriguing directions. “As corny as it sounds,” he says, “if I don’t like it, and I’m not excited about it, it’s not going on the menu.