Texas Monthly's Daniel Vaughn on all things BBQ ... and eating at 2,500-plus joints

* Coming up with the revered Top 50 and how he whittles it down

* All the flavors and regions and what stands out

* Oh, the stories ... from influencing the market, to quality bites around the state, the travels and dealing with bad barbecue

* Smokin' Hot Tip: Easiest meats to try for entry-level backyard pitmasters