As perhaps could be expected, I am now receiving messages from folks who live in or around Kansas City informing me that those who recommended Gates Barbecue are fools who wouldn't know a proper rib if it was used to create the first woman. (There's a better way to phrase that joke but I don't have time now for cosmetic surgery.) Most of them are suggesting not only Arthur Bryant's but that I insist on the original location of Arthur Bryant's.
If 'tis possible, I will check out both Gates and Arthur Bryant's during my brief Kansas City visit. I must admit this will not be as joyous an experience as it might have been a few years ago, back before my Gastric Bypass Surgery. Gone are the days when I could/would devour huge combo platters in such places. The stomach simply won't accommodate large portions. When dining out in L.A., I always plan to take at least 40% of my meal home and sometimes it's more like 65%. That's not always practical while travelling.
Anyway, I'll tell you which barbecue eatery I like best and then that will settle the matter, once and for all. You will all be required to agree with me and the restaurant I don't prefer will have to go out of business immediately. (I'm sorry if you work at the place I order closed…but that's the way these things work.)