• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Pig Island

Pig Island Farm and Chef Festival

  • Events & Recaps
  • Media
  • Sponsors
    • I Like Pig eBook
  • Contact
  • Newlsetter
  • Blog

Chef Spotlight On: Tank Jackson of Holy City Hogs in Charleston, South Carolina

Food Karma’s Communications Director, Dylan Heuer recently talked with Tank Jackson about his Heritage breed hogs, why he considers himself a “hippie farmer,” and what he’ll be making at Pig Island NYC! 

Photo by Jonathan Boncek, Charleston City Paper

Dylan Heuer: When did you start cooking and how did you get into barbecue?

Tank Jackson: It was a family tradition. We didn’t own a restaurant or anything, just my dad always taught [my brother and me] how to cook outside on the fire. Probably when I was about 12, I started cooking. That’s about the age when you can start messing with the fire, before that you’re just finding firewood and picking up sticks. After that, it was probably 1999, 2000 [when] we started talking about doing the Pig Jig (a food festival in Vienna, Georgia). I graduated high school in ’97; I was off at college and it was something me and my dad and my brother could get together and do.

Dylan Heuer: What makes the BBQ scene in Charleston special? 

Tank Jackson: The farm to table – the extremely tight-knit relationships your top tier chefs have with local producers and their affinity for having something special. One of my favorite chefs is named Mike Lata. He told me a long time ago – I said Mike why is your food so delicious? And he said Tank, it’s because I take the best ingredients and I don’t mess ’em up.

Dylan Heuer: Tell me more about the Heritage breed hogs you raise.

Tank Jackson: I’ll be bringing a pure-bred Ossabaw Island Pig [to Pig Island NYC]. It came over with the Spanish conquistadors. They’ve been here longer than it’s been the United States. So I’m bringing one of the oldest and tastiest pigs in the world to the competition. I call it ‘Carolina Ibérico’ because I raise them extremely similar to the way they raise Iberian hogs. These pigs have been on Ossabaw Island, Georgia for 400-500 years unchanged by man. The fat on these pigs is unctuous as it gets. It’s like an umami. It coats your mouth like velvet. They would know the difference between my hog and any other hog they taste just by the fat, the way it will taste on their tongue.

Dylan Heuer: What is unique about the living environment and diet of the pigs at Holy City Hogs? 

Tank Jackson: At Holy City Hogs, we give all of our animals space to roam –  there are no cages, they move around in different sections of woods and pastures. We recycle with – we food-cycle [by using] food that’s never been used [and would otherwise go to waste]. We’re putting it into our pigs instead into the landfill. I’ve worked with a local dairy to reclaim anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 gallons of milk a week for our hogs, so they are milk fed pigs. They also are fed a diet of local corn and oats. We get seasonal produce from several other farmers. And we get culls. We’ve worked with Vertical Roots which is an organic indoor-lettuce operation, and we basically get the cuttings, the trimmings and the culls that don’t make it to the salad. Not salad quality. Not that pretty but it’s still great for the pigs.

We name and pet out pigs. We like to have a close-knit relationship with our hogs. We treat them like pets until the day that they are gone, We use a humane slaughterhouse that uses CO2 so that out pigs literally fall asleep on an elevator we don’t use a stun bolt nor do we slice their throat. It’s a the happiest way to go down. We’re hippie farmers. My wife and I run the operation entirely with the help of only one volunteer. And we distribute New York, Nashville, and New Orleans, as well as Charleston, our home place.

Dylan Heuer: Rodrigo Duarte also raises Heritage breed hogs, and he is the defending champion of Best Whole Hog at Pig Island. Are you ready to face him as your competition? 

Tank Jackson: That’s why I’m coming. We’re excited for the challenge and we look forward to seeing him on the battlefield. I don’t think I’ll have to beat him. I think my hogs are gonna be better than his hog. That’s what I’m gonna rest on, I’m gonna rest it on my pig. He’s probably a hell of a lot better chef than I am. because I’m just a country-ass cook from Charleston, but my hog is what rises my food to the top.

Dylan Heuer: You’ll be joined by Ed Randolph for Pig Island, who is a recent Chopped champion and the owner of New York’s Handsome Devil BBQ. How do you know Ed and what are you looking forward to about this collaboration?

Tank Jackson: I worked with Ed down at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. I had a great time working with him down there and since I needed some help, why not bring in a local boy to help me out with some of these New York attitudes.

Dylan Heuer: Tell me about the dish you’ll be preparing for Pig Island.

Tank Jackson: I will tell you some of the ingredients but I’m not gonna let the whole cat out of the bag. We’re gonna be using whole hog barbecue, 24 month-old ham cured by Dakota hams out of Somerset, Kentucky, ghost pepper cheese infused sausages, and South Carolina collard greens cooked down in Ossabaw Island lard. It’s gonna be a 100+ pound pig, there’s so much fat in the Ossabaw, to render it all down without overheating anything, I’ll be cooking around 211 degrees for 22-24 hours.

Photo of Tank Jackson and Carl Ruiz by Paul Cheney @pecheney

Filed Under: Blog, Chefs Interviews Tagged With: Chef Interview, Holy City Hogs, Tank Jackson

Primary Sidebar

foodkarmanyc

@queenofthegrill crushes it ! Great interview @the @queenofthegrill crushes it ! Great interview @thesmokesheet !

Enter that sauce in 2022 @saucekingnyc ??!!
Register now thru August 20 at Www.saucekingnyc.com 

Prizes include @kikuichi.cutlery @porterroad @prime6charcoal @porkmafia @burlapandbarrel @tasteofthebronx 

#hotsauce #wingsauce #barbecuesauce
@pigislandnyc 2021 highlights . See you all Septem @pigislandnyc 2021 highlights . See you all September 10, 2022 at @snugharborccbg
@pigislandnyc Save the date. Saturday Sept 10. @pigislandnyc 
Save the date. 
Saturday Sept 10. 
13th annual.
All inclusive food and drink tasting event. 
Early bird and VIP tickets on sale at Www.pigisland.com 

Community partner @friendsoffirefighters 

Chefs sneak peak includes: @rodrigo_duarte79 @badtz281 @bluesmokenyc @morgansbrooklynbbq @chef_jes1
@gratefulbao
@themeathook
@steak__gyllenhaal
@mostlywildnfree
@smokingofmeats

** Steak Club by @thefoodballer

And special bbq guests via @philwingo #porkmafiastreetcrew @olchefskis_bbq @nolacrawfishking 

Plus , sauces by @bhutguy @coneyislandsaucery @bayougotham @xillinyc @nacxi_gaxiola 

Photo montage of @jtaggfoto photos for our 2015 @iacpculinary Book Award Finalist receipe cookbook, I Like Pig, written/ edited by @Rachelwharton.
Ebook available via Amazon at Www.ilikepig.com 

#pigislandnyc
#nycbbq
#ilikepig
#pigperfect
#nosetotail
#farmtochef
@bluesmokenyc put bbq on the map in NYC over 20 ye @bluesmokenyc put bbq on the map in NYC over 20 years ago.
Now its better than ever, with chef @bret_lunsford and souschef @tyronegrizz .

They've been winning awards all year at our @foodkarmanyc chef/bbq events:
@brisketkingnyc
@ribkingnyc

Now they'll be back for a Food Karma  NYC trifecta September 10 at the 13th annual @pigislandnyc .

Now in our 3rd year at the historic, 83 acre @snugharborccbg and @heritagefarmnyc on Staten Island NYC. Ferry ride to flavor !

Tickets at Www.pigisland.com 
All inclusive food and drink tasting event,  early bird $55 and vip $85 with 1 hiur early admit at 11am and a tshirt.

Community partner @friendsoffirefighters 

Thanks for the support @kikuichi.cutlery
@prime6charcoal
@prairiefresh
@beamsuntory
@flagshipbrewery

#pigislandnyc #nycbbq #nycfest #ilikepig
One of our judges @totally.forked in 2020. Regist One of our judges @totally.forked in 2020.

Register now thru August 20 for the 3rd Annual Sauce King NYC awards.

Register. Submit, info at our site
Www.saucekingnyc.com 

Salud!
Hot sauce, bbq Sauce, condiments.
@rgnywine from North Fork, NY. ROSE with your summ @rgnywine from North Fork, NY.
ROSE with your summer bbq!
Thanks for pouring at our recent @ribkingnyc event.

More wine at @pigislandnyc this year September 10.
@snugharborccbg 

Community partner @friendsoffirefighters 

All inclusive VIP and early bird food and drink tasting tickets at Www.pigisland.com
Register your sauces for 2022 @saucekingnyc awards Register your sauces for 2022 @saucekingnyc awards competition. Live now at Www.saucekingnyc.com 

Photo - @bhutguy rocked it out at our recent @foodkarmanyc event. @ribkingnyc 

They won top hot sauce and hot ketchup awards at our 2020 Sauce King NYC. 

2022 awards registration is live at www saucekingnyc.com 
Read about past winners and categories.
Submit your sauces by August 20, 2022.

#saucekingnyc #barbecuesauce #hotsauce
Great recap of last weekend's @ribkingnyc 2022 in Great recap of last weekend's @ribkingnyc 2022 in nycbbq.com, written by bbq chef Sean Keever @boomboombbq

Here is an excerpt of the article. Thanks for shout out , Sean. Looking forward to our next culinary BBQ fest @pigislandnyc
September 10.

Photo by @nycbbq of Sean receiving his @kikuichi.cutlery knife prize for the " smokey Robinson award: best smoked ribs" from judges @erfedida @bacongurubb13

'Having competed in I don’t know how many Kansas City Barbecue Society contests over the past 15 plus years, this was my first time competing at Rib King, and I have to tell you, it will not be the last. Rib King reminds me of the reason many of us got into competitive cooking, not just to compete and win but to bring smiles to people's faces as they taste our food...." - Sean Keever

Big shout outs to rental crew @traifhustlin @nickband1 am, top 3 winning chefs @smokingofmeats @bark_barbecue @bluesmokenyc 

Community partner @friendsoffirefighters 

Coming up next
13th Pig Island NYC,  September 10, at @snugharborccbg 
Www.pigisland.com 

#nycbbq #ribkingnyc #pigislandnyc
Ferry ride to flavor. Back in 2020. We moved our Ferry ride to flavor.

Back in 2020. We moved our annual @ribkingnyc and @pigislandnyc culinary/bbq events to the historic 83 acre @snugharborccbg on #statenislandnyc .

Photo by
Heritage hog farmer , and farm to chef guru Tank Jackson @holycityhog , who was inspired and coined #ferryridetoflavor 

Today is Memorial Day 2022 . Ride the Staten Island ferry across New York harbor, tip your hat to Lady Liberty who has inspired many people around the world since  1886. 

Thanks for joining us , Tank Jackson, once again with your taste of the south- this menu featured: 
@holycityhogs heritage pork sliders. @misspaulashrimp shrimp , @tanksup42 all purpose seasoning.  @lowlandfarms sweet onions, @bronwoodbeef ,
@lococookers. And his NYC crew @david_vitola86 @pete.romano and Denise.

Paired with @rgnywine
North Fork NY wines.

Tank has introduced us to many culinary gems, including @dakotahams aged country hams #Kentucky .

He takes inspiration from the NYC  author of "Pig Perfect"  @peterkaminsky1 , as well as from Francis Mallman- the legend of cooking with salt, wood, and good meat.

#ribkingnyc
#pigislandnyc
#cookingwithfire #nycbbq #walkinginstaten
Everybody's favorite CHEF JESSE JONES IS BRINGING Everybody's favorite
 CHEF JESSE JONES IS BRINGING THE POW!

Chef Jesse Jones (@chef_jes1) has been participating in Food Karma events for YEARS, most recently @brisketkingnyc, and always wins over the crowd with his personality, energy, and, of course, his food. Known for his modern approach to southern cuisine using French techniques, Jesse is a renowned chef and author, has a successful catering company, and comes with a long list of accolades.

What does he have in store for us this year? You'll have to come by @ribkingnyc on May 28th to find out! At @brisketkingnyc 2021, he won the "Unsung Hero" award for his brisket served on his mother's biscuits (YUM) and was the winner of the judges' "Best in Show" award at @pigislandnyc in 2018, so expect the same POW with the ribs he'll be serving up.

Prime Ribs - @prairiefresh ● Charcoal - @prime6charcoal ● Chef Prizes - @kikuichi.cutlery ● Vegetables sourced from @farmer.ezra of @heritagefarmnyc (onsite)

Community Partner - @friendsoffirefighters
@ribkingnyc is next weekend May 28 at @snugharborc @ribkingnyc is next weekend May 28 at @snugharborccbg 

___
All time favorite rib
photo by @jtaggfoto in our "I Like Pig" recipe e- cookbook , by @rachelwharton ,2015 @iacpculinary book award finalist. 
Recipe by @cathyerway , #charsiupork ribs
___

It's all about the flavor!
We will have 2 Asian restaurants cooking with us.
Chef Fefe of @tasteofsurabaya #indonesia
And
@zabbputawn #Northernthai

Community partner @friendsoffirefighters

All inclusive food and drink tickets at www.Ribkingnyc.com 

Buy the Pig Island NYC recipe e-cookbook at Www.ilikepig.com

Thanks @jmooski52 for reposting this special photo.

#ribkingnyc #ribking #charsiupork 
#ferryridetoflavor #kickoffsummer
May 28. @ribkingnyc at @snugharborccbg Kick off s May 28. @ribkingnyc at @snugharborccbg 
Kick off summer with us! Ferry ride to flavor!

First-timer at a @foodkarmanyc event, @zabbputawn, impressed the crowds with their crying tiger brisket at this year's @brisketkingnyc and will bring their unique twist on traditional ribs to @ribkingnyc later this month!

@zabbputawn is an authentic Northern and Northeastern Thai restaurant on the Upper West Side from Michelin-starred chef, Therdtus Tony Rittaprom. Chef Tony learned to cook from his parents in Isan, and Zabb PuTawn is a nod to his Jackson Heights restaurant, Zabb Elee, where he earned the Michelin star for his unapologetic Isan fare in 2015.

The ribs they'll be serving up will be like nothing you've ever had before! Link in bio to get your tickets!

Prime Ribs - @prairiefresh ● Charcoal - @prime6charcoal ● Chef Prizes - @kikuichi.cutlery ● Vegetables sourced from @farmer.ezra of @heritagefarmnyc (onsite)

Community Partner - @friendsoffirefighters
Off the heels of a win at @brisketkingnyc for "Bes Off the heels of a win at @brisketkingnyc for "Best Traditional Brisket," @bret_lunsford of @ushgnyc's @bluesmokenyc is back to compete at this year's @ribkingnyc! May 28!

@bret_lunsford was born in Atlanta, GA and grew up in Texas and Mississippi, giving him a taste of flavors from the south. Between grilling with his father, cooking with his grandma, and watching icons like Julia Child & Emeril Lagasse on TV, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in food. He worked at Outback Steakhouse while in college, where he was able to experiment in the kitchen, and later enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America to obtain formal training. 

Post-graduation, @bret_lunsford joined @ushgnyc, initially as a line cook at Gramcery Tavern, then Untitled, then onto Blue Smoke and Jazz Standard, and nine years later, he's currently the Executive Chef at @bluesmokenyc where you can taste the southern influences in his food. 

Will @bret_lunsford bring home another win? Come to @ribkingnyc on Saturday, May 28th from 12-4 pm to find out! 

Prime Ribs - @prairiefresh ● Charcoal - @prime6charcoal ● Chef Prizes - @kikuichi.cutlery ● Vegetables sourced from @farmer.ezra of @heritagefarmnyc (onsite)

Community Partner - @friendsoffirefighters
The money shot from last year's @ribkingnyc aka 5 The money shot from last year's  @ribkingnyc aka 5 Boro PicNYC. @seaislandforge grill in action!

Tank Jackson cooked @holycityhogs pork sliders @lowlandfarms @edistogoldhoney on a Sea Island Forge grill. Photo by Seal Ludwig/ nycbbq.com
______

@holycityhog Tank Jackson will be back this year at Rib King NYC 2022, May 28 at @snugharborccbg #statenislandnyc cooking 2 stations, Taste of the South.
1. HOLY CITY HOGS  pork sliders, 2. Shrimp and grits @marshhenmill @misspaulashrimp 

All-inclusive, food and drink, walk around tasting event.
Tickets at Ribkingnyc.com 

Community partner @friendsoffirefighters festuring 2 firefighter chefs , John and Vinnie #redhookraiders

Vegetables from the farm on site @heritagefarmnyc @farmer.ezra will be cooked on the Sea Island Forge. 

"Jamon", echoes of Spain station. @dakotahams 24 month aged country ham, sliced by @masterhamnyc ; @tierracallada olive oil and conservas; and Basque inspired ciders by @brooklynciderhouse @twinstarorchards 

10 chefs competing in the 4th Rib King NYC , co-hosted by @nycbbq , featuring @prairiefresh Prime Ribs and  @boomboombbq @bark_barbecue @bluesmokenyc @smoke_sweats @zabbputawn  @chef_jes1 @chefraymondzmohan @lolosseafoodshack @badtz281 @jasebbq more

Hot sauces @bayougotham
@coneyislandsaucery
@bhutguy , pickles @rickspicksnyc 

Hard Cider Alley @romillycidre @avalcider @originalsincider @eastciders , Brooklyn Ciderhouse
Craft beer @flagshipbrewery @killsboro @ramsteinbeer @unionbeerdist @niche.brands.nyc 
Wine from North Fork @rgnywine 
Spirits, welcome cocktails more

#ribkingnyc #5boropicnyc #nycbbq #ferryridetoflavor
Hard Cider Alley , May 28 at @ribkingnyc @herita Hard Cider Alley , May 28 at @ribkingnyc 

@heritagefarmnyc on site at @snugharborccbg 

Photo 2021 of @romillycidre by @pecheney 

Come taste the world of cider with you you ribs.

Kick.off summer with us May 28.
All inclusive food and drink taste events. Tickets at Ribkingnyc.com 

Community partner @friendsoffirefighters 

Ferry ride to flavor

Hard ciders may include Romilly. @brooklynciderhouse @avalcider
@eastciders

#ribkingnyc #hardcideralley #5boropicnyc
Hard cider x brisket! @brisketkingnyc 2022 recap. Hard cider x brisket! 
@brisketkingnyc 2022 recap.

@brooklynciderhouse brought the hard cider to our annual bbq  party in Brooklyn.
2 chefs cooked with their cider...
And "Cooking with Cider" won 2 top awards!
1. @bluesmokenyc @bret_lunsford won " Best Traditional Brisket"
2. @official_sandsjerkhut Darlene Lawrence won " Brought the Sauce" jerk brisket.

Thanks for upping our cider game, Peter Yi and crew at Brooklyn Cider House.

Cider makers join us for several upcoming events ;

@ribkingnyc May 28 featuring Hard Cider Alley @avalcider @eastciders @romillycidre @breweryommegang @originalsincider

CiderFeast New England. June 23. #North of Boston

@pigislandnyc September 10 
@snugharborccbg

And more! 

#cookingwithcider #pickcider #hardcider #ciderbraised #Brisketkingnyc #brisketking #nycbbq #lookslikespain
@brisketkingnyc 10th edition Is next week April 20 @brisketkingnyc 10th edition Is next week April 20. Wednesday . #brooklyn

Featured: Leeland Avellino (@cheflee17), Owner and Pit Boss of @avellinofamilybbq, is coming in from Norwalk, CT to compete at this year's @brisketkingnyc on April 20th!

Leeland was first introduced to barbecue when his friend became an Executive Chef at a BBQ spot in Westport. After spending some time poking around the kitchen, he knew he was meant to pursue a career in barbecue. Over the span of 20+ years, he's developed a few restaurant concepts, traveled around the U.S. to explore some of the top places for barbecue, worked for many years at @dinosaur_bbq in Stamford, CT as the Executive Chef/Partner, among other roles, and started his own family business - initially from his driveaway and now from a commercial kitchen due to its success. 

We can't wait to see what Leeland brings to @pigbeachnyc on April 20th! Link in bio for tickets!

Community Partner: @friendsoffirefighters

A portion of the net proceeds will be donated to the Jeff Michner Foundation

Chef Prizes: @kikuichi.cutlery and @porterroad

Drinks: @laphroaig @makersmark @jimbeamofficial, @michterswhiskey, @avalcider, @ramsteinbeer, @eastciders, @boulevard_beer, @brooklynciderhouse, and @romillycidre

📷: @jaharoni • Chef Leeland Avellino at Brisket King NYC in 2021
POW! Chef Jesse Jones (@chef_jes1) has been partic POW! Chef Jesse Jones (@chef_jes1) has been participating in Food Karma events for YEARS and always wins over the crowd with his personality, energy, and, of course, his food. Known for his modern approach to southern cuisine using French techniques, Jesse is a renowned chef and author, has a successful catering company, and comes with a long list of accolades. 

What does he have in store for us this year? You'll have to come by the event to find out! At @brisketkingnyc 2021, he won the Unsung Hero award for his brisket served with his mother's biscuits, so expect nothing less this time around. 

Community Partner: @friendsoffirefighters

A portion of the net proceeds will be donated to the Jeff Michner Foundation

Chef Prizes: @kikuichi.cutlery and @porterroad

Drinks: @laphroaig @makersmark @jimbeamofficial, @michterswhiskey, @avalcider, @ramsteinbeer, @eastciders, @boulevard_beer, @brooklynciderhouse, and @romillycidre

📸: @pattyybrown • Chef Jesse Jones at Brisket King NYC in 2021
@brisketkingnyc chefs, April 20, Brooklyn.. Featur @brisketkingnyc chefs, April 20, Brooklyn..
Featuring- Cenobio Canalizo (@cenobiocanalizo), Executive Chef at Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue (@morgansbrooklynbbq), started as a dishwasher and worked his way up through NYC's most iconic steakhouses. For the past 22 years, he's worked for GlazierWorks, from @striphouseofficial to @mjsteakhousenyc to his current position at Morgan's. 

Come check out what Cenobio will be preparing for this year's Brisket King NYC on April 20th! Link in bio to get your tickets!

Community Partner: @friendsoffirefighters

A portion of the net proceeds will be donated to the Jeff Michner Foundation

Chef Prizes: @kikuichi.cutlery and @porterroad

Drinks: @michterswhiskey, @avalcider, @ramsteinbeer, @eastciders, @boulevard_beer, @brooklynciderhouse, @romillycidre, and more

#brisketking #brisketking #brooklynfest #nycbbq
We're back at @pigbeachnyc #brooklyn yn. Outdoors We're back at @pigbeachnyc #brooklyn yn.
Outdoors April 20.

10th @brisketkingnyc
15+ chefs, all inclusive food and drink tasting event.
VIP early 5pm admit, and general 6pm admit, tickets at brisketking.com 

Presented by @foodkarmanyc

Community partner @friendsoffirefighters

Chef prizes @kikuichi.cutlery
@porterroad 

Photo 2021 by @jaharoni

Drinks include @michterswhiskey @avalcider @ramsteinbeer @eastciders @boulevard_beer and more

#brisketkingnyc #brisketking #nycbbq #brooklynfest
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Chef Interviews

BBQ with A Side of Stories by Chef Jesse Jones

A Newark native and a North Carolina’s … More... about BBQ with A Side of Stories by Chef Jesse Jones

Authentic Thai BBQ with Zabb Pu Tawn

A Michelin-starred chef with years of … More... about Authentic Thai BBQ with Zabb Pu Tawn

Sauce King Brings Big Green Egg Cookbook for Summer Cookout Season

BBQ Buddha is the award-winning brand … More... about Sauce King Brings Big Green Egg Cookbook for Summer Cookout Season

More Posts from this Category

Tickets On Sale Now

Pig Island 2021 Event Details

Subscribe for Event Updates

loader

Recent Press about Pig Island

Pig Island’s Celebration of Pork Is Back in Red Hook on September 9 – NYC BBQ By Sean Ludwig, August 17, 2018

Pig Island To Test Your Capacity For Pork This September In Red Hook – Post by Gothamist on last years Pig Island event By Nell Case, Aug 1, 2017

Copyright © 2022 · Pig Island · Webpage stuff by Click Revolver