Okay. I had to fast for a couple of days to completely recover from BBQ overload, but oh was it worth it. I started the KC tour at Arthur Bryant's as noted above. I always thought that Gates had the best sauce, but I was thrilled with the Rich and Spicy sauce at Bryant's. So, I had to test my new theory and went to Gates. I think Gates sauce still rules. It is a great consistency and is a nice blend of sweet and spicy. It's the best sauce in the land. Still, the overall BBQ experience isn't quite as good. I went with my brother on this tour and ordered one beef brisket sandwich and an order of burnt ends. The burnt ends were disappointing and no where close to Bryant's. Kind of a carmalized mess. The brisket was very good, and as I said the sauce is phenomenal. Bryant's is bucket list material. Gates is probably not, but it is really good and when in Rome . . . Next stop, Oklahoma Joe's. I had heard so much that I had to try it with my final stop on the tour. It is a couple of blocks from my old high school and is actually inside of the gas station I used to fill up at as a Senior. Yep, the restaurant is in a gas station. First thing that struck me was the long line to get in and order. Second was the smell. Just fantastic and it made the wait even longer. They have standard sandwiches but they also have specialty sandwiches, so again, when in Rome . . . I ordered the Z Man which is perhaps their most famous or equal to their pulled pork. The Z Man was a beef brisket sandwich with smoked provolone and onion rings with just a brush of sauce on a kaiser bun. It was really good. The meat was smoked to perfection. The sauce was good but again, probably not up to Gates standard. The thing that really stands out here were the sides. The fries were the best I have had at a BBQ. The baked beans and slaw were also very good. Honestly, I'd add it to the bucket list. Oh, I almost forgot. My Dad got the ribs so I had a couple. Really good. Tender fall off the bone meat and sticky, gooey sauce with the right "tang" factor for ribs. I think next time, I'm just going for a full slab with some sides. In addition to some outstanding feed, I already have a list of places for the next trip. As v mentioned above, I was told that LC's is very good and close to Royals stadium and Arrowhead. Next, I was told to try Hayward's Pit BBQ in Overland Park. My understanding is that Haward Spears learned the trade from Arthur Bryant before setting up his own shop. Finally, there is a little old place in KCK called Rosedale BBQ that is also on the list. It's apparently been around forever. The bottom line is this. KC has a reputation for great BBQ and it is well deserved. Fantastic stuff. Btw, the new Sporting stadium looks fantastic, so for all of you MLS/BBQ fans, this is a must trip.
Btw, I brought home a jar of Gates sauce and put some on a burger tonight. It travels well. If anyone is interested, you can order some here: http://www.gatesbbq.com/Products.aspx?CATID=1 You can't go wrong with the "Classic" original sauce.
Sweet. Sounds like a great trip back to the old hometown. I hope you got some work done and don't forget to to make an appointment with your cardiologist.
Next stop on my bucket list – Black’s BBQ, Lockhart Texas Why it is on the list: Oldest BBQ joint in Texas and the brisket is legendary and they sell their meat by the pound, not the plate. What am I going to eat: 1 pound of brisket, duh! I am not going to do a big write up, I’ll let Edgar Black explain why Black’s in on the bucket list: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QznrQ7JQMpo&feature=player_detailpage"]YouTube - Black's BBQ[/ame] The Black's BBQ website: http://www.blacksbbq.com/default.aspx
When I get to the Lockhart area I’m doing the rounds… Black’s, Smitty’s, Kruez. With a side trip to Lexington and Snow’s. Please advise on any other joints I need to hit.
Checkout Texas Monthly's BBQ review - they also have City Market in Luling in the top 5 and Louis Mueller in Taylor. I didn't think Louis Mueller was that special but it's decent. Snows: http://www.texasmonthly.com/2008-06-01/feature5.php Edit - you have to register to get the articles.
There is a BBQ place near me that smokes salmon and serves it chilled with a dill sauce. My wife gets it and it is really, really good. Today I a smoking ribs and watching the Masters. Not a bad combo.
Assuming Atlanta has similar weather, it is definitely a BBQ day for you. Looks beautiful there. You know, I've always wanted to like salmon, but I just don't. It's supposed to be really good for you, its good smoked etc. I've had people say, "well, try this, it's really GOOD salmon," and I do hoping that I will like it and just never do. I do other fish on the grill, but I'm not sure if its any better than cooking it in a frying pan.
I hate you with the passion of a thousand white hot suns...ah ******** it. I need to learn how to cook.
Maybe this will help.... BBQ porn from this weekends cookout: Ribs first on the grill: Low ‘n Slow is the key: Now it's just a matter of waiting:
Look me up if you are ever in Atlanta, I'll hook you up. Just be forewarned, BBQ is a redneck's crack cocaine x 1000.
Chris - I'm the same way. There are lots of interesting preparations of salmon, but I just can't stand the taste of that fish. And the typical whitefish that I can stomach just does not inspire creative recipes. Hey, did you ever get over to Smoque on the northwest side?
It's also this Irishman's craic. And if I' m ever in Atlanta I'll take you you up on the offer. I'll supply the beer.
I'm heading to Brooklyn this coming weekend for my nephew's birthday and will try to get out to one of these BBQ spots. Does anyone have a strong preference between Fette Sau and Mable's?
Try some SaltLick in driftwood, south of austin. but for better brisket, try Rudys in southwest Austin. blacks, meh.
They are actually pretty close to each other so if one is busy/crowded you can try the other. If weather is nice - Fette Sau is an outdoor eating experience - they used to have tons of bourbon but I'm not sure if they are still doing that. I've only been to Mable's once so I can't swear by it but I enjoyed the experience the first time - and I haven't been to Fette Sau in forever but while I like it, it can make me feel a little like I've been drinking bacon fat - but that's because I can't resist ordering the bbq pork belly which can be inspired when it's not too fatty (yes, i know that sounds ridiculous).
I'm a fan of Rudy's even though the last time I was there it wasn't great - but SaltLick is a tourist spot - not sure it's really serious bbq. It's a pleasant experience though to go eat there.
I've learned to like Salmon in some forms, but I appreciate what you're saying - I grew up not liking fishy fish, but I've learned to really appreciate mackerel. Grilled shioyaki mackerel and a cold beer is one of my dream meals - when done right. And speaking of bbq - there is a company in Long Island that is doing smoked blue fish which I really want to try. It can be too funky fishy for me, but I've heard smoking takes some of the edge off.