Any question about BBQ is an IMPORTANT question in my book. BBQ is a food group, ya know. I think you were smelling the "Up In Smoke BBQ" joint. I've been there a couple of times, and will definately dine there again. Here's what I thought.
The parking lot in front isn't paved, but it's free of potholes and has ample parking up close. When I walked in the front door, I was immediately greeted by one of the staff and/or proprietors. They expressed a genuine appreciation that I came in, and took an honest intrest in making me comfortable.
The decor on the inside was simple and functional with autographed pictures and paraphealia of professional atheletes and celeberties. It didn't have the cluttered "white trashy" look that I've seen too many times in highway BBQ joints. The tables were covered with simple, red and white checkerboard pattern tablecloths, and the normal assortment of condiments. While the chairs were metal framed and armless, they were light, padded and functional.
As I stated previously, I take my BBQ very seriously. I take pride in the fact that I know good BBQ when I taste it, and what it takes to make it so. With that said, I found the food delicious. This was definately good BBQ. It wasn't that overly fatty meat that was cooked too fast in a conventional oven and drowned in a cold bbq sauce that tastes like ketchup with a little honey and lemon added to it. This meat was slow-smoked with wood in an accual PIT. The quality of the meat was way above average, and it was obvious that these people take pride in thier food.
The meat had an excellent flavor and was tender, without even a hint of dryness. They applied the right amount of herbs and spices to accentuate(sp*) the flavor of the meat without covering it up. It's obvious that these folks use thier own recipe. There was no generic taste to it whatsoever.
The BBQ sauce was thier own as well. It had a sweet tangy flavor that didn't drown the taste of the meat. Had the perfect consistancy as well; not too thick, not too watery, juuuuuuuust rite! I could drink this stuff straight. It was served a little bit hotter than most establishments, and I could tell that this recipe took decades to perfect. They serve beef, chicken, sausage, ribs and I think they even serve turkey. I had sliced beef, half pound of pork ribs, and a vegatable.
Up In Smoke offers a decent selection of vegatables and side orders, as well. The quality and freshness are comparable to the meat. I was given a slice of Texas toast with my meal that was buttered and toasted on both sides.
The only negatives I found took nothing away from the restaraunt. The portions could have been just a little bigger. Not that they were small by any means. I'm just a pig.
The plates that the food came on were just enough to hold your full order, so I had to pay special attention as not to spill on the table. Not really an issue since I don't have to clean off the table when I'm done.
All in all, the dining experience was well worth the half hour I took to stop and eat. The service was friendly, quick and competant. The prices are reasonable and fair. In fact, they could probably get away with charging a little more, but we'll just leave that out of thier suggestion box.
I'd highly suggest Up In Smoke BBQ to anyone. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
AMEN
[This message has been edited by Mudcat (edited 06-11-2003).]
