Smoke

8/15/10 Dallas, TX. So the neighborhood of Oak Cliff is now trendy and what better way to say "I'm hip" than spend $50 on BBQ for two people? Price point aside, this place is fantastic. I ordered the ribs plate that came with mac & cheese and pickled green beans. The ribs were unbelievable, big, tender, seasoned but not overpowering. And man, bring an appetite because the ribs are piled high! The mac & cheese was very good and my daughter ate most of mine. 2 years olds are natural mac & cheese experts. The macaroni was as big as a garden hose. White cheese with some sprinkled bread crumbs on top, this side reminded me of the same side at Uncle Billy's in Austin, but on steroids. The pickled green beans were kind of a gimmick, but were interesting enough to finish.

The pros: Fantastic ribs, fantastic, fantastic, fantastic ribs. I will be back for a brisket and sausage assessment soon. The mac & cheese is pretty much king of its kind. Smoke also gives you four bottles of BBQ sauce. Two of them aren't worth mentioning, but the other two included a mustard sauce that was awesome and a chili pepper sauce that had a delicious kick to it. The cons: Expensive, you're paying for ambiance and presentation, but hey you're cool now right? Also, you order meals with sides that they choose. Next time I'll see if I can pick the meats and sides like a regular BBQ restaraunt.

Smoke is great and if you are in the DFW area, I'd definitly plan on paying them a visit. Looks like Dallas can produce some fantastic 'que, just don't be sticker shocked!

City Market

7/29/10 Luling, TX. The legendary City Market has good ribs, but the brisket is unfortunately underwhelming. If the place were further away from Lockhart it would be better, but it's going to be second string situated where it is. Don't get me wrong, it's good stuff, but stick with the ribs and just enjoy the traditional atmosphere with a Big Red. Consistancy might be a factor here. I've been to City Market several times and it's been fantastic in the past in almost all respects (though I do recall the sausage was so-so).

The bottom line: B+ overall, but with Smitty's up the road it's no contest. Put it up in Dallas, and they'd be rich, rich as Nazis. Yes, I've seen way too many Simpsons reruns. Until next time, Smoke up!

Smitty's Market Inc.

7/22/10 Lockhart, TX. The best food in the world is at Smitty's Market in Lockhart. It doesn't get any better. I got no sides, I forgot to request sauce. Let's roll. Be sure to get brisket, ribs, and sausage at Smitty's because it's all incredible. Eat it that exact order too. Start with the brisket. There are subtle smoke flavors that will reveal themselves on a fresh pallette. Don't be greedy and fill up on brisket though, we've got a ways to go. Next have a swig of Big Red and get ready for the next round with the ribs. Fall off the bone tender, the pork ribs here will rival that of the best BBQ that the deep south can produce (that's a fact, Jack). Rich and flavorful, but not too salty or crusty. They're perfect. Have another splash of Big Red and and gear up for the sausage finale. Welcome to flavor country! The sausage bursts with smoke and spice to round out the experience.

I have no idea if Smitty's has sweet tea or banana pudding. The rules change when the 'que is this good. It truly is the Holy Grail of BBQ and I wouldn't hesitate to make a pilgrimmage to Smitty's every now and then for an out of body experience. The rumors are true, no they don't give you silverware, and yes if you aren't paying attention you might step into the fire. Who knows, maybe it's cocaine in the BBQ? Whatever it is, should something better come along, my head might explode. A++