Archive for the ‘Ribs’ Category
Well we are back from a wonderful weekend in Nashville celebrating my lil’ brother’s wedding. Needless to say due to the business of all of that I apologize that this post is a little bit tardy.
Pop Culture Cuisine is officially a year old and we can hardly believe how fast time has flown! Adam and I have loved incorporating all these wonderful culinary adventures into our travels, mostly because of the great memories it has made for us. We have compiled a list of some of our favorite and not so favorite spots to share with you with links so you can read our reviews for yourself. We love food and hope to continue to share lots of great finds with you all along the way.
SIGNATURE DISH
1. Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous’ “Ribs” – Memphis, TN
2. Round Rock Donuts’ “Round Rock Donut” – Round Rock, TX
3. Lucky’s Sandwich Co.’s “Stuffed Sandwich” – Chicago, IL
TASTE
1. The Salt Lick – Driftwood, TX
2. Louie’s – Dallas, TX
3. Twisted Root – Dallas, TX
AMBIANCE
1. The Silver Palm – Chicago, IL
2. Keller’s Drive-in – Dallas, TX
3. The Salt Lick – Driftwood, TX
SERVICE
1. Blue Ash Chili – Anna – Blue Ash, OH
2. Pinkberry – Christine – Orlando, FL
3. Avila’s – Dallas, TX
PRICE
1. The Salt Lick – Driftwood, TX
2. Keller’s Drive-in – Dallas, TX
3. Blue Ash Chili – Blue Ash, OH
OVERALL TOP 5
1. The Salt Lick – Driftwood, TX
2. Manny’s Delicatessen – Chicago, IL
3. Keller’s Drive-in – Dallas, TX
4. Blue Ash Chili – Blue Ash, OH
5. Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous – Memphis, TN
TOP 5 BIGGEST LET DOWNS…NOT WORTH THE HYPE!
1. Jim Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Q – Memphis, TN
2. Willie Mae’s Scotch House – New Orleans, LA
3. Acme Oyster House – New Orleans, LA
4. Drago’s Seafood – New Orleans, LA
5. Juan in a Million – Austin, TX
BEST OF THE REST…HONORABLE MENTION
Best Burger – Twisted Root – Dallas, TX
Best Pizza – Giordano’s – Chicago, IL
Best Sandwich – Lucky’s Sandwich Co. – Chicago, IL
Best BBQ – The Salt Lick – Driftwood, TX
Best Bar Food – J. Gilligan’s “Irish Nachos” – Arlington, TX
Best Cocktail – Pat O’Brien’s “Hurricane” – New Orleans, LA
Most Outrageous Dish – The Silver Palm’s “Three Little Pigs Sandwich” – Chicago, IL
We have a back log of restaurants that we still need to feature and I was shocked when I realized a couple of weeks ago that I still had not talked about this next joint. You all know by now how much we love barbeque, and since we moved back up North, we unfortunately are lacking in that department. This next spot was so memorable that we couldn’t stop talking or thinking about it long after…even now; and this is why we were so shocked when I realized it has been almost six months and we still had not filled all you PCC-ers in on the awesomeness of The Salt Lick. So here we go…
In the small town of Driftwood, Texas (just outside Austin), Scott Thurman and his wife Hisako opened this pit barbecue spot in 1967. Starting off small, he and his sons built a huge pit, where Thurman would stay and cook, and stay with that pit until all the meat sold. Eventually, they built a screened in porch around the pit and The Salt Lick has only grown from there, becoming so popular that they now serve their barbeque to thousands each and every week (actually, the full story of how The Salt Lick and its open pit method came to be is quite interesting, which you can read about here).
So, although we lived in Texas, we were not really familiar with this spot until we saw in on an episode of Travel Channel’s "Man vs. Food"; and we have since seen it on previous Travel Channel shows like "Chowdown Countdown" (#1 for BBQ and #7 OVERALL) and "BBQ Paradise." But after that first feature on "Mav v. Food," we knew it was only a matter of time before we made a road trip to visit our friends in Austin and The Salt Lick. See for yourself…
Dang…it just looks so amazing every time! Now we’ve had plenty of barbeque; and especially when we lived in Dallas, barbeque seemed to be a staple in our diet. However, after seeing that clip, we knew this place had to be tried to see if it would overtake some of the other great ‘Que we’ve had. Lucky for us, it was not long after we watched that episode that we were planning a trip to Austin to visit our friends Dario and Jaclyn; and because the Salt Lick is located a little bit outside of the city, we decided we would hit it up on our way out of town after the visit.
So it was lunchtime on Sunday when we pulled in, and it is pretty breathtaking right from the start. This is no small operation anymore. In fact, they have two large buildings set up…one is a large scale dining/banquet hall for parties (complete with country store), with the other serving as the main restaurant. It truly is an amazing bbq complex…
We put our name in and had a little bit of a wait, but the surroundings are so beautiful and it was such a nice day that we didn’t mind. But I’ll tell you what…it is well worth the wait, because it made us all the more hungry! So when our name was finally called, I was so excited I could hardly contain myself!
What is so great about this place is although it has grown in notoriety, it still has the same feeling of a small down home joint. When you walk inside, you literally walk right by the pit and they even let you back by it to take pictures…I mean how cool is that? And all the tables are simple picnic tables…nothing fancy. You feel like you are right where you should be eating barbecue, in a backyard! So after we were seated and quickly perused the menu, we knew right away we would be ordering the “family style” option. This give you the chance to try all their barbecue specialties and as much as you can stomach…which for us is often a lot; and luckily it was not long before the wonderfulness showed up…
We were definitely sufficiently stuffed after we had our waiter bring us a few different platefuls, but it was well worth it; and although I don’t usually condone over-eating, this was definitely one of those meals that it is hard to stop enjoying the flavors! So let’s just say that we kept on enjoying long after we probably should….those faces below describe exactly how we felt….stuffed!
So I guess it’s safe to assume that we really like Salt Lick’s take on BBQ, and a unique take at that. What makes this barbeque so unique isn’t just how the meat is cooked, but their sauce is nothing like any I have ever had before. This sauce has a very distinct Asian influence, which I guess would make sense since seeing as Thurman’s wife is from Japan, who I’m sure played a large role in Thurman’s famous take on barbecue dishes. So although sauce is sort of a "no-no" in Texas, the sauce is so unique and flavorful, you definitely want it in every bite…which you get from all the basting that goes on! In fact, we liked it so much, we even bought a bottle to take home. 😉
SIGNATURE DISH: Even if you only checked out the pictures on this post, I think you would have a grasp at what the Salt Lick is known for! Still, this is not just any backyard barbeque. The Salt Lick is PIT BARBECUE. And like any good Texas barbeque joint they have it all…sausage, brisket, and best of all ribs!
TASTE: This barbecue is….AWESOME!!!! It is cooked perfectly over the pit and gets those lovely charred burnt ends (which I LOVE!). But, along with the meat is their signature sauce that is out of this world tasty and like nothing you have ever had before. The Asian sauce perfectly complements the fatty crusty meat. Even their sides are great…but just make sure you save room because the meat is truly where it’s at.
AMBIANCE: I mentioned above that this spot is everything you want a barbeque restaurant to be. Not stuffy, not fancy…simply just a roof over your head where you can enjoy your barbeque at a picnic table…inside. Surrounded by hundreds of others enjoying the experience, it really feels like you are all there together enjoying the best "family barbeque” you can imagine.
PRICE: As far as barbeque goes, this spot is a little pricier than others. However, no one seems to bat an eye, cause this place was packed with a line to boot! So, obviously they have realized that their customers will pay for a better product and good quality, which I’m starting to find is a trend at some of these places…gotta love capitalism ;). On the other hand, it is really reasonable if you go for the "family dining" option and have a good appetite. We paid $18.95 per person for our all you can eat feast, and we definitely got our money’s worth. I mean, for all the meat you can possibly stomach, it really isn’t a bad deal.
SERVICE: Just like their ambiance, this place is built to be hospitable. From the hostesses to the cooks (who you can chat with while standing by the pit) to our waiter, everyone treats you as if you are in their home. Our waiter, especially, was quick, helpful, and promptly kept bringing us more meat. He did a great job of helping us to gorge ourselves….and we are thankful.
Almost immediately, this barbeque spot moved to the top of the list as one of our most favorites; and since dining there we haven’t had anything near as good (and unfortunately likely won’t for awhile). Still, we know it will be around for a long time to come; and just like Thurman hoped, we will plan to hopefully bring our generations back. So although we don’t give out a lot of perfect scores on PCC…when we do, you know it is worth it (and it also seems to be somewhat related to barbecue…hmmmm. 😉 So since we loved The Salt Lick so much, we are giving it 5 ‘Little Piggies’!
It’s no secret that I love ribs. In fact, I’ve made it one of my life goals to try as many of the “best” ribs this world has to offer; and living in the DFW area, there is no shortage of BBQ joints to try, and even some non-BBQ places as it turns out. Jasper’s in Plano, TX (North suberb of Dallas) is one of those places.
My dad is also a bit of a foodie and is always on the lookout for great new spots to try, often based on reviews he’s read in various publications. So when my parents moved to Plano a few years back, he instantly heard about Jasper’s, which literally happens to be just down the street from their home; and when Bon Appetit magazine released it’s “Top American Restaurants” list in 2008, and Jasper’s was #2 on their list of ‘Best BBQ Ribs (Pork),’ we all knew it was an instant must visit.
It just happened that Adam’s birthday fell right in the midst of our own move to Plano two years ago, and Jasper’s instantly came to mind as a fitting birthday dinner. Well, let’s just say that first visit surpassed expectations and we have since been back a few more times, our most recent coming a couple of weeks ago, and happens to be the only visit since the beginning of PCC. Therefore, I’ve chosen to primarily feature that visit in my review of Jasper’s this week.
Located at the ‘Shops at Legacy’ complex in Plano, Jasper’s is the creation of well known Dallas based chef Kent Rathbun, whose first restaurant, Abacus, is also a popular dining attraction in DFW. Jasper’s (along with Rathbun’s other restaurants) is well known for it’s gourmet approach to “backyard” cuisine…basically your go to BBQ & backyard grill-out favorites kicked up a notch for presentation, flavor, and creativity. It is because of that unique factor that Esquire Magazine named Jasper’s one of its “20 Best New Restaurants in America” in 2003 (along with, as previously mentioned, Bon Appetit’s distinction in 2008). In addition to his food being featured in a variety of publications, Rathbun and his brother (a chef in Atlanta) have also been featured on a variety of television programs, including competing against Bobby Flay on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America;” and HE WON….
HE BEAT BOBBY FLAY…CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!
Needless to say, I was pretty hyped up to try Jasper’s out the first time; and now after being there a time or two, and with it’s upscale location (Shops at Legacy), I always get excited when I get to dress up and go out for a “nice” meal. This night was no exception, although I may have gone a bit overboard….whatcha think? 😉
What brings such energy to Rathbun’s restaurants comes from his idea of how a meal should be enjoyed and his experienced background working for various high-end restaurants in and around Dallas; and having been there before, we both already had a sense of what to expect. Being an extremely popular place, the only reservation I could get was at 9 p.m.! :( Yes people…be prepared to wait or call ahead if you want to eat there during prime times, and you could be like us, make a reservation and STILL have to wait a bit for a table! Oh well…gave us time to enjoy a little drinky-drink and do some people watching (which is ALWAYS a good time in Plano! :)).
So by 9:30, we were one drink in (just look at my little Rico Suave :)), and getting a little impatient. We were a little surprised that it was taking so long because in our past experiences, we had never had a problem getting seated on time, but they seemed especially chaotic that night. Needless to say, although it was late, by the time we finally sat down to eat, I was really hungry; and after perusing the menu, I knew I wanted to start with Priscilla’s Sink Salad. Also, luckily for Adam, they were featuring his favorite soup, Beer Cheese; and being a “special night,” we opted to order the Maytag Blue Cheese Potato Chips to share.
The salad was delicious! It reminded me of a greek salad with a little more pizazz. All the flavors came together so well, and I eagerly cleaned my plate. Adam loved his soup, yet again, and was so happy that each time we have visited it just happens to be the feature soup. Uniquely topped with popcorn, it is a rich, creamy, delicious cheesy goodness lovers dream! And those blue cheese chips…I’m not typically a fan of bleu cheese, but these are down right yummy! I sought out the ones not smothered in cheese, but they are salty, thin, crispy, chips with a hint of that bleu (feet) cheese flavor that is to die for…they didn’t stand a chance against us!
We already knew that the ribs were legendary, but having ordered them on other occasions, I felt compelled to try something new (bad idea Katie!)…Texas Peach Barbecued Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Creamed Sweet Corn. Adam was not in the mood for changing up a good thing, so he went with the award winning Barbecued Baby Back Ribs and “Baked Potato” Salad.
I have to admit that when they sat Adam’s ribs in front of him, I knew I was going to be disappointed. :( There is just something about how they are presented and that potato salad…just plain awesome. I just knew that nothing was going to come close to beating that for me. Still, not one to judge before I take a bite, I happily dug into my meal; but being after 10 at this point and having devoured my salad and those chips, I have to say I was no longer all that hungry. I did take a few bits of the pork, but as I feared…I was disappointed. I was expecting more of a peach flavor, and frankly I had a really hard time finding any. Also, the pork was a bit spicy for my tastes and I think actually distracted from the overall flavor. Finally, the creamed corn was like no creamed corn I had ever had. I’m not sure there was any cream in it at all (although once I told my mind what it really was, I actually really enjoyed it. It is a whole melding of sweet and spicy and salty tastes that came together quite well). I may have snuck a few bites of Adam’s Potato Salad too :), which he was actually disappointed with this time around. :( Having had them before, I am not going to take away from the good review I have had of them, but I would agree with him that this time they were a bit overcooked.
Now I mentioned that they seemed a bit overwhelmed that evening, and although I don’t know if that had anything to do with it, I won’t completely fault them for how the food was this time around. Because as I’ve eluded to, the ribs have been fantastic every other time. I’m talking about “fall off the bone” good, but still with that slight pull you want so they are not complete mush. They are excellently seasoned and the sauce complements them perfectly. I have tried a lot of ribs and so far I must admit, in my lifetime…Jasper’s have been my favorite! So although we were disappointed with our meal that evening, I know we would go back again in an instant.
Regardless, the main courses didn’t totally ruin our evening. I still enjoyed my company tremendously (Wink, Wink), and the night ended on a very happy note…with the BEST chocolate martini I have ever had! It is a work of art and dessert in a glass…
I want to be fair for my review of Jasper’s, because it is truly a great restaurant that I’ve enjoyed on multiple occasions; and having worked in the restaurant industry, I know there are sometimes “off” nights. Therefore, I chalk our last visit up to one of those.
So for those of you wanting to visit Jasper’s and are looking for their signature dish, I would say it is definitely the ribs. Even talking to people around town, these ribs are well known and well worth it. Outside of the lone pork dish (which ultimately made an out-of-this-world Cuban sandwich the next day :)), their food is outstanding. Between the ribs, sides, and starters, I am totally won over by their food.
The ambiance….well, it’s superb. Being an upscale restaurant, they’ve definitely put some effort into the decor, and it shows. Most of the restaurant has a dark sultry feeling that is flanked by wonderful dim mood lighting for the seating areas. There is a wonderful mix of at home comfort and high-end appeal; and for you ladies like me who like to get all dolled up and make the scene, this is the place to do it. Their service is typically above and beyond and they make sure you are always taken care of. That evening our server was sub par (a little TOO formal as well) and I would again chalk that up to them being swamped and possibly understaffed. Still, typically be prepared to be totally taken care of.
Finally…their prices (EEEKK!). This is honestly where I think most people are thrown by Jaspers. To say that It is a bit pricey is an understatement! Their entrees, (although fitting for its location, the type of crowd it draws, and its ambiance) typically run between $20-30. Definitely a little salty, huh? That being said, I think for a special occasion where you still want a decent amount of food for your dollar, this is a great spot. Also, there are special nights during the week where they offer some of their signature items at a reduced price…definitely something to look out for.
So looking at Jasper’s as a whole for all our visits…I love this place!…and give them 4 1/2 Little Piggies.
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