ML Interest Tag: barbecue

Hog Heaven: Best BBQ Joints for Atlanta Families

by Phebe Wahl

Here in Hotlanta, we go hog wild for barbecue. And nothing pleases little piggies more than the winning combo of pulled pork, texas toast, mac-and-cheese and banana pudding. In honor of May as National Barbecue Month, here are the hottest spots to pig out around town.

Q-Swallow

Swallow at the Hollow
Worth the drive to Roswell, this barbecue joint will set the bar high for their understanding of quality ‘cue. In a cabin with indoor picnic tables, a canoe over the door, and vinyl records on the wall, they also offer up a killer pork sandwich.

Insider Info: There’s no doubt that the barbecue being served-up at Swallow at the Hollow is good; just know before you go that they serve wet ribs, not dry, and their mustard-based sauce hails from the Carolinas as opposed to Memphis.

Details: The Swallow at the Hollow, 1072 Green Street, Roswell, 678-352-1975

Q-Community

Community Q
Picking a favorite barbecue joint is a lot like taking medicine: the drug has to work, first, but you really decide which one you’re going to stick with based on the side effect profile. Community Q is good medicine. The barbecue is reliable and delicious, but you’ll make this your favorite spot because of the sides (mac and cheese in particular).

Insider Info: The owner, David Roberts, was part of the Same and Dave’s BBQ team in Marietta before heading in-town to open up Community Q.

Details: Community Q BBQ, 1361 Clairmont Road, Decatur, 404-633-2080

Q-Fox

Fox Bros. Barbecue
Take the kiddos to Fox Bros. for a taste of Texas style brisket, but don’t distress! They also offer up a killer pulled pork sandwich, fried pickles and a crowd-pleasing mac-and-cheese.

Insider Info: Sneak in some veggies by ordering the fried okra, which is fried fresh instead of frozen. They’ll think you’ve just discovered a new genre of french fry!

Details: Fox Bros Bar-B-Q, 1238 DeKalb Avenue NE, 404-577-4030

Q-DavePoe

Dave Poe’s
In Marietta, follow your nose to Dave Poe’s for some of Atlanta’s best pulled pork and killer sides. Located inconspicuously in a strip mall, this spot won’t evoke the cabin-y, folksy feeling of some of the other BBQ options in Atlanta, but your kids won’t care because they’ll be so busy chowing down on the amazing mac-and-cheese.

Insider Info: Be sure to save room for dessert as their banana pudding is slap-your-mama good.

Details: Dave Poe’s, 660 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, 770-792-2272

Q-Jim

Jim n Nicks
While this is a chain, it did originate in Birmingham where they’re rumored to know a thing or two about barbecue. Don’t expect any weird pork “fusion” dishes. They know what they know and that is some darn good barbecue. They also have a full kids menu that includes both a spare ribs plate, a barbecue slider plate, and other options for those who’ve yet to develop a palate for pork.

Insider Info: Moms, if you’re looking for something a bit more ladylike, the Pig in the Garden salad (pork or chicken) is killer.

Details: Jim n Nicks, multiple locations

Q-Heirloom

Date Night
Date nights used to mean an expensive restaurant, heels, and maybe even a blow-out. But now that we’ve got kids, date nights are usually at the mercy of schedules, showering availability, and are driven by whether or not someone remembered to make a reservation (unlikely). Why not head out for a low-key barbecue date night at one of the following places? Leave your little piggies at home though, because these spots may be esteemed for their pork, but they don’t cater to the small set.

Heirloom Market BBQ: This spot just ITP is being lauded as Atlanta’s best BBQ, and the marriage of Korean spices with Georgia pork know-how is turning all who try it into believers. Heirloom Market BBQ, 2243 Akers Mill Rd. Atlanta, Georgia 30339

Daddy D’z: Head here to check out the scene and don’t forget to try the “que wraps,” which are what happens when a corn dog marries a barbecue sandwich and then starts a family. Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt, 264 Memorial Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, 30312

Ms. Betty’s House of Ribs: Chicken or ribs, baked beans or mac and cheese: whatever you please, you’ll find it in this double-wide parked next to a smoke shed. This is a trip to make for the real BBQ aficionados out there, who know that any pork worth its sauce is smoked outside, and can be smelled well before you walk into the restaurant, dining trailer, what have you. 1281 Bouldercrest Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 404-243-8484

Q-HouseofRibs

Where do you like to go for “que” in Atlanta? Share with us in the comments section below!

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of Daniel B., Thom P., Jack S., Eowyn, Brian L., and Ivan S. via Yelp

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Mouthwatering BBQ Your Kids Love

by rterikafrazier

No self-respecting Angeleno can pass up Taco Tuesdays or a well-crafted California roll but we usually think of the most mouthwatering Q as the provenance of Texas or St. Louis.  But, believe it or not, Los Angeles has some spectacular spots where you can slather on sauce and gnaw on bones. Grab a bucket of wet-wipes and check out these 6 BBQ joints that are sure to please both you and your pint-sized pitmaster.

Horse Thief
Right outside Grand Central Market, across from Angel’s Flight and the Pershing Square Metro station, Horse Thief lets you and your little ones indulge in sunny California weather, down-home barbecue and the always-entertaining LA people watching all at once. With refreshing and not-too-sweet lemonade for the tots and a well stocked bar to wash down your rib-tips or pulled pork, the whole family will leave satisfied. This place can get crowded during the weekday lunch rush so plan accordingly. And wash off all that sticky sauce with a run through the fountains at Grand Park.

Horse Thief BBQ
324 S Hill St., Downtown LA
Phone: 213-625-0341
Online: horsethiefbbq.com

Bludso’s BAR-&-QUE
One word: brisket. You haven’t tasted barbecued brisket until you’ve sunk your teeth into Bludso’s tender, melt-in-your-mouth fabulous brisket. Your kiddos will devour their gooey mac-n-cheese while cheering on their favorite team playing on one of the many TV’s and you can sit back and sip on a tasty cocktail from their extensive bar while remembering the deliciousness that was the brisket you just inhaled. Don’t forget to order the house made pickles.  They’re just sweet enough that the kids will fight you for them.  Good! They could use a little greens with the meal.

Bludso’s BAR-&-QUE
609 N LaBrea Avenue, Mid-City
Phone: 323-931-2583
Online: barandque.com

 

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
While you can’t go wrong with traditional barbecue at Dickey’s (their sauces are fantastic), if your appetite is big enough, you won’t regret trying one of their “Bakers”: huge baked potatoes filled with butter, sour cream, cheese, green onions and bacon topped with one of their smoked meats. You’ll love that kids eat free on Sundays and they’ll love the free self-serve ice cream available every day.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has multiple locations in LA including Redondo Beach, Pasadena and
Woodland Hills. For hours and directions, check their website.
Online: dickeys.com

 

photo credit: Pauline P. via yelp

Baby Blues B.B.Q.
This joint is not for those watching their waistlines. With dinner items like the Memphis Queen (a half-rack of baby back ribs and a half-rack of Memphis-style ribs) and drink options that include unlimited refills of the “red” Kool-Aid of your childhood (ahhh, now it’s summer—remember calling it bug juice at camp?) or southern sweet tea, Baby Blues is not interested in impressing your cardiologist or your kiddos’ pediatrician. Make sure to taste test the 4 different sauces at your table so everyone can mix up their own creation with the perfect balance of sweet, savory and spicy.

Baby Blues has locations in both Venice and West Hollywood. For hours and directions, check their website.
Online: babybluesbbq.com

Charcoal BBQ – Bourbon & Beer
If you’re looking for a slightly more upscale dining experience, try the brand new Charcoal BBQ in Silverlake. With menu items not found at most traditional barbecue spots (pork banh mi, anyone?) you can get your barbecue fix in a more creative way. Kids have their own separate menu (with mac-n-cheese that you will probably steal many bites of) and everyone can snack on a bucket of bacon (yes!) while you relax with one of their special bourbon or whiskey cocktails. At the end of the meal, indulge in gooey s’mores you make right at your own table. Self-parking is limited but there’s valet service in front in case you can’t score a meter.

Charcoal BBQ – Bourbon & Beer
2611 Hyperion Ave., Silverlake
Phone: 323-300-5500
Online: charcoalsilverlake.com

Holy Cow BBQ
Across from the Brentwood Country Mart, Holy Cow serves up smoked barbecue so tender the meat falls off the bone and you have plenty of local wines and beers to choose from to wash down all that juicy, flavorful goodness. Holy Cow has a separate kids menu with a burger so tasty you’ll beg your little one for a bite. The metered street parking is extremely limited but if you park at the Brentwood Country Mart, you can get 3 hours free parking with validation from one of the shops. (Like if Sweet Rose Creamery calls to you for dessert.  Yes, wear the elastic waist pants to this meal.)

Holy Cow BBQ
264 26th Street, Santa Monica
Phone: 310-883-6269
Online: holycowbbq.com

Where do you go to satisfy your BBQ cravings? Let us know in the comments!

—written and photographed by Erika Frazier

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Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

by writerredtri

If it’s still to early in the season to fire up your grill or you don’t own one, you can still enjoy BBQ flavored ribs. The secret? Your slow cooker. With minimal prep work and ribs that fall off the bone, this recipe is a great weeknight go-to meal. Just be sure to pack your table with napkins—you’ve been warned.

Ingredients
3 1/2 pounds pork loin back ribs
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspon pepper
3 tablespoons liquid smoke
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 cup cola
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

Method
1. Spray the inside of 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.

2. Remove inner skin from ribs. Mix brown sugar, pepper, liquid smoke, garlic and slat; rub mixture into ribs. Cut ribs into about 4-inch pieces. Layer ribs and onion in slow cooker. Pour cola over ribs.

3. Cover and cook on low heat setting 8 to 9 hours or until ribs are tender. Remove ribs from cooker. Drain liquid from cooker and discard.

4. Pour barbecue sauce into shallow bowl. Dip ribs into sauce. Place ribs in cooker. Pour any remaining sauce over ribs. Cover and cook on low heat setting for one hour.

Have you tried this recipe? 

recipe courtesy of Betty Crocker’s Slow Cooker Cookbook
photo courtesy of Hexidecimal

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Meet Ayren, Red Tricycle’s DC Editor

by Erin Lem

Don’t let Ayren’s laid back, nonchalant attitude fool you. This local mama of little man, Trey is on the pulse of family-friendly activities, eateries, new openings, and events in the D.C. metro area. Ask her what should be on a DC parent’s summer bucket list and Ayren delivers a slew of in-depth, articulate answers before you can say, Red Tricycle Washington D.C. Ayren’s impressive media experience (she’s edited and written for Glamour, Real Simple, and The New York Times, to name a few) coupled with her love of everything DC has to offer to families, makes her the ideal first ever Red Tricycle D.C. Editor and we couldn’t be more thrilled that she chose to join our team. Read on to learn more about Ayren and her fam.

What’s your idea of an awesome day with the fam?
We all get up late (but not too late), just in time to walk to brunch. Our neighborhood go-to is Rustico in Alexandria, Va. They have a yummy Croque Madame Pizza topped with eggs, ham, and broccoli. My son usually hates broccoli, but on this pizza he can’t resist it. Then, we stroll to Oronoco Bay Park to watch boats pass on the Potomac River and planes fly in and out of Ronald Reagan International Airport. Next up? Naps, of course! When we wake up, we scope out a farmer’s market that’s still open (there are so many in the DMV area, but my favorites are Eastern Market in DC, West End Market in Alexandria, Va, and Takoma Park Market in Takoma Park, Md) to pick up ingredients for dinner—dinner that my husband so graciously volunteers to cook…*wink-wink*.

What’s your favorite DC area neighborhood?
I’m loving what’s going on in the Union Market area. There was a time when it was just a sea of vacant industrial spaces, now it glistens with a huge artisan market that sells everything from homemade pickles to hand-poured soaps. Not to mention all of the fun family events that happen in the area (drive-in movies, free festivals, and kids concerts).

What do you love most about being a DC parent?
I love the culture. The international community is rich (there’s something like 176 foreign embassies in DC!) and active—they host family events, open houses, and meet and greets regularly. Plus, DC is a unique mix of American southern and northern cultures; it’s no sweat to find a restaurant that serves Carolina-style barbecue right down the street from one that serves Maine-style lobster rolls. They say that New York City is the one true “melting pot,” but sometimes I wonder.

What do you love least about being a DC parent?
The traffic. Ugh. I don’t even want to talk about it.

Essential can’t-live-without mom product?
Squeeze pouch snacks. I buy them in bulk! They’re portable and mess-free, they taste good (yep, I eat–drink?–them too), and since they’re basically blended fruits and veggies, they’re an easy way to sneak peas, spinach and broccoli into my son’s diet.

What are you looking forward to doing with your son this year?
He is now in the curious stage of toddler-hood, so I’d like to start hitting up some of the kid-friendly museums that are a little off the beaten path. I’m thinking he would love exploring the Trolley Museum in Colesville, Md or the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (aka the place where the space shuttle Enterprise is housed) in Chantilly, Va.

As Red Tricycle’s first ever DC Metro editor, what are you most excited about?
Helping parents step outside of the box when it comes to finding awesome things to do with their kids in the DC Metro area. I’m also pretty stoked about swapping ideas—where to explore, eat, and play—with other moms, dads and kids who, like me and my little family, just want to have fun!

Want to get in touch with Ayren? Drop her a line at ayren (at) tinybeans.go-vip.net.

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Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Apple Barbecue Chicken

by Claire Schillings

Getting your fast-growing kiddos to chow down on that necessary protein can be a challenge. Jazz up that same-old chicken using the sweetness of apple and the savory flavor of everyone’s favorite bacon with this recipe from MomsWhoThink. With only a few ingredients and even less steps, this just might be the easiest slow-cooker recipe we’ve ever seen…and the tastiest looking.

Ingredients:
3-4 chicken breasts
1/2 cup barbeque sauce
1-2 apples, peeled and grated
Juice of 1 lemon
6-8 slices of bacon

Method:
1. In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce, grated apple, and lemon juice.

2. Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry. Wrap 2 pieces of bacon around each chicken breast half.

3. Place wrapped chicken in a greased 4-5 quart slow cooker and top with BBQ sauce mixture.

4. Set to low and cook for 8 hours.

recipe and photo courtesy of MomsWhoThink

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Kenny and Zuke’s Picklefest Returns: Bigger and Brinier!

by Cheyenne Terbrueggen

What can’t Portlanders pickle? Portlandia asked the question; now come to this festival to get your answer. What began last year as a simple street party and pickle throwdown has now blossomed into a full-flavored Pickle Fest. Bigger and better, it’s also a great place to spend a few hours with your family, tasting delicious pickle bites and playing in the park. Here is your guide to celebrating all things pickled.

Go: Kenny and Zuke’s Picklefest is being held on July 21 (Saturday), 2012 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Wallace Park (NW Portland on NW 25th St., in between NW Raleigh St. and NW Pettygrove Street).

Cost: Admission to the event is free and $7 to taste the pickle samples. Admission costs will be donated to the Oregon Food Bank.

What’s the big deal? The participant list includes top Portland pickle makers and restaurants, including Woodsman Tavern, Ned Ludd, Oven and Shaker, Bluehour, Tasty and Sons, Wildwood, Little Big Burger and Biwa, to name a few of the over 20 that have signed on. Attendees vote for their favorites and celebrity judges award the winners.

What else is there to eat? Guests can pair their pickle samples with barbecue, specialties from Kenny and Zuke’s and microbrews and other kid-friendly beverages.

Pickles in the park: This year’s festival is being held at Wallace Park, where you can relax and relish your pickles on the lawn. There will be plenty of room for kids to run. And, yes, there is a playground, too.

Think pink for kiddos: Cucumber-based pickles will be well represented; be sure to check out some awesomely unusual pickles the kids will love. Last year kids enjoyed pickled strawberries, cherries and watermelons along with People’s Choice Portland Weird pickle winner, Kenny & Zuke’s Koolickle, a pickle made with Kool-aid.

Jam with your pickles? Secrets in the Salt will be performing, adding live music to the festive atmosphere.

You are so dilly: Peter Piper picking a peck of pickled peppers is just the beginning of silly pickle humor. What do you call a cat eating a pickle? Sour Puss.

Parking strategy. Time to dust off your annual Chapman-Swifts-Viewing car parking plan. Wallace Park is right net to the Chapman school. Remember that the uphill part of NW Pettygrove Street is a dead-end street and easily becomes very congested. There is usually lots of parking available north of the school.

-Cheyenne Terbrueggen

(photos courtesy of Kenny & Zuke’s & Ginger via flickr)

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Four Ballard BBQ Hot Spots

by writerredtri

For your next date night, skip the steak dinner and take a trip to the south. Not literally, though (the babysitter isn’t that patient!). Thanks to the recent advent of tasty barbecue restaurants in Seattle, you won’t have to venture far. Our friends at Seattle Magazine share their top picks for finger-licking BBQ in Ballard. Allison Austin Scheff writes:

Bitterroot
This stylish corner spot on Ballard Avenue (in the old Acme Rubber Stamp space) opened in January, and features reclaimed wood, exposed brick and serious barbecue. All the meat is dry-rubbed and slow-smoked; burgers and pulled-pork sandwiches arrive on chewy pretzel buns, and four tasty sauces—sweet classic, spicy chipotle, hot vinegar and Carolina mustard—await at the table. Wash it all down with a local beer or a swig from the healthy selection of whiskeys. 5239 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.588.1577; bitterrootbbq.com

Is your mouth watering yet? Keep reading Seattle Magazine’s full article here.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.

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Barbecue Chicken Pizza Braid

by Erin Lem

When it comes to your kiddo’s all-time favorite foods, nothing beats pizza. But as a parent the last thing we want to do is feed our children pizza night after night, right? Here’s an alternative to the greasy take-out pizza thanks to our friends at For the Love of Cooking. Here, you’ll use roasted chicken and barbecue sauce (we suggest even sneaking in veggies) to this fun pizza braid. Your kids will enjoy braiding the dough and then devouring the final outcome once it emerges from the oven.

Ingredients:
Cornmeal
Pizza dough
Barbecue Sauce
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Roasted chicken, chopped
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Red onion, sliced thinly

Method:
1. Place the pizza dough onto a floured surface and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

3. Place a silpat mat (or large baking tray) on the counter and coat with cooking spray and sprinkle the top with a bit of cornmeal. Roll (or spread) the dough out on top of the silpat mat into a rectangle. Drizzle a bit of sauce on top of the chicken and mix until evenly coated. Spoon some of the barbecue sauce down the center of the pizza dough, add slices of chopped mozzarella to the sauce followed by the chicken, cilantro, and red onion. Note: Don’t use too much sauce or your pizza braid will be a bit soggy.

4. Cut even slits on both sides of the filling with a pizza cutter. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling.

5. Once you have completed the braid carefully place the silpat mat onto a baking sheet.

6. Place into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy.

How did your family like this fun take on the traditional pizza? Tell us about it in the comment section below. 

This recipe comes to us courtesy of For the Love of Cooking, one of our favorite food blogs for moms and a Red Tricycle 2012 Totally Awesome Award Winner. Check out more from For the Love of Cooking, by clicking here. 

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Date Night: White Center in West Seattle

by Erin Lem

Dial the babysitter! It’s another edition of Date Night. Take an evening to survey all that West Seattle’s White Center has to offer including all the awesome dining, entertainment, and shopping in this eclectic enclave. After you’ve had a night or two to explore, bring out the little ones for a day trip and let them do the leading. But first, Seattle Magazine offers their picks for the top establishments to check out.

Once a mishmash of constantly revolving storefronts, White Center, in West Seattle now teems with an eclectic mix of cultures and family-owned businesses.

EAT + DRINK
For a pint and a small plate, head to newcomer Company Bar (9608 16th Ave. SW; 206.257.1162) for nibbles crafted by co-owner Jesse Lovell, including salt cod fritters ($6) and chickpea fries ($5).

Or, try Stefanie and Mike Albaeck’s Proletariat Pizza (9622 16th Ave. SW; 206.432.9765; proletariatpizza.com) for their organic, 18-inch thin-crust creations.

Unleash your inner caveman with finger-lickin’ good ribs, brisket and links at Uncle Mike’s Superlicious Barbecue (9640 16th Ave. SW; 206.588.2713; unclemikesbbq.com).

Visit Full Tilt Ice Cream (9629 16th Ave. SW; 206.767.4811; fulltilticecream.com) and choose from creative flavors like the new “antique rose,” crafted with rose petals from nearby Village Green Nursery.

3.14 Bakery (9602 16th Ave. SW; 206.420.4784; 314bakery.blogspot.com) offers home-style baked goods with a twist (cake balls, anyone?).

Intrigued? Read the rest of the article here.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.

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