Famous Dave's

I pick on Texas a lot.  I lived there two years and had a lot of experiences; it’s not spite that brings it out, it’s just too easy.  However, there is one thing I cannot deny is the food.  I put on 50 pounds when I lived there, to which I cursed them all every time I needed a new pair of pants.

And the best part was the barbecue.  The West Coast doesn’t understand what barbecue is; most homes I’ve been to just throw down some hamburger patties and hot dogs on the grill and call good.  Not Texas.  Texas, man, you get chicken, pulled pork, steak, ribs, and brisket.  Mmm…brisket.  They know their meats and I had many a wonderful experience in somebody’s home, summer or winter. 

But I never had that same good experience in any of the barbecue restaurants.

It’s not something I understand.  I went to half a dozen different barbecue restaurants, and while I was occasionally amazed by the sides put out, the meats were a constant disappointment.  The brisket was often dry, and the rest of the meats had too much fat, too little meat, or was overwhelmed by sauce that was trying too hard.  By the time I went home, I came away thinking the barbecue was meant for the home but just couldn’t hack it with the public.

After the weekend before last, I’m happy to report that I was wrong.  There’s a wonderful place called Famous Dave’s that my mom and I tried out on a whim a couple Saturday’s ago.  I had to do the brisket and she went for the pulled pork.  My brisket was so moist and the sauce was not only delicious, it was small enough to enhance the meat rather than overwhelm it.  Our dinner’s came with a couple sides.  We both went for the red-skinned mashed potatoes (delectable), but while she went for the broccoli, I tried out the mac-n-cheese.  Creamy and infused with jalapenos to give a little kick.  I tend to avoid spicy food, not because I don’t like it, but in the last couple years, I’ll get heartburn over the slightest spice and it’s very uncomfortable.  But I decided to risk it this time and no consequence other than a satisfied stomach.

So kudos to Famous Dave’s, my first happy barbecue restaurant experience.  If it’s near your hometown, check it out.  It was totally worth it.