Quick Review: Holy Smokes BBQ

Yum. Yum. And more YUM.

I've driven by the place no less than a dozen times but never saw it. How could I miss it? It's in a shiny diner?!



On the recommendation of a co-worker, a proud Texan, Paul and I headed down to an area of Raleigh we rarely visit. She swore that their beef brisket was the best she'd had outside of TX in years. She also warned me that it wasn't your typical BBQ joint but all-in-all that was a high compliment.

When you first enter the shiny shell you are heartily greeted and asked if it's your first time. Why? Well, it's because you don't order like you normally would at a NC BBQ place. You order in sizes - 5oz/8oz/by the pound. It took us a few moments to agree on our sides and sizes, but we were super impressed with their homemade mac & cheese as well as fried okra. I went with their NC pork BBQ - smoked to perfection with a splash of spicy vinegar sauce. Paul had to try the beef brisket (he's always been a fan); ordered on the 'lean side.' You can't get a sandwich off the menu, but they'll be happy to provide a bun with your meat. Also, you must order dessert - we stuck with the traditional banana pudding.

Let me just say, it's worth the trip and the slight order befuddlement. The BBQ was moist, smokey, super tasty and craving worthy. They have 3 sauces - one vinegar based and 2 other original sauces. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu. And seriously, it's fun to eat at a shiny diner, even if the table jukeboxes no longer work.

For a little more info, check out the
News & Observer write up (7/13/07) and visit their website.

Favorite Gadget Series - 3

It's time for another "Oldmarrieds favorite kitchen gadgets!" Ok, really, it's just time a for a new post!

Today's gadget is a mighty fine tool called a garlic press.


Mmmmmmm, fresh garlic

I can't quite remember where I first saw a garlic press used, most likely on a Food Network show, but I knew I had to have one. It may be considered a "uni-tasker" by the great Alton Brown, but man, it really saves me time in the kitchen.

Almost any time a recipe calls for "minced garlic" I pull out my handy garlic press. Simply pluck out a garlic clove from the garlic bulb, lightly smash with the side of knife to remove the paper skin and then plop into the press and viola! Minced garlic! Side note - be sure to press your garlic over the cooking vessel you prefer as you want all the tasty garlic juices to be in your cooking, not lost on a cutting board.

We bought our press at Ikea for the amazing price of $2.99. Sadly, you must pick up your own in store as they are not available for purchase online (hey, you just need to go to Ikea any way, it rocks! NC residents - Ikea Charlotte opens on February 18th at 9am, I'm not counting the hours or anything...). I would honestly have a hard time paying the $15+ I've seen them for at Bed, Bath & Beyond.