Eating Out - Babybacks

Jeffersonian

We went on our usual Friday night out tonight, this time to the Boathouse Forest Park Restaurant. My wife had a bacon chicken sammich and the kids had pizza. I, like a dope, had to see how their ribs stack up against mine on the Egg. Big mistake.

I almost always do spares, but this place bragged about their babybacks so I went for it. It was hard to even see the ribs, so thick was the layer of sauce on them, but when I scraped off most of it, it revealed meat that had clearly been left on too long, most likely with sauce that had been left to carmelize, then char. The meat was toothy, so at least the things hadn't been steamed to within an inch of their lives. But these were a pale shadow of Egg ribs.

Moral of the story: Don't eat anything at a restaurant that you cook at home on the Egg. It's impossible not to make a comparison, and the restaurant chow almost invariably doesn't measure up.

porterhouse64

Good point.

I avoid ribs when dining out.

I can eat pulled pork from a good BBQ joint and burgers most anywhere.

Jeffersonian

I had spares, supposedly the special of the house at "Rib City" near my house, and they tasted like they had been smoked over a burning tire. Good appetizers, though.

I think you're right about the pulled pork thing.

Panhandle Smoker

In most cases I agree but there are some true BBQ Joints (the locally owned ones)out there with some good Q.

Large Marge

I think the pulled pork is good elsewhere because it's tough to screw up a shoulder. Can't say the same for ribs can we? I've made some that I could bounce checks off of. But when I get it right...mmmmmmm

Jeffersonian

Yeah, we have a local (now regional) chain called "Bandana's" that makes some really, really good ribs. I never have any qualms sending folks looking for good 'cue there.

Jeffersonian

I can honestly say I've never made a "bad" rib on the Egg. I've had some I've been more pleased with than others, but never one I'd just as soon not eat.

Crimsongator

but there is a part of me screaming for bbq if I happen to see it. Always regreat it. It has gotten so bad, my friends will say to the waitress, don't let him order the bbq!

Jeffersonian

LOL :laugh: :laugh:

The only one I'm absolutely safe ordering is the brisket. I've made brisket a couple of times and it's turned out dreadful each time.

Crimsongator

Come to Alabama. I'll buy and we'll get brisket at big bob gibson's. You'll love it!

Jeffersonian

I used to live there...got some good 'cue during, too.


Wait...Bob Gibson is a name said with hushed reverence in St. Louis...is that the same guy I'm thinking of?

Crimsongator

different I guess

Panhandle Smoker

When are you going to put one on that XL?

Crimsongator

still have brisket in the freezer. ribs are on the menu for tomorrow if the stars align.

Panhandle Smoker

I will be doing another in the next few weeks.

Hoss

Bacchus

Yeah, I rerely do barbecue at restaurants anymnore. Or steak, or pizza.

fieroguy

Or just about anything else

Little Steven

Brad,

I wish I had a total on what I've saved over the years in restaurant tabs.

Steve

PhilsGrill

I've sent ribs back two times one night saying they were burned.

ibanda

Having an egg and reading this forum is completely changing my relationship with restaurants and food in general. Now that some of my home cooking can keep up with restaurants it's raised my expectations when eating out.