Thursday Tours: BBQ

A few years ago before Memorial Day weekend, one of my coworkers who hailed from Texas asked me what I was up to for the long weekend. “Having a barbecue with some friends” I replied. She stared at me with a serious look and stated, “No, Erin, you are grilling. Barbecue is something different. I come from Texas, we take these things very seriously.” While she was somewhat kidding, I also knew I better get my words straight, as BBQ is serious for a lot of folks!

One of those die-hard fans is my husband. Brice has special love for Russell Street BBQ in North Portland. Since giving up meat, this isn’t my favorite cuisine to check out, but I do like their smoked tofu dish and who doesn’t love baked beans which they make both with meat or vegetarian-friendly. Last weekend however, I did get him to expand his BBQ horizons and try out Homegrown Smoker with me. In the food cart pod next to Prost, this place serves only vegan BBQ dishes (Brice is such a trooper). While some might say that is an oxymoron, I was a big fan of their tempeh “ribs” smothered in their homemade sauce.

For those of you who believe that BBQ should include meat, I’ve got Mary Cressler of Vindulge blog sharing her favorite barbecue joints for #ThursdayToursPDX. She is a self-proclaimed BBQ junkie and even a wife of a pitmaster. Her and her husband own Ember & Vine, a really cool wood fired catering company. So obviously, she knows her stuff. She isn’t thinking about smoked meats, she writes about all things wine for her own website, as well as a few other publications as a certified sommelier. Talk about a good dinner party couple!

As always, be sure to head over to Martha Chartreuse for more from Jaime of 3000 Acre Kitchen.

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Cheap Eats Recommendations by Mary of Vindulge

My BBQ recommendations may be a sway from the traditional. Just as my taste for grilled and barbecued foods leans towards the more creative uses for smoked food in general, rather than strictly the traditional ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, all doused in a sweet sauce. I like to find places that use some of the traditional cooking methods, but also get creative with the foods choices.

The Country Cat (for brunch)

Though I wouldn’t consider this traditional BBQ fare, it’s more Southern comfort. But they have, hands down, one of my favorite brunch items in the city — their Eggs Benedict with smoked Steelhead served with preserved lemon hollandaise & home fries. The fish is smoked with wood (not cold smoked like lox). It’s tender, smoky, and deee-licious. My husband even made me his own “mock” version for Mother’s day this year. If it wouldn’t likely lead to a heart attack I’m pretty sure I’d be happy eating this for breakfast every single day.

Smokehouse Tavern

For that more traditional BBQ style I really like what’s going on at Smokehouse Tavern, the sister restaurant of Smokehouse 21. Here is where you will find some awesome examples of smoked brisket, ribs, and chicken, along with some really cool things like deviled eggs with smoked sausage, cold smoked oyster shooters, and even lamb dishes. Their Smokehouse Old Fashioned is a darn tasty (and smoked!) take on the classic.  One thing I really appreciate about this place is that they don’t sauce any of the meats, but instead leave you to add whatever style of BBQ sauce you prefer to your meats (which they provide an assortment of on the tables). They also have a small, but sufficient, variety of wines to pair with their smoked goodies (and for this wine-lover I can really appreciate that!).

Podnah’s Pit BBQ

This is more of your classic Texas-style smokehouse with a classic menu.  Everything cooked over oak wood logs, the brisket is delish (and insider tip, get the beans ‘cause there is brisket in ‘em).  Giant pork ribs, like really big.  Plus, go on Monday and get beef ribs.  And hello, cocktails!  Add a weekend brunch seating and you are set!!!! Just know this is a smoky place (meaning the kind that might leave your clothes smelling a bit like you just went camping. It’s a sign of big smoked flavor!).

Less Traditional

Though not considered “BBQ” I do love a few places in town that cook with an open flame, like Ox, Ned Ludd (wood-fired oven), and Laurelhurst Market (for a good steak).

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#ThursdayToursPDX is a collaborative series between Portland, OR bloggers {Erin} Bakery Bingo + {Meredith} Martha Chartreuse. In a city filled with amazing restaurants, artisan experiences, and fantastic tastemakers the inside scoop is a must. We will be asking our friends and fellow bloggers for their recommendations and tips for all the City of Roses has to offer.