BBQ

4 Rivers Little Smokehouse on the Prairie

Published on October 17, 2017 in Florida Locales by Doug

It’s not little and it’s not on the Prairie and though close, that is not the real name of one of my favorite BBQ locations.

4 Rivers Smokehouse on Fairbanks Avenue is where I go for my brisket, and in all honesty that is all I can say, but only because that is all I ever order. It’s not really all I order, sides are important too… BBQ beans and Smoked Jalapenos (Jalapenos stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon) are my usual side selections.

The 4 Rivers BBQ beans. Everything I’m looking for in a side of beans.

The Smoked Jalapeno, a perfect appetizer to the brisket platter. Two jalapenos equal one side.

This past Saturday a dilemma presented itself on my way to the office. I had dropped my wife at work on the south side of Orlando and must drive north to Maitland. On the way, just a short distance before my work exit is Fairbanks Avenue. It was approximately noon… what’s a guy to do…

Since work awaited and it is going to be a long day the brisket plate is in order. This is a cut from the point. The plate allows for three sides. I have the usual and try the potato salad.

I don’t want this to be longwinded. The pictures speak for themselves. If you love brisket I believe you will love a trip to 4 Rivers.

Here is another picture of brisket from a previous visit.

This is another cut from the point. The point will have a bit more marbling (fat) giving you a more moist cut. If you prefer something a bit leaner then get a cut from the flat. My preference is the point, but order what you prefer and we will all be happier. Notice there is a bit more bark than the other photo. A bit of bark is always tasty.

Most of the time I ask for no sauce. The brisket can stand on its own.

After you order your meal and grab a drink you may notice tucked into the back corner of the Fairbanks location is the Sweet Shop. If you didn’t order and eat enough BBQ to make yourself uncomfortable then you obviously under-ordered. In any case, the Sweet Shop at the back of the restaurant can help you out. So far I’ve tried what I believe to be called the Coconut Bomb and a Dolly Madison. My favorite being the Coconut Bomb.

These may be labeled Cakeballs, but in the midwest, these would be referred to as Buckeyes. Always a favorite from Grandma. My wife’s family calls them peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. That tells you all you need to know. They are pretty literal.

During the week, if you are heading to lunch at 4 Rivers on Fairbanks Avenue then be prepared to stand in line for a bit. It takes a bit of time to get through, but it moves along ok. The advantage being plenty of time to make a decision on the extensive menu.

The Diamond Horseshoe – Magic Kingdom – Four Meat Meal :)

Published on October 5, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Doug

I think this place was called at one time or another, The Diamond Horseshoe Saloon… maybe it was Diamond Horseshoe Revue. No matter, it is now “The Diamond Horseshoe” and it sits in Disney’s Magic Kingdom right smack middle of Frontierland. Let’s make it clear at the start… There is no show at the ‘shoe’ unless we count people watching or the parade as it dances, sings and waves its way down the street.

The Diamond Horseshoe isn’t about the show any longer, but there still exists a nice ambiance and some good food. I popped in the other day to check things out and chat with the cast members. It’s not your typical interior. There seems to be a bit more theme and craftsmanship at this restaurant. Maybe since it was constructed early in the park’s history a bit more time and detail was allowed. That’s just a guess or a SWAG one might say.

Stage opposite the entrance. This was taken near the hostess stand. If you notice on either side of the stage are tables. Those tables would seem to be the best seat in the house. Feel like royalty as you dine overlooking the commoners. 🙂

I didn’t pay much attention to it at the time, but there is an upper balcony. There is no dining in the upper balcony. Dining doesn’t get at any greater elevation than the stage tables.

View towards the buffet counter… my favorite counter of all counters.

Don’t leave your seat. Your server will bring your food. All you care to eat. Buffet style brought right to your table.

Notice the fall garland. Very pretty. Reminds of a crisp October day in Illinois or Indiana, though when you step outside the Diamond Horseshoe, the reality of 92-degree temperatures reminds you that it is still Florida.

More fall garland. You may notice that the place is a bit empty. This is due to the fact that is was after closing time as I snapped these pictures. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween was beginning and the restaurant closed at 7:00 pm.

Since I was dining alone the food is proportional to the number of guests. If I had friends there would be a larger pile of each entree. Not pictured: Cornbread and Mac and Cheese.

Normally I take a photo of the menu, but it slipped my mind. Look it up on the web, but it may not be current. This food photo was taken 9/12/17. All the meats were excellent. The buffet meal is $35 per person for adults. Kids ages 3-9 can eat for $19

Pot Roast is melt in your mouth and that is not an exaggeration. BBQ pulled pork was very good. Sausage (always a favorite of mine) and sliced turkey breast were excellent.

There was a salad before dinner and it was good and I enjoyed the Chipotle Ranch Dressing. But really… to me the salad is just something to pass the time until the meat arrives… and my mom always told me it was good for me. My favorite part of the salad is croutons and dressing so I may be missing something health wise in that regard. Heck, I’ve even seen people eat salad without any dressing. You may as well pull the greens from your backyard.

I’m a tough judge of the beans, whatever you wish to call them… baked, bbq, cowboy, trailside. These beans were ok. They were not my favorite. What do I look for in beans? Thick sauce and full of flavor, some pork or brisket added and a smokey flavor, some type of pepper probably more for appearance than flavor. That is what I like. Usually my dining choice is not make or break due to the beans since I’m more interested in the meats that usually accompany the bowl of beans.

Dessert consisted of a campfire brownie. Sadly I had to pass on dessert, as the meat coma was beginning to make an appearance and I needed to get moving while I still was able.

I recommend the restaurant for those weary travelers looking for a hearty meal. Maybe your 10 year old won’t make a dent in the $35 dollar meal price if paying in cash so you may want to consider your food value in that regard, but if you have purchased the Disney Dining Plan and would like to treat the whole family to a great meal in a memorable location it can be done for a table service credit.

Brentwood, Tennessee – Texas Bar-B-Que Stop

Published on March 11, 2017 in Other 49 States by Doug Wilcoxon

Had a quick trip over the weekend to Nashville, Tennessee and visited a BBQ joint we found by coincidence a few years back. Its not in the most visible locale, or the largest, but its BBQ has been consistent over the years. Judge Bean’s Bar-B-Que identifies as a Texas BBQ joint, which was a good choice since two Texans were in my party.

I split “The Feast” with one of the Texans and neither of us was disappointed. Will point out that I wasn’t that crazy about the Texas toast, but who cares about toast on a BBQ platter since it’s just window dressing anyway. Not being too hungry I had a couple slices of Brisket, a Rib, one Diablo, Cowboy Beans, Mac & Cheese and some Pulled Pork. My tablemate finished off the remainder of the “The Feast”… reading over my food list apparently I was hungrier than I thought.

Overview of “The Feast”. Clockwise starting in the upper left, Brisket, Ribs, Pulled Pork, Texas Toast, Cowboy Beans, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, Diablos and Wings at the center. The beans and mac & cheese are sides. Two side come with the meal, but curiosity of the Cowboy Beans got the better of me. I prefered the cowboy beans over the BBQ Beans. The Cowboy Beans have much more heat and are more flavorful… almost to a chili like flavor. The Cowboy Beans have jalapenos in the mix, but I am guess also a large component of the spice is cumin… which is my favorite spice.

The Diablo is Judge Bean’s jalapeno pepper stuffed with shrimp and cheese and wrapped in bacon. I didn’t eat the shrimp, but did try the remainder of the Diablo. It was ok, but not the favorite side item of mine (that would be the Cowboy Beans). Also known as ABT’s, a good recipe and a great final picture is at this link.

A post-worthy shot of the three meats. Brisket, RIbs, and Pulled Pork.

The Diablo. You can just see the shrimp peeking out from the jalapeno.

Two hot wings. This is my favorite pic showing crispy wings and a slathering of sauce. The white is a reflection of the light in the sauce… a sauce I can almost see myself in.

The menu appears to be a bit different than the menu online. Don’t believe that really matters since the Bar-B-Que is good regardless. Did do a review of the photo gallery on the Judge Bean website and unless I am missing something somewhere it doesn’t appear that the photos have been updated since 2012. Again it doesn’t really effect the Bar-B-Que….still good. If you happen to visit, tell them Doug Travels Orlando says “Howdy”. They won’t know who you are talking about.

The brand new map for places other than Florida… here. A bit sparse as of this time.

Yellow Dog Eats – Gotha FL

Published on September 5, 2016 in Florida Locales by Doug Wilcoxon

A favorite find is a restaurant that is a local creation, has a unique personality and great food. These places don’t need to be a part of the hottest retail strip or an overwhelming marketing push. There is a “feel” to the place from the moment you walk through the door or step on the patio. Chains try to mimic the homegrown vibe, but it’s an experience hard to replicate.

I believe the personality of the creator (Fish) is part of the ambiance at Yellow Dog Eats (make sure to read Jayme’s profile too). I knew it was going to be an experience to our liking as we approached the newly restored VW bus walking in from the parking lot, saw the irreverent signs, chalk art, and cool 70’s like flashing lights on the patio.

Those who were fortunate enough to be present at the creation (thanks Dean Acheson) of Yellow Dog Eats witnessed something special, fortunately they passed their good fortune and good find on to other family and friends who visit and pass the good experiences and good vibes down the line. Which brings us to a big Thank You to our neighbors who were so kind to invite us to share lunch and introduce us to Yellow Dog Eats!

Words are not enough. I will let the food photos speak with their obvious tasty goodness.

All food descriptions are directly from the Yellow Dog Eats Menu.

20160828_114834 — Approaching the back patio area from the rear parking lot.

20160828_114843

1/2 Rack of Ribs with “Gold” Sauce. $9.95

This was my choice for lunch. Fish’s Gold Sauce is a perfect compliment to the tender ribs. A large side of the “Gold” Sauce is served with the ribs. I didn’t make use of the extra sauce as not to drown the ribs. (Not that there is anything wrong with that). The ribs can stand alone if you so desire… which I desired.

20160828_121416 — Mr. Smokey – Our tender pulled pork topped with juicy smoked pineapple slices, fried onions, pecan-smoked bacon and Fish’s Gold BBQ sauce on a fun fluffy bun. $10.95

20160828_121420 — Smokey’s Smoked Salmon Salad – Fresh Salmon dry rubbed with Yellow Dog’s special seasoning blend and smoked to perfections. Served on a bed of field greens and garnished with cucumbers, grape tomatoes, carrots, sun dried fruit & nut blends, sprouts, red peppers, scallions and sliced red onions. $13.95

The dry rub salmon stood out from across the table. The salad is top notch.

20160828_121428 — Drunken Pig – Our “Club Elvis” smothered with homemade beer-cheese soup, topped with scallions… $10.95. ….. Club Elvis, – Our tender pulled pork decadently topped with pecan smoked bacon, gouda cheese, crispy fried onions and topped with Fish’s Gold BBQ sauce, served on a fun-fluffy bun

20160828_121450 — The Holy Crap – Named by a beloved friend and customer, this weekly special quickly became a fan fave! Featuring our honey mesquite roasted turkey piled high and pressed to perfection with avocado, pecan-smoked bacon, goat cheese, red onions and basil mayo served on our thickly sliced multi-grain bread. $10.95

20160828_114206 — A refurbished VW Bus. It’s open, but it looks too nice to eat inside. A closer look is in store next trip.

20160828_133858 — Goodbye Yellow Dog Eats. See you again soon.

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