BBQ

In response to this past weekend's uber successful Blues and BBQ Festival, we have decided to take a poll as to who in the city best harnesses the power of smoke. While I have yet to try them all, it's going to be difficult to supplant my favorite thus far.

Even though it's hard to imagine a plate of ribs or pulled pork without a side of potato salad or baked beans, in our opinion BBQ is all about the meat. Otherwise, I would probably vote Ugly Dog as my top choice because their cole slaw is out of this world. The alleged recipe can be found here.

By the way, The Pope votes for Boucherie.

Woof

From a recent lunch at the Ugly Dog. The pulled pork is pretty good and the potato salad gets the job done. But the cole slaw ... oh the cole slaw. The tangy molasses and soy dressing is absolutely addictive. For under $10, this lunch platter is tough to beat.

'

Here is the recipe for the cole slaw (courtesy of the internet):

Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon garlic pepper seasoning
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon molasses
3 cups red cabbage, very coarsely chopped, or green cabbage (or both)

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the cabbage

Chop cabbage into 3/4 - 1 inch chunks

Toss dressing with cabbage

Let sit in the fridge for an hour or two

Enjoy

For Lunch Today...

In the spirit of the season, I have been on a huge barbecue kick. So for those of you who did not get your fill of smoked meats over this past 4th of July weekend, this one goes out to you.

Last week I was for fortunate that Big Brutal Dave decided to take some time out of his busy bar review schedule to squeeze in lunch with me. There was no question as to where we would be eating: BBD loves, and I mean loves Ugly Dog.* In fact, just a few months ago I ran into BBD enjoying his birthday dinner there before a Hornets playoff game. He is a man of humble means, ladies and gentlemen, what else can I say...

Ugly Dog is just off Tchoupitoulas on Andrew Higgins. The problem is that, eventhough it is still located just outside the CBD in the Warehouse District, its too freaking hot outside to walk to during the summer months. Thus, the necessity of driving may deter some from choosing Ugly Dog for a quick lunch. But they are the ones who are missing out. Regardless, it serves quite a sizable lunch crowd during the week but slows down significantly during dinner.**

BBD recommends the pulled pork, and I would have to agree with him. Add on a loaded baked potato plus a side of that tangy coleslaw, and you have a hefty and tasty lunch for around $10. On my last visit I tried the burger - it's OK, but not the best this place has to offer. The chicken sandwich looked about the same. The brisket is pretty solid, and the pork spare ribs are a decent stand in for the ones you never have the time (nor the patience) to cook at home.

But I must say, the coleslaw alone is worth coming here for. Dressed with a combination of mayo, molasses, and soy sauce, I could probably eat an entire bucket of this stuff. Most of you should have already seen this next tip coming: put the coleslaw ON TOP of the pulled pork sandwich. Straight $.

Ugly Dog Saloon - Par on a par 3 with difficult pin placement.

* "Dude, they put f*cking molasses on the coleslaw. F*cking molasses. Gives it that tang. F*cking awesome."

** Blackenedout Exclusive Tip: After 5pm the Ugly Dog offers potatoes au gratin as a side dish.