Let's Talk BBQ
General => General Discussion & Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: drholly on November 09, 2013, 11:45:42 PM
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I had the great opportunity to meet T2 today for lunch in Stillwater, MN. I also met his lovely wife, daughter, son in law and grand daughter (she is a total doll!)
Stillwater is a great little town on the edge of the St Croix River along the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. One of the oldest (if not THE oldest) towns in Minnesota, Stillwater has a plethora of antique shops, and other specialty stores as well as a great variety of great restaurants. In the spring through fall, street fairs, art shows and other events draw thousands of tourists.
We met at a great kitchen store that boasts cooking classes in a kitchen that makes mine blush. The store offers almost every cooking tool / appliance / spice / oil / etc. that you could imagine. From there we went to lunch at Smalley's Caribbean Barbeque. Here's the menu - http://smalleyscaribbeanbbq.com/menu/
We tried the BBQ Shrimp, Curried Goat, Salt & Lime Jalapeno Peppers, Ginger Jicama Slaw, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Jerk Pork Tacos, Ribs, Brisket (was like pulled beef), pulled pork, Creamy Cole Slaw with Celery Seed and Horseradish (excellent!), Fire Roasted Pork and Caribbean Pintos (another hit.) Actually, everything was very good. Frankly, surprisingly good. They offered sauces on the side. If there was any disappointment (in my mind) it was the sauce. They had three "BBQ" sauces built around the same base from mild to "hot". None were hot and none were very sweet. They also had a scotch bonnet based sauce that was supposed to be "killer." While it wasn't killer, in fact not even really hot, it was very fruity and delicious. It was my favorite.
The curried goat could be an entre - it was superb. The BBQ was cooked over pimento wood and had a nice smoke flavor without being too strong. All the meat was moist and the sausage was very interesting. It is from a local source - I will be looking to pick some up again. This place is definitely on my list to visit again and to bring my wife to. The funny part is - I found it doing a search for the best hamburger in Stillwater!
I had a wonderful time talking with Tim, his wife and their family. We shared stories (some probably even true... ;) ;D) I'd love to share some pictures, but I was using the camera that Dee sent me... ??? :o 8) Hopefully, Tim will post some pics (he was clicking pretty well... )
I had a great time today - Thank you, Tim. And thank you to all of the rest of your family! I felt like I'd known all of you for a long time - it was a wonderful afternoon.
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Glad you guys met and hope Tee and family have a safe trip back
Maybe someday all of us will meet at some point
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Great story, David! I really enjoy reading the experiences of others in their culinary adventures, especially when they are with other forum members. ;)
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Sounds like a good time Doc.
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Sounds like a great time.
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That does sound like you guys really enjoyed your visit!
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Really good story, David. If I counted right, there were ELEVEN menu items y'all tried! I don't recall seeing any desserts on the list. That's the way I eat when I go out. I don't want to have to leave room for dessert - bring on the good stuff. Of course, as small as I am, I don't have that much room to start with - 8)
Isn't it funny how many folks end up having so much fun when T comes for a visit?
B T W, maybe this weekend will help you decide to attend the Gathering next fall. Instead of trying just eleven things, you'll be tasting food all weekend long whilst spending time with some of the best folks on the earth.
Just sayin'...
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Doc,
Now you have met the one person who can keep Tim in line (most of the time), his wife Kaye. She should be put in for "sainthood".
Art
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Sounds like a great time David! I think Tommy said it best,"Maybe someday all of us will meet!"
Say, did T2 hit you up for your monthly dues? :o
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Isn't it funny how many folks end up having so much fun when T comes for a visit?
Not so much when he comes for a visit but you do get a feeling of total euphoria when he leaves - kinda like when you stop banging your head against a wall.
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Sounds like a great time!!! Don
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Doc,
Now you have met the one person who can keep Tim in line (most of the time), his wife Kaye. She should be put in for "sainthood".
Art
I agree! ;) ;D
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Really good story, David. If I counted right, there were ELEVEN menu items y'all tried! I don't recall seeing any desserts on the list. That's the way I eat when I go out. I don't want to have to leave room for dessert - bring on the good stuff. Of course, as small as I am, I don't have that much room to start with - 8)
Isn't it funny how many folks end up having so much fun when T comes for a visit?
B T W, maybe this weekend will help you decide to attend the Gathering next fall. Instead of trying just eleven things, you'll be tasting food all weekend long whilst spending time with some of the best folks on the earth.
Just sayin'...
Jack,
There were AT LEAST 11 items - and we passed them around so everyone had a chance to try everything. There wasn't anything we tried that wasn't very good or excellent. Some of the flavors were really special. I agree with you about passing on desert to leave more room for sampling the "good stuff!"
Yep, now that I've "bit the bullet" and met T, I guess there's no excuse for not coming to the Gathering. I'll put it on my calendar - health willing, I will be there.
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Sounds like a lot of fun Doc.
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Glad you guys got meet and share a meal. Tee's a fun & easy guy to be around.
Be honest; did the glare from his white legs break Dee's camera? ;D
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Great write-up sir. I just got back to the real world this morning. I have been to Smalley's one and liked it.
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Glad you guys got meet and share a meal. Tee's a fun & easy guy to be around.
Be honest; did the glare from his white legs break Dee's camera? ;D
Yes, he is. And his family is even more fun!
Thankfully we had an early winter wind and the temps were too low for shorts... I did bring some welder's goggles just in case... ;) ;D
Dee's camera worked perfectly - can't you tell... ::) ::) ::)
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Great write-up sir. I just got back to the real world this morning. I have been to Smalley's one and liked it.
Welcome home - how did the hunt go?
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Tough hunt this year. We got two. They just weren't moving and it was quite windy. My buddies have two more weekends. I am only allowed one weekend
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Tough hunt this year. We got two. They just weren't moving and it was quite windy. My buddies have two more weekends. I am only allowed one weekend
Sorry to hear. I hope they share!