Three words...
Farm to table.
I love to support and visit places that have a huge connection to their community and places that support their local farmers, growers and creameries. Route 7 Grill in Great Barrington, MA is just that place. Not to mention, the Gourmet Mag listed them as one of their top 10 Farm to Table restaurants in the country.
Being a Southern boy, you add BBQ to that list and I get as excited as a puppy with two peckers! Yep, I just said that. Any way, I decided that yesterday would be the perfect time to visit since I was only 30 min from there. It was cold and the Spring snow was turning into rain, as I walked in I was greeted by Amanda & Lester who were as warm and friendly as that kick ass fire Lester had in the fireplace that divides the bar area and dining room.
This is the kind of place that you visit while traveling and get really disappointed because they are not located directly next door to your house. Lester's wife and two beautiful kids arrived about the same time as I did so this gave the place an even more warm and cozy feeling.
I started with the smoked wings, the BBQ version of course. Another perfect example of, so excited I forgot to take a picture but all I can tell you is they were brined perfectly and smoked to perfection. They were served with lightly pickled carrots & celery which caught me a little off guard, but they were amazing. I have been on this wing kick for about 25 years and these were among the best of the best. Take that Buffalo!
The rub on the outside of the wings gave them flavor without over powering the delicate flavor of the chicken and the brine allowed the chicken to remain moist during the smoking process. Next course up, BBQ Chef tasting for One. This plate would make any Southerner Happy just with it's portion size and the chef chose wisely for me: a mini pulled pork sandwich, ribs and a large smoked chicken breast. The special also included two sides and I chose the kale, because I needed some balance and the New England beans. I was so into the BBQ that I didn't notice until half way through my meal that I had gotten home style fluffy whipped potatoes. Don't worry R7G, they were so good I couldn't bear to send them packing back to the kitchen.
This was really a great BBQ plate smoked by a true pit master. The BBQ sauce was good but I like a little bit more sweetness to balance the smokiness. Other than my on preference for sweet sauce this was a joint that I want to visit for many years to come and considering my many upcoming Boston trips, I'm sure I will partake. I'm sure Lester & crew will either get tired feeding me or put me to washing dishes to pay rent at that bar stool that I will call home.
Great Barrington is a great little town filled with fun places to shop, eat and you will see more post by me about this town in the very near future. Thanks Lester for making my drive to Boston giving me a full belly & happy one.
