|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I like good barbecue, and good barbecue can be hard to find in California, especially in the Sacramento area. So when a co-worker told me about The Pit Stop, I had to give it a try. The Pit Stop is located in North Highlands, a suburb of Sacramento, on Watt Avenue, across from the former McClellan Air Force Base, in a rather shabby section of town. That's a good thing, because that's where good barbecue is found, rather than in the posh suburbs. The Pit Stop is small and unpretentious; that's also a good thing that bodes well for barbecue. There is nothing fancy about barbecue, so a barbecue restaurant shouldn't be fancy. Eric's rule states: Good barbecue is found in shabby restaurants. The Pit Stop isn't shabby, but it's not at all fancy, but that equates to good barbecue.
Left: The Pit Stop Barbecue. Right: Poblado hands me a beer You walk in and you immediately notice the menu posted above the counter. Yes, that's the way it should be at a barbecue joint, rather than a menu at the table. You walk up to the counter and you're greeted by Pobalo, the friendly owner. Let's see, what shall we have for dinner? There are many choices and combinations, and Poblado will be glad to serve you any combination that you want. For those with small appetites, lunch is available anytime the place is open. I chose chicken, chopped beef brisket, beans, cole slaw and biscuits, and decided to do the takeout routine. While I was waiting for my food, I drank a ice-cold beer and watched Poblado fix my order.
Left: Poblado has my order ready. Right: The counter where you order your food and the menu above the counter. The owner, Poblado, is a nice, friendly guy, who is easy to talk to. He purchased the business a few years ago and the former owner showed him the business, especially the business of barbecue. Oh yes, did I tell you the sause is really good, with just a little kick, but it won't affect even the most lightweight barbecue affectionados? The Pit Stop's food is good, it tastes smoky, the way barbecue should, and it will fill you up. The sauce is tangy, and applied near the end of the cooking process, as it should be, in good barbecue. I ate the chicken, beans, cole slaw and biscuits, which was all I could hold, as I'm an eating lightweight. The chopped beef brisket provided meat for two other meals. Left: Pablado prepares my order. Note the cast iron skillets hanging on the wall; a nice touch. Right: My dinner of chopped beef brisket, beans, cole slaw, chicken and biscuits. The Pit Stop lives up to it's claim of producing good barbecue! When I eat their food, I'm instantly transported to Kansas City, as that's the taste of their barbecue and the image that it congers up. Taste and image are a big part of barbecue, and The Pit Stop has all of that covered. That's a good thing. The food is good! When you're in North Highlands, and you're in the mood for some good barbecue, you should head for The Pit Stop. You won't be disappointed. Be sure to say "hi" to Poblado, as he's a friendly guy. Tell him Eric sent you, and you saw this article on the world wide web, as I'm a regular customer and he'll really appreciate it.
Copyright(c) 2006 Eric's Enterprises, Etc. All rights reserved. This site has been on the web since December 22, 2002. Web page design has been created by Eric's Enterprises, Etc., website design, and more...
|
