BBQ Junkie

Rib Ranch Bar-B-Q

Rib Ranch Bar-B-Q on Topanga Canyon Blvd.

Have you ever got up in the morning and decided that you had to have some barbecue. That’s what happened to me today. I was really craving some slow smoked barbecue spare ribs, but deep down inside a little voice was telling me that I don’t have the time make any today. Lets face it, real good home style BBQ takes time to prepare. On to plan “B,” convince my wife that I really wanted to take her out to get some BBQ for lunch and that it had entirely nothing to do with my BBQ Junkie blog. She is a very understanding soul and went along with it. Yesss!
(more…)

BBQ Food in Los Angeles.

I was recently reading an old issue of Sunset magazine, from last July as a matter of fact. The article that caught my eye was titled The West’s Best BBQ and it featured some of Los Angeles’ top BBQ restaurants. I was disturbed by the fact that I had been to most of these restaurants, but have only reviewed one thus far, Dr. Hogly Wogly’s. For this I apologize. But, how can a do an honest review of a BBQ restaurant without having been there recently. Plus, what good is a restaurant review with out current photography of the food? It’s gotta look as yummy as it sounds. If you can’t wait for my review of your favorite BBQ food in Los Angeles, here is a list of restaurants that I plan on visiting soon.

Phillip’s Bar-B-Que
4307 Leimert Blvd. Los Angeles
323-292-7613

Mr. Cecil’s California Ribs - BBQ Junkie Review
12244 W. Pico Blvd, West L.A.
310-442-1550

13625 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks
818-905-8400

Woody’s Bar-B-Que
3446 Slauson Ave. Los Angeles
323-294-9443

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill - BBQ Junkie Review
540 New Los Angeles Ave. Moorpark
805-523-7253
Web Site

Lucilles’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
7411 Carson St. Long Beach
Web Site

Dr. Hogly Wogly’s Tyler Texas BBQ - BBQ Junkie Review
8136 Sepulveda Blvd. Van Nuys
818-780-6701
Web Site

By no means are these restaurants going to be the extent of this blog, but their BBQ food has earned them enough respect to move them up the list. If you have other BBQ Joints that you feel I should review or have recently visited one of the restaurants mentioned, let me know.

Dr. Hogly Wogly’s

Dr. Hogly Wogly’s is recognized as one of Los Angeles’ foremost BBQ destinations. Although it claims to by Tyler Texas style BBQ, this San Fernando Valley restaurant has become a significant ingredient in the Los Angeles barbecue vernacular. If you aren’t the type of person who likes to barbecue, or perhaps doesn’t have the time to barbecue, but are a fan of barbecue, I would recommend going to see the Doctor.
(more…)

Tri tip on the beach.

A wonderful barbecue tri tip experience.

The Harborside Galley & Grill

Most California beach communities are peppered with little local gems that dish up the expected foods of the sea such as fish n’ chips, chowder and perhaps some fish tacos. Some will go as far as offer burgers and hot dogs. Occasionally you come across one that goes against what is expected and offers something outstanding.

Even though it’s not a typical BBQ joint The Harborside Galley & Grill, which is located in Oxnard at the Channel Islands Harbor, offers up a stunning interpretation of the classic tri tip sandwich. The tri tip is cooked over mesquite coals, which imparts a wonderful smokiness to the meat. It is then sliced very thin and packed into French roll with lettuce, tomato, cheese and mayo. It’s not what I would have imagined for a tri tip sandwich, but delightful none-the-less. The surprising thing about this sandwich is that despite the amount of condiments, the flavor of the lightly smoked tri tip is present in every bite.

Don’t expect much in the way of a restaurant, it is nothing more than a walk-up window and a picnic table. Although, if you choose to, you have your food order delivered to the Rudder Room next door. It’s a bar that has been a favorite of locals for years with cheep drinks, friendly service and a beautiful view of the Channel Islands. If you happen to find yourself in the Channel Islands Harbor, I would definitely recommend having lunch here.

Harborside Galley & Grill
(805) 815-3166
2929 Ocean Dr
Oxnard, CA 93035

BBQ Dessert…

Come on, we all know that nothing cools the palate or finishes off a good barbecue meal better than ice cream. It’s the perfect barbecue dessert. Cobblers, pies and cakes can hold their own when it comes to having something sweet after the meal. But, add a little ice cream and you have something tremendously special.

If you are not willing to make your own homemade ice cream (or just don’t have the time) and store-bought is just not good enough, this review of Cold Stone Creamery might help you make a dessert decision.

L.A. Dining: Coldstone