#'cue

Get Real Deal Tex 'Cue Burrito Bowls at Tres Carnes has been posted at http://winstonwanders.com/2013/12/06/get-real-deal-tex-cue-burrito-bowls-at-tres-carnes/

Get Real Deal Tex 'Cue Burrito Bowls at Tres Carnes

Over the past few years NYC has been going through a sort of Texas style barbecue renaissance. With many new massive traditional smokehouses popping up, the competition is fierce and some will obviously succeed where others fail. While most of the places serving 'cue are in the traditional format of counter, line, butcher paper, and meat by weight, Tres Carnes takes a completely different approach. Their menu consists mostly of tacos, burritos, and burrito bowls which get loaded with authentic Texas smoked meats like brisket and pulled pork in a Chipotle-esque construction line. At Tres Carnes, the smoker is helmed by pitmaster Mike Rodriguez who has a pedigree that includes the very famous Salt Lick in Austin. This guy knows what he's doing.

April 27, 2013

Ramon and I had dinner at 'Cue Modern Barbecue at Bonifacio High Street Central tonight. I wanted to treat him to dinner for a change because he usually pays whenever we go out and I'm not very comfortable with that idea. Sometimes, he lets me split the bill with him or lets me pay for parking (albeit reluctantly) just so I wouldn't feel so bad. Today, however, it was much easier to convince him to let me treat him and at a great new restaurant no less!

I kept 'Cue a secret until we were standing right outside the restaurant. I was thinking of making reservations ahead, but I wasn't quite sure if we were going to eat there so I decided to take my chances. Thankfully, it wasn't as jam-packed as I thought it would be and we only had to wait around 10 minutes in line. 

'Cue is a small restaurant that can get very crowded, very busy and very loud. If you're on a date, I wouldn't suggest you go here, but it's typically ideal for a get together with friends or family. Their food can be good for sharing.

While waiting for our meal, we were served with popcorn sprinkled with a little chili powder. This was a unique idea that I enjoyed because I've never gone to a restaurant that served complimentary popcorn. The best part about it was that it wasn't soft and stale as popcorn would be if left unattended for long. It still had its crunch and a spicy kick, reassuring me that it was 1) freshly-cooked or 2) kept fresh.  

Bone marrow and steak tacos, served with small flour tortillas, roasted corn salsa and sweet n' spicy salsa verde.

I know. This looks deadly, or at least, the mere presence of that glistening piece of bone marrow is enough to send health buffs away, but this was just too great to pass up. The steak is soft and succulent, the corn is roasted to perfection, and the salsa verde wasn't the least bit overpowering. On top of that, the bone marrow's flavor mixed well with all the other flavors and melted lusciously in my mouth. Believe me, no 'Cue experience would be complete without this order.

'Cue Burger, a 6 oz. house-blend all-beef patty, with mozzarella and smoked provolone, chorizo slices, arugula, a hint of BBQ sauce, a salp of red wine in between a butter grilled bun. It is also served with sweet potato fries. 

Mon and I had this halved into two, and I'm actually glad we didn't order any more because I couldn't even finish half of my half. There is nothing more delightful than a burger that is rich in flavor, good on the pocket, and mouth-watering at the first glance. The 'Cue Burger is nothing short of that. Its flavors complement well with one another and leaves a delicious taste on the mouth that leaves you wanting for more.

Have I mentioned my newly-discovered love for sweet potato fries? I'll tell you, they're heavy on the stomach (and calories!), but you won't be able to get enough of this one.

Over-all, 'Cue Modern Barbecue is a 'Carnivore's Heaven' serving you the best of steak, ribs and burgers, but it's definitely not limited to just that. I definitely need to go a second time for better photos, new gastronomic finds, and the quality dining experience! 

Hill Country BBQ: Awesome BBQ and Temporary Hurricane Shelter for SoPo

On the Tuesday following Hurricane Sandy, there were only a few places open downtown during the blackout. Since my supplies consisted of reduced fat triscuits (gross) and bread (with no power for a toaster), Hill Country BBQ was the only real option.  I was accompanied by my friend who refers to himself as “barbarian,” so he was in he was in heaven as soon as we stepped inside.  As a northerner (and female), I didn’t know what to expect BUT was pleasantly surprised.  Hill Country BBQ can be enjoyed by both the Manly Man and Girly Girl Alike.

Where: Hill Country BBQ (30 W. 26th Street, Flatiron).

Tell me more: With 10 types of protein cooked  “low and slow" in their in-house smoker, it is the real deal BBQ not customarily attributed to NYC's food scene. This type of ‘cue is traditional Texas “dry rub” and is fresh, flavorful and delicious. In true fat kid fashion, you can order meat-by -the pound and a plethora of sides (an ideal place to put on the Sandy 15). What is better is the way you order. Unlike a traditional restaurant where you sit down and tell the waitress what you want, at Hill Country you receive a meal card and order your southern comfort food cafeteria style. Food aside, the atmosphere RULES. As soon as you step inside off of 26th street, you feel like you are in the dirty south; Fun, causal and with no rules, it is good time even during Frankenstorm. Net net, Hill Country is LEGIT.

What should I feast on?

The Protein (FYI – you order by the pound, so prices change pending how much you can put down):

- Brisket Lean – the “Moist” was a tad fatty.

- Original Kreuz Sausage – Shipped in fresh from Texas.

- Market Chicken – Out of this world AND you won’t feel like a complete chubster eating this.

The Sides (comes in 3 sizes):

- Skillet Cornbread with Ancho Honey Butter ($3.50) – I love when desserts pretend to be appetizers.

- Longhorn Cheddar Mac & Cheese ($5.75 S/$11 M/$21 L) – Super creamy. The fact that it was penne pasta (a JV carb) gave me fear, but after one bite, I realized I had nothing to be afraid of.

- Sweet Potato Bourbon Mash ($4.75 S/$9 M/$17 L) – It was like Thanksgiving on amphetamines.

- Smokey Chipotle Deviled Eggs ($3.95) – You had me at chipotle….

The Sweets:

- Red Velvet Cake ($8.00) – The size of my head. Enough said.

Other things to note:

- The Staff ROCKS. In full force during the hurricane, they were friendly, attentive and just effing fun. Hi Danny!

- Great for family style. Sharing is caring people.

- They do combo meals (read: multiple meats). For the caveman/cavewoman with an adventurous palate.

- You can wear whatever the F you want. Hill Country = Judgement free zone.

- Huge space. At 2 floor and 11,000 square feet, it could host 2 Catholic weddings.

- Even “Huger” portions. I think I stored up for both the hurricane and winter 2013.

- You can’t get hosed on the bill. Everyone has that friend who orders 6 glasses of wine, the steak and dessert and expects to split the bill. At Hill Country, each person gets a meal card and pays separately.

- Live Music with your food. Sadly, one was not present during Sandy (Yes, I thought about performing but didn’t think NYC was ready for my talents) but on a regular night, they have a country band.

- All-you-can-eat Mondays. Okay, I wasn’t there for this but for $25 you can have unlimited brisket, chicken, spare ribs, and sides (read: They are giving it away).

- It’s not cheap. Macaroni was $11.00. For a Medium. 

HAPPY FEASTING!

Edited by: The Lazy Bulimic