Summer is the time for picnics; picnic season means it’s time for barbeques. While growing up in Korea, the term “barbeque” only meant the zesty sauce that McDonald’s gave out with my four-piece chicken nuggets. It was only after moving to the states that I came to understand the origin of this word. After indulging in my first barbeque during a summer night in California, lounging around in my uncle’s backyard, I realized that America was the land of good food. Barbeque involves cooking meat slowly over a smoked fire and then covering it in a sweet and tangy sauce. Despite my love for classic barbeque, I’d been disappointed in my food search in NYC– until I visited BBQue’s Smoke Shack on 6th avenue.
Upon walking into the restaurant, I instantly fell in love with the barn-meets-cowboy interior, southern antique pictures hanging upon walls of wooden logs. The menu is filled with traditional southern foods, ranging from pulled pork to collard greens. Joe Cutolo, the owner of BBQue’s Smoke Shack, briefly explained the menu, recommending the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw. In Cutolo’s own words, BBQue’s Smoke Shack is “great BBQ served fast, and an alternative to fast food”. With its focus on only pit smoked barbeque meat untainted by preservatives, its no wonder the restaurant is enjoying its current popularity. Hordes of people people came in seeking meat and went out laden with trays of pulled pork sandwiches.
Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw and Waffle Fries
Stuffed Burger with American Cheese
My meal came out quickly and I was able to dig into the famous pulled pork sandwich. I quickly understood just why Joe had recommended this to me after the first bite. This was BBQue’s Smoke Shack’s finest, with the pit smoked taste fully integrated into every part of the pork mixed with their special barbeque sauce; I knew that this was the type of barbeque I’d been searching for. Tender meat, fresh and tangy homemade coleslaw, crunchy waffle fries: this was the perfect combination of a well-done southern meal. My friend had opted for their stuffed burger and waffle fries, which she said was cooked to perfection as well. We sat in silence as we buried our faces in our trays of food, only lifting our heads up to tell each other of how great the meal was.
With its options of dine-in, take-out, or delivery, BBQue’s Smoke Shack might be a busy, hungry college student’s dream come true. BBQue’s Smoke Shack will also be incorporating draft beer and wine into its menu soon, opening up its drink selection to a wider variety of customers. Personally, I think a cool, refreshing cup of beer is just the thing to go with the restaurant’s zesty sandwiches. I also loved the laidback ambiance and friendly service, and I can’t wait to return to try their Smoke Shack ribs and more of their southern styled sides. Offering flavored wings and platters of pulled meats as well, their classic barbeque menu is enough to remind students of the barbeques they had with their families back at home. My experience at BBQue’s Smoke Shack was fantastic and has convinced me that quality doesn’t have to be sacrificed for speed of preparation. So take a trip down to BBQue’s Smoke Shack– it’s a meal worth the subway ride.
Becky Kim, Queens College, Read my blog and follow me on Twitter
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