Smokin'

Noshing on ten-cent French dips was the original plan. The original plan was crazy. I don't know what I was thinking. I don't know how I convinced myself and four other people this was a good plan.

There were more people there than...the population of Wasilla, Alaska.

Yes, I'm going to make this comparison as much as I can. Again. And again.

We did have a Plan B. Just a few blocks away from Philippe's is Spring Street Smoke House. I'd been there ages ago with Curly Fries and a few other old co-workers pre-remodel. I remember liking it.

Our table (and every other table) had a full loaf of bread on it.

Yeah, we didn't get it either. It remained untouched.

The restaurant does not have napkins. Just this.

My limeade ($2.00) was too sweet for my liking. That didn't stop me from downing two glasses, though. I have problems.

Here's my meal in its full glory -- a four-baby-back-rib basket ($7.95), hush puppies, and macaroni and cheese (two sides for $2.00).

The quality of the meat was good, but I still prefer the sauce at The Original Texas Barbecue King. You can order your sauce mild or spicy. I chose spicy, of course. It had a tang and a kick, but the tang was a tad too overpowering.

Spring Street Smoke House wins with sides. The mac 'n' cheese delighted me.

I love hush puppies. These were a bit dry, but I loved them still. Oh, hush puppies, you make me so happy! Hush puppies! Even saying it makes me smile.

Sadly, service is seriously lacking at this establishment. The waitstaff is friendly and well-meaning but totally flaky and inattentive. Check out how much tater was charged for her meal.

Maybe our server thought she was at Philippe's.