California’s BBQ Belt

Yeah, there’s Texas for that mesquite-kissed goodness.  And you’ve got the Carolinas, where whole hog and hickory reign supreme.  Kansas City joins the discussion with it’s claim as the hub of all things BBQ, a melting pot of the very best from each region.  But for those “in the know”, there’s also a gold mine right here in the “Golden State”!

Sure, us Californians boast of the abundance of fresh seafood so graciously provided by that big ol’ pond we call the Pacific Ocean.  The very best authentic Mexican food is at our beckoning call (made in non-descript stands by smiling grannies who were living south of the border just weeks before).  We have our star-studded, 5-star eateries with their “asian-fusion” creations, and asparagus and black truffle pizzas.

And we’ve got In-N-Out.  Boo-Yah!

Years ago, during a simpler, more rustic time in California’s glorious history, the central coast was home to a number of cattle ranches.  The original cowboys–known as “vaqueros”–would gather after a cattle round up to enjoy an outdoor feast.  They would dig a pit in the ground, fill it with the native red oak that graced the local landscape, and start a raging inferno of fragrant deliciousness.  Slabs of beef would hang over the fire to pick up the glorious flavors of the coals and smoke.  Tri tip quickly became the most popular cut, and a distinct version of BBQ was born: Santa Maria-Style BBQ (named after the city that was central to the cattle ranches)!  Many food writers actually consider the central coast the “BBQ Capital of the World”.

A few things have changed with the times.  No need for digging, a standard Santa Maria grill is a marvel of simplicity.  What you see pictured above is a large grill that can be raised and lowered above the oak wood fire (depending on the intensity).  No propane.  No electricity.  Accompanying the BBQ’d meats are now beans and fresh salsa.  But what hasn’t changed is California’s love for Tri Tip.  Not real popular outside of the most populous state in the union, this sirloin cut is usually seasoned with salt, garlic, black pepper, ground chiles and, maybe, oregano.  But the key ingredient is the red oak.

So what’s the point of this little BBQ history lesson?  The BBQ Family will be vacationing this coming week in this storied region.  More than likely, we’ll make daily treks to different beaches, exploring tide pools, caves and hidden coves.  I’ll sample the locally caught seafood at one of the historic fishing ports.  I’ll watch my share of Food Network, stay up late, sleep in, and allow my brain to enjoy a temporary state of vegetative bliss.  But I am also commited to my BarBeQuethMinistry! calling.  I will continue my BBQ research with the utmost of detail and honor.  I must explore California’s BBQ belt in all it’s smokey glory.  I’ll hit the most legendary joints, whether it be a roadside stand or a sit-down restaurant.  I’ll consume some form of Santa Maria BBQ every blessed day.  For research purposes, of course.  I owe it to you, my faithful readers.

I’ll not let you down.

Best of the Best

There are so many different food items that I really like to eat.  In SoCal (that would be from Ventura down to San Diego), here are the BBQthDirector’s choices for the best eats!  I welcome your tips/suggestions.

-Ribs: Kansas City BBQ Company (N. Hollywood)

-Brisket: Famous Dave’s BBQ (national chain)

-Hot Links: It’s In The Sauce BBQ (Ventura)

-Pork: It’s In The Sauce BBQ

-Tri Tip: It’s In The Sauce BBQ

-Chicken: Pampas Brazilian BBQ (L.A. Farmer’s Market)

-BBQ Sauces: Famous Dave’s

-Cole Slaw: Famous Dave’s

-Beans: It’s In The Sauce

-Potato Salad: Pampas Brazilian BBQ

-Fries: Rally’s (regional chain)

-Onion Rings: Lucille’s (regional chain)

-Fried Zucchini: Connal’s (Pasadena)

-Corn Bread: Robin’s BBQ (Pasadena)

-Bread: Pat & Oscar’s (regional chain) Breadsticks

-Salad: Pat & Oscar’s Greek

-Chicken Strips: Lucille’s

-Mozarella Sticks: Johnny Carino’s (national chain)

-Fried Chicken: Donahoo’s (Pomona)

-Hot Dog: Pink’s Chili Dog (L.A. County Fair)

-French Dip Sandwich: Philippe’s (downtown Los Angeles)

-Sandwich: Point Loma Seafoods (San Diego) Smoked Tuna

-Fish ‘N Chips: Andria’s Seafood and Fish Market (Ventura)

-Sushi: Point Loma Seafoods

-Tartar Sauce: Point Loma Seafoods

-Carne Asada: Ramiro’s (Montclair)

-Carnitas: Lily’s (Pomona)

-Chile Rellenos: Alberto’s (regional chain)

-Nachos: Lily’s

-Chips and Salsa: Los Jarritos (Pomona)

-Fish Tacos: Senor Baja (regional chain)

-Pizza: Bronx Pizza (San Diego)

-Coffee: Leonidas Chocolate Cafe (international chain)

-Tea: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (regional chain)

-Ice Cream: Handel’s (regional chain) Chocolate Raspberry Truffle

-Mall Food: Cinnabon (national chain)

-Most unique food: Manni’s Bakery (West L.A.)

-Best place for a crowd: Buca di Beppo (national chain)

-Most romantic place to eat: Tutti Mangia (Claremont)

-Most ghetto fabulous place to eat: San Pedro Fish Market (San Pedro)

Missions Trip Vids

I’ve uploaded ten videos from the last three Lighthouse T.E.A.M. missions trips.  The best way to view them is to go to Tangle (formerly GodTube) and register (all you need is an e-mail).  Once you have an account, just search for “Jay Nepomuceno” and you can see my vids.  Or, just click the link below and you should be able to find the rest of the videos through the “related videos” links.  The following video is from the original Alaska Missions T.E.A.M., with me and the dudes trying our hand at a traditional Russian dance.  You’ll be able to see fishing footage, puppet practice, the girls singing in the van, and other fun things.  Well, I guess it’s pretty much only entertaining if you know us.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=df74251d052899e2fdda

Your Prediction?

Well, there’s been a bit of a change for the Famous Dave’s national TV spot that the BBQthDirector will be “starring” in (tongue firmly implanted in cheek).  “The Powers That Be” changed their minds on the line they initially wanted me to say (“Famous Dave for President!”–outdated, I’m guessing).  Luckily, they still want me in the commercial!  They asked me for a few of my thoughts on FD and will decide on which one I’ll be saying.  Which of the following do you think will be chosen (my personal fave is the last one)?

 

Still waiting to get discovered by freecreditreport.com….

Fave Fives XIV: Greater L.A. Attractions

The BBQ Kids enjoying the Travel Town Museum at Griffith Park.

I originally intended to list my favorite SoCal attractions, but it ended up being mostly San Diego hot spots (Point Loma, Sea World, etc.).  So I figured I should highlight where I live, which happens to be a very hip place as well.  Here are my favorite things to do/places to see in the Greater Los Angeles Area….

1.  L.A. Farmer’s Market:  The place to travel the world … culinarily speaking!  This deserves it’s own review, so that will come in the near future.

2.  Any empty beach:  I love the ocean!  I especially love to eat the critters that call it home, but that’s beside the point.  The BBQ Family loves to hang out at any empty beach, during any season (yes, that includes winter).  Exploring tide pools and sea caves is always great fun. 

3.  Lake Arrowhead Village:  I recently posted a review here.  Plenty to make both kids and adults smile.  Plus, the “rim-of-the-world” drive is absolutely stunning on a clear day!

4.  Griffith Park: Billed as one of the largest urban parks in North America, the BBQ Family has enjoyed many of the different attractions you’ll find here (the L.A. Zoo, hiking trails, Travel Town Museum, the Observatory, and the Edison light show during Christmas).  You’ve got to catch a planeterium show at the Observatory!  So very cool!  The BBQ Couple went on a few dates here in Bible College (fundamental Baptist-style double dates with Jesse Johnson and Candy Bakan).  Really nice views, day or night.

5.  Victoria Gardens:  A shopping center in Rancho Cucamonga with an “old town-village” feel.  Mostly upscale-ish shopping, but there are a few bargains to be had, if you look.  Three of my favorite restaurants are there: P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, and Lucille’s.  Very festive–and very busy–during the holidays.

The BBQ Princess taking in the view of the L.A. Basin from the Griffith Observatory.