Bar-B-Queue: Phil's BBQ

Phil's BBQ is extremely popular.  It's so popular that you can view the line for food via a webcam.  Now why would we subject ourselves to this?

In the interest of full disclosure, I can't say that we've ever actually stood in the serpentine line.  Whenever we go, we phone in our order, grab our food to go, and eat in our hotel room!  Just as yummy!  No waiting!

Baby back rib tickler -- three bones, two onion rings, slaw, fries ($6.95).


Fabulous.  All of it.

Beef rib dinner -- three bones and large side (we got the full corn-on-the-cob) ($13.95).




This is what you get at Phil's BBQ.  You go for the beef ribs!  Trust me on this one.  I am a huge fan of baby back ribs.  I always like baby back ribs more than any other ribs.  Or so I thought.

Phil's BBQ changed my mind.  BEEF RIBS FOR THE WIN.

Civilized Barbecue: Smoke

Arcade Fire happened to be playing a show in Dallas during our first visit, so the concert became our main event for the weekend. We filled our bellies at Smoke before Win Butler filled our ears at Gexa Energy Pavilion.

Smoke offers a fresh juices for $5 each. We enjoyed a mint limeade (lime juice, mint, housemade lime cordial syrup) and strawberry lemonade (lemon juice, housemade strawberry-raspberry preserve, housemade orange-ginger syrup).

Pork jowl bacon with half sour cucumber salad, pickled sweet chile, and mustard ($11).


Dry-rubbed pork spare ribs with mac 'n' cheese and pickled green beans ($19).


Grilled BBQ Cornish game hen with Romaine, walnuts, and chicken salad vinaigrette ($16).

Mescal and key lime meringue pie ($7).


Canella churros with Mexican chocolate and orange marmalade ($7).

Every bite we had during this meal was absolutely delectable. Bonus: check in on foursquare and get a free dessert!

Wan Turns 40: O Dae San

I've been friends with Wan for over five years now. She was one of my first Internet friends and remains one of my best. When Lilcee suggested a surprise party to celebrate Wan's fortieth birthday, we all happily obliged and met at O Dae San (2889 W. Olympic Blvd.,
Los Angeles), where we indulged in all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue for just $16.99.

Happy birthday, Wan! We love you so much!

How Harlem Does the South: Amy Ruth's

We started our Saturday at Amy Ruth's up in Harlem.



The menu boasted comfort, cuisine, courtesy, and culture.

And Amy Ruth's lived up to this.

Complimentary cornbread, peach juice ($4.00), lemonade ($4.00).

The cornbread was a tad on the dry side, but the drinks were exactly what we needed on a warm day.

Amy Ruth's names all of its entrees after notable African-Americans, including Barack Obama, Al Roker, and Al Sharpton.

The Nate Robinson -- BBQ spare ribs + two sides ($14.25).

Tender, smoky, and flavorful. Mac 'n' cheese and buttered corn were fab.

The Ludacris -- four fried chicken wings + two sides ($12.25).

Golden fried crunchy yumminess. Candied yams and cheesy grits rocked.

Worth the trip to Harlem. Good food. Good service. Good prices.

While we were in the neighborhood, we visited Serena and Blair's Ivy League stomping grounds. Yes, that was another Gossip Girl reference.

After taking photos of one of the many law schools that rejected me, we headed back down to tourist central.

If you watch Project Runway, you may recognize this billboard featuring contestant Gretchen's winning navy jumpsuit early this season.

I embrace being a tourist. It means I can say I adore Times Square.