Kansas City BBQ

Ok I am using this to post my first blog on the KCKCC Debate blog. I figure this is a subject anyone familiar with me or KC can relate to.

A few weeks ago some of the debaters and I started what we have deemed the "BBQ Tour". Each week we have ventured to a different BBQ place in search of the perfect Que!

The tour began with a stop at Rosedale BBQ. I am a big fan of Rosedale's Beef/Sausage Combo on a bun. With a side of fries and a must have side of corn nuggets, it doesnt get much better. The sauce is the right blend of spicy and sweet and the sausage has quite a kick to it. As for the corn nuggets---nuff said.

The next week found us dining at the Original Arthur Bryant's in KC MO on Brooklyn. If you go to Bryant's try the original location first. And while you are down there, visit the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District and see the Negro Leagues Hall of Fame. Again I opt for the Beef/Sausage Combo and fries. I love Bryant's sauce the best out of all in KC. The Rich and Spicy and the Sweet Heat are both wonderful. I could live on this stuff I think.

In an impromptu stop on the tour one day before class, we found ourselves dining at Famous Dave's. It is what it is. It is a chain, and for chain BBQ it is pretty good. The sauce on this occasion left something to be desired. If you are going for sides at Dave's the Apples and the Onion Strings are really good choices.

Our next BBQ outing took us to Wyandot BBQ just down State Avenue from the College in KCK. The food there is good--I love the fries--very crispy. Wyandot does a good sandwich, but the burnt ends are really good too.

Our most recent stop on the tour was Oklahoma Joe's. Located in the Shamrock Gas Station in KCK, this place was packed at lunch time. They also have good burnt ends, but I am a fan of the Z-Man. It is brisket piled high, toped with Provolone Cheese and 2 Onion Rings. I think sides really help distinguish a place and Joe's does not disappoint. I am always conflicted because they have the best Onion Rings in KC and the fries are legendary as well. I usually opt for the Rings, as I did this time, then snag a fry or two from a fellow diner, Chris on this occasion.

I believe our next stop on the tour will likely be Gates.

Well in fact, our next stop was not Gates. We only had a short time before class on Wednesday the 19th, so Chris and I hit up RJ BBQ at 85th and Parallel Parkway in KCK. We arrived right around Noon and the place had a medium sized crowd. We both ordered the Round-Up sandwich (Chris choosing Beef and Ham and myself choosing Beef and Turkey). We both had fries for a side and I also got an order of the beans. You always have to try the beans to get a good feel for a BBQ joint. RJ had pretty decent beans, the meat on the sandwich was tender, and the sauce was pretty decent. The fries were nice and crisp--always a plus. Overall it was a decent meal. One thing to know about this place is they do not take credit cards. If you choose to use a debit card they have a debit machine that you withdraw money from via a receipt. There is a charge for this service. So if you go to RJ, be sure and take cash.

Perhaps, Gates will be next. I do plan on trying some southern BBQ on our impending trip to Atlanta for a tournament.

We will keep you posted. And in the meantime, remember, if it aint KC BBQ, it's wishing it was! And that is not debateable.