In A Nutshell – February 2019

February was a wild ride having visited both Denver and the DC area in the same month. There was definitely a continuation of my BBQ loving theme having eaten BBQ in three different states as well as enjoying numerous delicious, and beautiful, cocktails in between the trays of meat. So let’s take a quick look back at the posts I had from February!

40 North collab w/la Barbecue – Austin, TX

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Lucked out at lunch yesterday with @atxfitfoodie at @40northpizza because they were still offering their @la_barbecue collaboration the Spicy Pickle Pizza! La Barbecue's housemade pickles come together with mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan cheeses, La Barbecue's pickled garlic, Fresno chilies, and dill to offer up a delightfully different flavor profile. When I first heard about a pickle pizza I was hesitant but it was executed beautifully!

A post shared by ATXFoodGuy – John Kulow (@atxfoodguy) on Feb 5, 2019 at 8:28am PST

The Wolf’s Tailor – Denver, CO

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Finally got to try @thewolfstailor in the Highlands area of Denver and it was awesome. @atxcocktails and I went with the chef's tasting menu that all crescendoed to the beef rib finale you see here. I have never had a beef rib as tender as this one and the sauteed mustard greens and nuka cabbage really paired well with the red wine braised rib. Every ingredient was thoughtfully chosen to enhance the dish it was prepared with, which is rare with some restaurants that tend to try too hard to be fancy for the sake of being fancy. Definitely intend to visit again and get some of their housemade pasta!

A post shared by ATXFoodGuy – John Kulow (@atxfoodguy) on Feb 7, 2019 at 9:21am PST

Mano Pastaria – Milk Market – Denver, CO

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Last time I was in Denver I visited the @denvermilkmarket and had a blast but I really wanted to go back and try the pasta from Mano Pastaria, so that's what we did. Hopped over to the @dairyblock with @atxcocktails and @kyrenabeana for some fresh pasta including this pappardelle Bolognese made with a veal, beef, and @sanmarzanousa tomato stew, parmesan, and a touch of cream. This dish was heavenly and just what I needed for the cold Colorado evening!

A post shared by ATXFoodGuy – John Kulow (@atxfoodguy) on Feb 8, 2019 at 9:53am PST

Smōk – Denver, CO

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Always on the hunt for great BBQ and @smok_denver at @thesourcedenver really delivered. This is a quarter pound of brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, pork belly, smoked turkey, a link of sausage, a side of white cheddar mac and cheese, and a @pabstblueribbon. The brisket, turkey, and pulled pork really shined so if you're looking for great barbecue in Denver hop on over to Smōk!

A post shared by ATXFoodGuy – John Kulow (@atxfoodguy) on Feb 9, 2019 at 9:31am PST

Steuben’s – Arvada, CO

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Brunching it up in the @cityofarvada at @steubens_arvada with the crew. Went with the chicken biscuit entree consisting of a scratch made biscuit topped with a super crispy fried chicken breast, bacon, and sausage gravy with a side of crispy smashed potatoes and a fried egg. Such a large portion of amazing food at a great price! Check them out!

A post shared by ATXFoodGuy – John Kulow (@atxfoodguy) on Feb 12, 2019 at 7:56am PST

The Smokin’ Rose Taco Joint – Austin, TX

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Finally had the chance to get over to @thesmokinrosetacojoint behind @latchkeyatx last night and they blew me away! Got an order of their Smokin' Roses which are roses made with applewood-smoked bacon that are then tossed in their Flame Sauce. Also had a few tacos including the carne guisada with fresh jalapenos added, pollo with avocado slices added, and their vegetarian papas option with cheese and avocado added all of them on their beautiful homemade tortillas. If you've talked to me about tacos, ever, you'd know that I think Austin tacos suck pretty bad but this is because I'm from South Texas where we had tacos like what Smokin' Rose is offering up. This is the one thing I've been missing in Austin for the almost 14 years I've been here and I'm so happy to finally have a great spot to visit in addition to Valentina's way down south!

A post shared by ATXFoodGuy – John Kulow (@atxfoodguy) on Feb 15, 2019 at 9:16am PST

Creekside Cookers – Wimberley, TX

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Wow! Kelly and his crew down at @creeksidecookersbbq in Wimberley are smoking some delicious meats. Popped on down to our southern neighbor and got a beautiful tray including @creekstone_farms moist brisket, smoked turkey, pork ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and a lamb slider with a lovely mint chutney. This time sides were in order once I saw the selection including baked beans, creamy coleslaw, a more vinegary based mango slaw, classic potato salad, awesomely spiced pinto beans reminiscent of charro beans, cream corn, cornbread casserole, and some green beans. Finally, i saw on their Instagram that they had an amazing looking carrot cake from @thefluffybottomsfarm and, you may not know but, I'm a sucker for a good carrot cake. Overall an amazing experience with fantastic food and awesome people behind the counter!

A post shared by ATXFoodGuy – John Kulow (@atxfoodguy) on Feb 16, 2019 at 9:55am PST

A Baked Joint – Washington, DC

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Thanks to @kathyphantastic for recommending @abakedjoint to me when she noticed I was in DC. Popped in Tuesday morning and ordered up a biscuit baked with sausage in the dough, with ham, and a fried egg and it was honestly the most simple but delicious breakfast sandwich I've had in a long time. I liked this spot so much I went back in there later that afternoon to have a cookie and a happy hour negroni!

A post shared by ATXFoodGuy – John Kulow (@atxfoodguy) on Feb 22, 2019 at 7:43am PST

Federalist Pig – Washington, DC

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This chapter of my quest to find great BBQ outside the State of Texas took me to the @federalistpig in Washington, DC. They utilize @sopridebbq smokers to pump out some pretty flavorful BBQ including the meats on this three meat tray. I went with brisket, pork ribs, and turkey, with a side of mac and cheese, a side of red potato salad, some Texas toast, and a @manorhillbrew farmhouse ale. The fat in the brisket was rendered well, the ribs were beautifully tender with a lovely outter crispness, and the turkey was perfectly moist. I got a second to chat with the guys behind the counter and they couldn't have been more friendly. Next time you're in DC, swing through and check out what they're smoking!

A post shared by ATXFoodGuy – John Kulow (@atxfoodguy) on Feb 24, 2019 at 9:56am PST

Cocktail of the Month:
Nocturne – Washington, DC

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The beautiful Sakasama cocktail from @nocturnebardc. This was a fascinating cocktail made with saké, shochu, lime, lychee, wasabi, seaweed, and egg white for the beautifully executed foamy head. The color was mystifying and the flavor was intriguing and complex. Nocturne seems to know their stuff so I'd recommend trying to get a reservation next time you're in DC! Oh and thanks to @tahrima_a for cluing me in to this spot! 😂

A post shared by ATXFoodGuy – John Kulow (@atxfoodguy) on Feb 27, 2019 at 8:12pm PST