The Dudes of Food

After the original disappointment of the closed restaurant (see our November 14 review of Thompson Brothers Oklahoma Style Barbecue and the related “machete” incident), we were back again to try the Heirloom Market BBQ. Upon entering we were charmed by the Texas-esque decorum. The ambiance is similar to the food; this is a BBQ with a gourmet flare. There is one large eight person table in the center of the restaurant surrounded by an L-shaped bar that could seat another ten or twelve.

We ordered the three meats with one side combination platter ($16.50) hoping for enough food for three people. We also ordered two two-topping sausage dogs; Texas Beef with Brisket Chili and Cheddar Cheese and the special Alligator sausage with Sautéed Onions and Sauerkraut.

What we received was less than impressive in terms of quantity, and to some extent, quality. Some of our lack of success, however, may have been faulty ordering on our part. We were originally interested in some sort of beef short ribs which the waitress said they did not serve. Oddly enough, many other reviews discuss the beef ribs, so we will have to go back and clear up that confusion.

Our Combination Platter had Sliced Brisket, Chopped Chicken, Texas Beef Sausage, and a special side of Tempura Sweet Potatoes.

The quantity of meat on the platter was enough to feed one normal person (i.e. what the dudes of foods call a snack), and is closer to a sampling menu than a platter.

Sliced Brisket- Although seasoned well, sweet from the onions with a hint of garlic in the sauce, the meat itself was a bit dry. We would call it good, not great.

Next was the Chopped Chicken; this was our greatest disappointment. The meat was dry and the chicken itself was somewhat tasteless. We did not taste any of the smoky flavor that we like in BBQ chicken. Someone else in the restaurant seemed to have gotten the half-chicken with two sides, and that looked better than what we ordered.

Last was the Texas Beef Sausage. This was probably the best part of the platter, as the sausage was perfectly cooked. The onions on top added a great blast of flavor and a nice texture. The only problem was that there was only one sausage.

The Tempura Sweet Potatoes were a great, unconventional, and well thought out side. Each piece was light, crispy, and moist.

We were offered two sauces. One was a sweet Tennessee barbeque sauce and the other a Carolina vinegar based sauce. Both were pretty good. We were also offered the “special Green Sauce.” This was a cilantro and lime based olive oil like sauce and was the most interesting and delicious of the three.

Consumer hint: Ask for the Green Sauce!

We also order the Texas Beef Sausage Dog with Brisket Chili and Cheddar and a side of Mac and Cheese ($6). The hot dog was moist, crispy, and tasteful. The toppings complimented the sausage dog in a light way. The Mac and Cheese was ok, but not something worth going back for.

Finally we had the Alligator Sausage Dog with Sautéed Onions and Sauerkraut, side of collards. ($7). For you alligator virgins, it tastes a bit chickeny. The dog was well seasoned and tender. The toppings were flavorful and light. The collards were good, although not nearly as good as those at Thompson Brothers BBQ.

The sausage dog (try any of the various choices) is certainly the piece de resistance of the Heirloom Market BBQ and will be a reason for our return visit. At $4 with two toppings (brisket chili, sautéed onions, relish, slaw, sauerkraut, cheddar) the sausage dogs are most certainly a FSFW deal. Add $2 for a side, and it is still a great deal.

The menu says that you can add a sausage link to any order for another $1.50. $5.50 for a sausage dog and an additional sausage link (which could then be stuffed into the original dog, eaten plain, or any other number of endless possibilities) is also an FSFW meal.

We all felt that there was more to the Heirloom Market BBQ than we got. We will go back to try other things and order more intelligently. Hopefully we will discover that we just visited this local business on an off day. Until then, feel free to comment and let us know what you think.