One of the best parts of travel is the exploration of local food, so cutting across the south to New Mexico certainly beckoned for a proper BBQ tasting. Starting in North Carolina, we were very familiar with the vinegar approach of Carolina BBQ, but Helen's BBQ (top left) is a little place in Brownsville TN who does the absolutely perfect mix of Carolina and St Louis style. It shall, and forever will be, my friend.... oh wait. I mean forever will be the best!!! Thanks to Cake & Whiskey for introducing me to Helen's insanely delicious food!
Staying in Memphis on the way out West required a quick comparison of the famous Memphis approach. Not familiar with Payne's, the decision to stop there had to fulfill a the BBQ location rubric.
- Is it in a ghetto?
- Is the building itself completely shady?
- Are there people parked there waiting for it to open?
If you can answer yes to all of these, it is worth the experiment. Payne's was no exception. While Memphis (St. Louis-ish) style BBQ is not my personal favourite due to the sweetness, I was saddened that they did not sell their baked beans by gallon. Bacon fat rendering included, these beans will make you weep with joy.
Texas is a slightly different kettle of fish. The rubric adjusts to requiring weird bling everywhere and of course, being independent (that goes without saying on all of these places). Amarillo gave us a fantastic example of Texas style through Tyler's BBQ. Ellie declared Texas the winner (probably the beef versus pork situation), although Payne's maintained the winner of beans.
In the quest for the next 10,000 miles centering on New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and South Dakota, many lovely dining experiences were to be had, but there are three especially that deserve special recognition.
Ruidioso, New Mexico
This high altitude mesa town is absolutely perfect for wanting to hit both south and central New Mexico locations. An easy comparison to the mindset and style of Ruidioso is Flagstaff. High altitude, lots of coniferous presence, lots of local food options, and best of all, two of the best diners EVARRRR!
Enter Jorge's. If one ever goes out to the southwestern desert for classic and freshly made Mexican food, Jorge's fits the bill perfectly. Busy 100% of the time with portions that would feed entire armies, self-control was never more difficult.
However, as good as Jorge's was, Tina's (top right) was like finding a multiple carat diamond hidden in the corner. This woman can do anything with red and green ancho peppers. Day trips were scheduled around breakfasts at Tina's. On the days she was closed, we grieved. When we had to head out to Four Corners and on to Utah, we grieved some more.
Now, please understand that I can't begin to include all the great food, such as what I already am in love with at Salt Lake City, Nederland, Boulder, and finding a great place in downtown Rapid City (yes, I was surprised too). Discovering the steak and eggs at Dad's Diner in Farmington was pretty awesome too. However, we should take a moment of silence for Electica in Moab.
Moab, Utah
Why? Because in this laid back and barren canyonland, there isn't a place with better and more friendly chaos, rewarded with fantastic coffee shoppe delights and proper southwestern food. It's a rejuvination of the soul.
So, 10,000 miles later, friends were revisited, and especially important, new friends were made in the way of absurdly fantastic, local, freshly made, and delicious food.
