I'm beginning to think that at long last, I must finally be living right. For the second time in as many months I've found fantastic BBQ in the usually sub par Mid-Atlantic region. Last weekend following a great day of spice and good fellowship at a chili cook off in Woodbridge, VA. a group of cooks headed to Dixiebones for a victory feast.
As advertised everything was home made and very authentic. I'll post a link to the website at the end and you'll see that the prices are also very reasonable.
Fortunately we arrived early. Our party of ten was seated within minutes, and as we ate we watched the place quickly fill with diners, primarily locals. Service was quick, efficient and friendly. Meals arrived within mere sips of very sweet tea.
Servings were generous. My pulled pork plate arrived (gloriously sans sauce), accompanied by sizable portions of mac and cheese and their Muddy Spudds, potatos fried up with onions, seasonings and topped with cheddar. Both sides were top notch, fresh, and would make mom cry in her cast iron. I was also able to sample my SOs cole slaw. It was a good typical cabbage slaw with a very wet vinegar/mayo dressing.
The pork was nice and tender, obviously wood smoked, but not nearly overpowering the luscious meat. I ended up dabbling with the sauces on the table. the vinegar sauce was very good, sweet with just a hint of heat, a splash over the pork pile added a nice tart dimension overall, and the tomato based sauce was nice for a little dip. I was fortunate that a table mate chose the loaded baked potato as she wasn't very hungry. Her plate arrived with a football sized (nearly) mound of potato, loaded with cheese, BBQ sauce and a healthy amount of beef brisket (onions on the side. Nice). Joyously she is petite and quickly exhausted herself, sliding her plate my way. I would have asked to hold the sauce, but the brisket was moist, and tender, and my definite choice for next trip.
My SO's catfish sandwich was nearly a religious experience, and I'm not really one for religion, or fish. Fresh flaky meat, and a spicy, crispy exterior that verified the existence of a Supreme deep fry Being somewhere in the bowels of the kitchen. The catfish v. meat debate will make for a true quantry next time out. To-go will be a must.
And finally, a word on cornbread. She sat there in golden glory. Coyly ignoring my suggestive glances. She was slightly sweet. Accent imperceptible. Neither Yankee, nor Southern peach. Once you got to know her though, her crispy exterior yielded to a softness that greedily sucked at the butter spread thick all over her golden body.
Yeah, it was just about that good. Rolls, cornbread and a variety of desserts are made on site every day.
www.dixiebones.com Vayo con Queso
