Originally posted by The Travelin Man OK...I have made the mental deal with myself that I will not start any reviews/reports of this past weekend's activities in Mobile until this trip report is done.
Buffetbuster is still holding out hope that I will finish the Seattle portion of my Pac NW thread, too - but, I may hit Mobile stuff before I do that one.
Day Six - Wednesday, January 2 - Philadelphia, PA to Baltimore to Richmond, VA (continued)
My plan following Lexington Market was to dawdle for a little and then plan a sinner with former poster
laststandchili in either Baltimore or Annapolis. I had suggested Maryland blue crabs as an option, and, even after the crab cake overload, I was kind of looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it was not to be. He had an obligation that precluded our meet-up, so I made a bee-line down to my overnight location, Richmond.
While I was not planning an evening meal in Richmond, I did remember that
Buz and Ned's Real BBQ has received high marks from others in the past.
Signman directed me there, with easy off-highway directions. Given my still-limited skill with low light, all of my exterior pictures didn't come out well.
I walked in to the place around 7 pm and it looked like a ghost town. I sheepishly asked if they were still open and serving, and was suddenly greeted by about four or five smiling faces. Now, this is usually a bad sign to me - straight up dinner hour and the place is empty? This can't be good, right?
All of the employees are adorned with t-shirts touting Buz and Ned's recent "Throwdown" win over Bobby Flay. I stepped up to the counter and asked what was the best item on the menu. The girl who helped me suggested the pulled pork sandwich - and I added a side of macaroni and cheese. My initial skepticism was completely unfounded!
One of the best meals (and also one of my best pictures!) of the trip. And, at about $10, even that notorious cheapskate Rachael Ray would have been impressed. But, this is where things got a little weird....
On my way out, I asked for a refill for my tea. They offer free refills and serve in to-go cups anyway - so, a little tea for the road was in order. I chatted with the very nice girl at the counter about why I was in town, where I was coming from, where I was headed, etc. While she was refilling my tea, I noticed that they had a printed menu right by the register. I usually like to shoot the menu or the overhead board to chronicle the prices - and to see how things change over time. I grabbed my camera, lined up the shot - which actually took more than a second or two - and clicked.
Well...let me tell you about the verbal abuse I took from one of the others working! I was screamed at - I mean YELLING! "NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO TAKE PICTURES IN HERE - ESPECIALLY OF THE MENU!" I was told that the owner is the only one "authorized" to allow photography. No kidding - this woman yelled at me for no less than three minutes. I volunteered to remove the offending photos - probably more out of surprise than fear. She told me that I could "keep" anything that I shot already, but to stop immediately. Normally, I don't like to post pictures that don't show my best pictures, but this time I will make an exception. I think you should all see the "top secret" and "unauthorized" photo from Buz and Ned's.
Sorry...photo flat out sucks.
Now, I am a fan of irony (almost as much as neon). I think that it is incredibly ironic that they list their[url='http://www.buzandneds.com/menus.php']menu[/url] on their own web site. I am pretty sure that they also had take-out menus by the register, as well. If the menu is such a big secret, why is it listed on the web site? Do they know that the Internet extends beyond the boundaries of their control?
I really wish that I could encourage people to go to this place, but there are enough places that have both good food and cheerful service that I am not inclined to stop in with these folks again. Even if they were opposed to my photography, the situation could have been handled much better than by screaming at me!
Still more coming...
Thanks to all for the comments.
@
signman - I will be sure to add you to my speed-dial when I am lost with no Roadfood to be found!
