Fiorella's Jack Stack: Kansas City Magic

Warning:  The following may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13 and NY Yankee Fans

Zagat's and the Huffington Post both recognize Jack Stack as one of the Nations BEST BBQ venues.

So on my inaugural visit to KC for business what do I do?  I go to Jack Stack for an ungodly amount of meat.  Do not pass go, do not collect $200.  Also, I have never had "upscale" barbecue before either.  And Jack Stack pulls it off in spades.

And I can now unequivocally state I know why Andy Reid moved here.  And it ain't the weather.

Hands down the best Halloween Costume in 2013

There is a tradition that you rub the bull for luck before you dine.  Who am I to break tradition?

Thanks Patty for the great recommendation!

Growing up, I was an Orioles fan, but I had admired George Brett and his KC Royals.  Brett was the consummate competitor.  Kansas City is also happens to be the home of "Greatest Two Moments in Baseball Bat History."

This just goes to show that MLB will always rule in favor of the Yankees.  This was an atrocity that highlights MLB's years of stacking the deck for the Evil Empire (that's the NY Yankees for the baseball challenged).  Does the name Jeffrey Maher mean anything to you?  The Yankees encompass everything that is wrong with sports.  For example, just as they were fading, this year they actually let A-Roid suit up and play?  The next thing you know, we'll find out Andy Petite was on steroids and it will have been acceptable.  Oh wait...........

So let's go to the beginning.  We had the Onion Rings, which were "lightly breaded" to perfection.  Many places tend to over bread their O Rings.  These were perfect.

Stacked to Perfection

We also split the "Burnt Ends."  Searing meat is an underused method.  I loved seared fish, but rarely get my meat seared.  And these bite size chunks are one of Jack Stack's specialties.

Seared Perfection

For the entree, I went with two types of ribs, baby back (these were great as expected) and the lamb ribs.  I was shocked by how much I loved the lamb.  I am famous for going off the reservation and regretting it, but I LOVED these.  When you think of rack of lamb, we tend to think of a Mediterranean preparation.  These are prepared in the classic BBQ style, but if you like lamb, give these a shot!  They do a great job of pulling this off.

The MVP of my meal!

And of course any self respecting BBQ establishment need a signature side.  Jack Stack has the Cheesy Corn Bake.  I would tell you what's in it, but cardiologists may get together to ban this from our lives.  I for one am not willing to take this chance.

Take an extra Lipitor with this one, but it's worth it.  I may not be a doctor, but I sell commercials during TV shows with doctors

But unlike many BBQ joints, Jack has an outstanding dessert.  Their Mom's Carrot Cake.  It's served warm with cream cheese frosting.  This was a big and welcome surprise.

If you don't have room after the meal, make it.  This is ridiculous.

So the next time I go, I'll check out Oklahoma Joe's or Gates which I've heard are just as good.  But for "upscale" BBQ, Jack Stack is your joint.  Believe the hype.

Today's Footnote:  The Greatest Athlete Ever

Without question Bo Jackson was the greatest athlete I have ever seen.  Period.  This guy could not just do everything, he excelled at everything.  I've never seen a better raw defensive Outfielder and I've never scene a guy his size out run defensive backs.  If you haven't seen ESPN's 30 for 30 on him, check it out.

Here's a reel of Bo Jackson Highlights:

Footnote #2:  Kansas City's own Dan Quisenberry was a highly underrated relief pitcher.

When I was a child, the best relief pitchers were Goose Gossage, Dennis Eckersley, Rollie Fingers and KC's own Dan Quisenberry.  What did they all have in common?  Great mustaches of course!  The 70's and 80's ushered in an incredible era of mustaches.  I'm glad to see Andy Reid keeping up the tradition for KC.

The Quiz lead the AL in saves five times and retired as #6 in saves.  He also finished second in the Cy Young Voting twice as well as 3rd in Cy Young voting twice as well.

Quisenberry was the premiere submarine pitcher in the league and quite a character in his own right.

He was once quoted as saying:  "I've seen the future and it's much like the present, only longer."  Unfortunately he passed way too young in 1998.

Ladies and Gents, "The Quiz"

Rumi's Kitchen, Persian Perfected

Warning:  The following may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13 and those who think Kublai Kahn was a guard for the 1986 Milwaukee Bucks

Rumi’s Kitchen takes Persian Cuisine to the next level.  Much like when Phil Jackson started coaching Michael Jordan’s Bulls.  You knew Jordan was great, but Phil took him (and more importantly the team) to the next level.  Rumi’s did the same with Persian and made it upscale and more importantly, they put their unique signature brand on it.  

Phil got these Hall of Famers to buy into, "The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts"

Phil know you had to start with the fundamentals and building blocks.  In Rumi's case, they start with an impressive array of their appetizers.

Their shrimp seasoned with garlic, black pepper & saffron with a creamy feta sauce

Not a generously portioned dish but an incredible one.  The saffron makes it stand out from other shrimp.  In today's NBA, it's more of the Derrick Rose of the group.  Small but powerful!  It's a strong runner for our next app of the year.  As D Rose will probably end up the "Most Improved Player of the Year."

D Rose is going to bring the noise this year

 The Mirza Ghasemi is smoked eggplant with tomato and garlic was a delicious surprise.

I didn't expect my eggplant to be a dip!  But we  loved it.

The Dolmeh minced beef with rice, herbs wrapped in grape leaves was the best grape leaf wrap I've ever had!  

Granted, there is very little competition in the Grape Leaf space

The Hummus rounded out the apps.  The hummus was very good, not quite Cafe Agora good, but good.

Combined, these app's are the strongest we have had at any restaurant.  They really set the up the table (in this case meal) like my man Chris Paul.

Nobody dishes like CP3.  The Clippers should be strong this year.  But then again, they're the Clippers.

Every main course comes with a different rice.  

Rice Heaven

And we all liked different ones, though the dill (far right) was our least favorite.  The saffron offerings were the best.

And then there were the meats.

The lineup from left to right:
1. Lamb Kabob 2. Chicken Barg 3. Roasted Salmon 4.( and batting cleanup) Chilean Sea Bass

The Sea Bass was my favorite.  Granted, it's my favorite fish, but it was cooked to a moist perfection and the spices on it were perfect and not at all overpowering.

Beth and Leslie liked the Salmon best and I can't argue that because it was delicious and had that perfect hint of saffron.  The lamb was great too.  But if you are a self respecting Middle Eastern Restaurant, you can't f*ck up the lamb and have any street cred.  The chicken was a little dry and thus was the least eaten meat on the platter. 

The waiters hand may or may not have been on my ass

For dessert, they recommended the "authentic" ice cream sandwich.  It was god awful.  The bottom line is this, Middle Easterns and Asians make horrible desserts.  If you are east of Greece and want dessert, you are screwed.  I'm sure Marco Polo must have bulked up on the Tiramisu and then Baklava on his way to China.  I imagine a fresh Tiramisu in ancient Persia was worth at least 10 virgins to Kublai Kahn.

I love how Kublai always had an entourage around him in any rendition.  He would fit right into the NBA!

Of course Kublai Kahn was the inspiration for this modern day villain and this iconic William Shatner scene.

And Shatner owns possibly the best belly dancing scene in TV, Persian inspired of course

Overall, this was an outstanding venue.  It's unique, the decor was extremely upscale, the service was impeccable and the food was delicious.

Today's Footnote:  If you haven't noticed, I'm very excited for this NBA season.  Here are my predictions:

MVP:  Lebron, he'll have to carry his team more than the last two years, so his stats will be a career high.  But Kevin Durant will give him a run for his money and may average 35 points a game in November. Derrick Rose will be #3.  Dark Horse Candidate:  Demarcus Cousin's will finish in the MVP top 10

Comeback Player of the Year:  Derrick Rose, with Pau Gasol at #2

Eastern Conference Finals:  The Bulls over the Heat.  Since LBJ will have to carry his team this year, the deep and talented Bulls team will prevail as we  watch LBJ run out of gas.

Western Conference Finals:  The Houston Rockets over the LA Clippers.  I can't stand Dwight, but he's in the perfect spot with guys with actual courage, so he can do his rebounding and blocking all day.  If Blake Griffin stays healthy, they could win though.  James Harden will be the difference in this series, though they will have one hell of a time containing Chris Paul.

World Champs:  The Chicago Bulls.  They have the bodies to battle and get into the head of D Ho and the athletes to bother James Harden just enough.  This will be the Derrick Rose Coming out party.

Bone Garden Cantina - Diablo's Favorite Joint

Warning:  The following may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13 and those whom are scared of El Diablo

Bone Garden Cantina won our "Best Quesadilla in Atlanta" competition earlier this year.  But Bone Garden is so much more than just a joint with a great quesadilla.  These guys make some great and original food with some true "kick ass" decor.  And it's not easy to find.  They could say the same of El Diablo.

Mexican with some "Underworld" Tones?  Yes please

Their artwork is dedicated to Mexico's "Day of the Dead."  This day commemorates the Mexicans paying tribute to their deceased with some pretty morbid, albeit, pretty cool symbolism.  It dates back to the Aztecs.  Yep, my Cliff Clavin moment of this blog.

They have some cool are both painted and hanging all over the restaurant.

e

Queue up the "Steppenwolf!"  Anyone under 35, don't worry about this

They have my favorite cheese dip as well.  It's got a bite and some texture to it as well, particularly if you add the chorizo to it.  The Guacamole is also outstanding and the salsa is good (not great).

They shockingly call this app "The Three Amigos"

Their taco's give Taqueria Del Sol a run for their money.  I'm partial to the Carne Adobo and the Al Pastor, which is pork cooked with pineapple (trust me, try this one).

The quesadilla has already been discussed.  Case closed.  If it's your first time order the Adobo as part of your meal.

The Adobo Steak Quesadilla is the best around

The tamales are also great.  Try the Rajas Con Queso, it's Corn masa filled with queso, panela, peppers, onions and salsa pasilla. Steamed in a corn husk and served with salsa verde.

If ordering the Holy Chirizo Empanada is wrong (and not healthy), I don't want to be right.  It's stuffed with with chorizo, Monterey Jack cheese and scallions. And it's served with guajillo peanut sauce.  If you have a peanut or gluten allergy, this is NOT the dish for you.  That's my PSA for the blog today.

If you don't want spice, try the Camarones (shrimp for you gringo's) Enchilada.  VERY tasty and not overpowering at all.  In fact there's a hint of sweetness in here.

One of the great things I like is that they serve these all "a la carte" so you can mix and match what looks good to you.  I tend to always over order off of a la carte menu's.  But that's a personal issue.

Bone Garden is one of the best dining experiences you can find in the ATL.  They have everything but this Motley Crue video streaming 24/7.

Oh, and check out their lethal drink selection.  You may see your maker by the time you leave here!

Today's Footnote:  This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  A non-profit I currently run has raised thousands of dollars over the last few years for the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition.  They do great work and they need your help.

http://www.gabcc.org/

Atlanta's Best Chinese Restaurant - Gu's Bistro

Warning:  The following may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13 or those adverse to the multicultural trappings of Buford Highway

I know, it looks like a total shit show on the outside

Gu's Bistro on Buford Highway has picked up quite a cult following.  And with good cause, because it is absolutely, hands down and whatever poor cliche I can come up with THE BEST CHINESE FOOD IN ATLANTA.  It maintains total street cred by it's Buford Highway Location in a totally sketchy strip mall.  And that's being generous to sketchy strip malls.

But Shockingly Nice on the Inside

We have been looking long and hard for a new favorite Chinese place since Chopstix in Buckhead closed on Leap Day, February 29th, 2012.  This journey is part of the reason I started this blog.  We are doing gods work here at The Dry Rub!

Those who know me and my inner culinary circle went through a difficult time on that leap day.  My friend Jeff actually pushed back the closing of his house to dine at Chopstix on their last day.  We don't take these things lightly.  Some people may call that pathetic, I call it dedication.

Then we had the dumplings at Gu's and this happened.

AND THE LORD SAID TO MOSES, "Taketh I-285 to Buford Highway North and go about 1/2 mile and you'll find this slice of heaven on your left"

Chinese food has so much tradition, The Shroud of Turin was found to have remnants of soy sauce near its mouth

The appetizers are in(f*cking)credible.  The Zong Style Dumplings are hands down the best I've ever had.  The sauce is unique and the dumplings melt in your mouth.  I challenge you to find some better dumplings.  I could eat these 5x a week (and I may try).

The Chengdu Cold Noodles are both sweet and spicy and may be even better than the dumplings.  Jeff from the DR4 is in agreement.  Fair warning, both of these dishes do pack a punch.

The 2nd best export from Chengdu

The Dan Dan Noodles are both hot and spicy.  The meat on top is a great touch and, more importantly, a tasteful touch.

Dan thought these were so nice, we had to name it twice

On my initial trip, I ordered the Shrimp with Garlic Sauce.  The garlic sauce was full of taste.  (Though the Chicken w/ Garlic Sauce didn't taste as good). That's when I knew I had to come back and try to order as many items as I could.  So the next time I ordered Shredded Pork with Black Fungus. And the mushrooms were very tasty.

Today we had the infamous Tea Smoked Duck (Bone In).  And shockingly it's a duck smoked in tea. The meat is extremely tender and the smokey taste unique for duck.  Now if you are a marginal fan of duck, I still implore you to order this.  It is such a unique dish where the duck falls right off of the bone.

Smoked to Perfection

It was the best smoked thing since this:

This little gem has become such a cult classic, they are opening up a dumpling shop at the new Krog Market in Inman Park.  Not a bad transformation from Buford Highway shopping mall to the hipster Krog Market.

Young Bill Gates "lost" his lunch money many times I bet

It's much like Bill Gates going from High School Tool to the countries top Philanthropist hangin' with Bono.

Only in America does this happen

I will tell you that the "Americanized" menu is mediocre.  The Kung Pao Chicken and Lo Mein is fairly pedestrian, but you don't come here to play it safe.  Order off the Authentic Menu and let them make some of the decisions for you.

And if you go, go deep. At least 4 people and get the dumplings and Chendgu Cold Noodles.  Then split a few "authentic" main courses.  I also like the fact they acknowledge that the Chinese are horrendous at dessert so they threw in the towel and offer Ben and Jerry's.

http://www.gusbistro.com/

Today's Footnote:  If you like rock music from any era, I implore you to give the new-ish Queens of the Stone Age's album ....Like Clockwork a listen.  It is true art.  Josh Homme continues to be on of our most underrated musicians and I'm not sure why.  I've always been a fan of QOTSA, but this album is the perfect culmination of all of their previous offerings.  You're welcome.

Chai Pani Decatur- Indian Street Food

Warning:  The following may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13 and those with sensitive stomachs

We finally made it to Chai Pani after planning and replanning this trip.  The problem is we went prior to going to the PGA Tour Championship.

Note to self, do NOT ever eat spicy Indian
 food when you know you are going to be walking around in 90 degree weather and drinking beers for the next five hours.  But, as Dan said, once I get something in my head, there is no talking me out of if.

But I digress.  Chai Pani lives up to the hype and was absolutely delicious.  It's a great venue and even a greater value.  The decor is modern, but casual in a very non pretentious way.

Believe the Hype

Loved the Bollywood pics adorning the walls.  In true hipster restaurant fashion, you order up front and they bring the food to your table (except on weekends).  The Huffington Post named Chai Pani one of the Top 10 Cheap Eats Restaurants in the Country!

The literal translation is "Bring Tums"

We started with the infamous Kale Pakoras.  It's kale fritters made with a curried chick pea batter.  LOVED the green chutney as well.  This may be in my top 5 appetizers now.

All Hail the Kale.  If all else happens to fail, order the Kale.  (I'm here all week)

We ordered three main dishes.  The Sloppy Jai was great.  It's spiced ground lamb hash with that green chutney again and sweet yogurt.  Great lunchtime item.  It's got a kick to it.  They do remind me a little of the sliders at Hankook/ Yumbi as well.

Sloppy and satisfying.  They should have named it the Lindsay Lohan

My buddy BMac got the Thali with Chicken.  This was both authentic and satisfying.  Almost as good as my man Ajay's mothers Thali.  

And then the Kathi Kabab Roll.  This dish has both the Chicken and the Egg for protein, though I'm not sure which came first.  They also use Tandori and Cilantro spices.  Though I liked the Sloppy Jai better.

Not Surprisingly, Martinez went with the dish that most resembled a burrito

For just $.99 more you can get a side of the Daal.  Do it.  It's like a chicken broth on steroids, but without the needles.

Not to be confused with former Dodgers Pitcher, Omar Daal

http://www.chaipanidecatur.com/

Overall, Chai Pani lived up to the hype I've been hearing about.  If you find yourself in Decatur make sure you have an appetite and give it a shot.  Just don't exercise afterwards.  Oh and bring Tums.

Today's Footnote #1:  The PGA Tour Championship at East Lake is a great event.  They don't let many spectators in, so it is one of the best spectator events in all of sports.  If you ever get a chance to go, do it.  It's right in East Atlanta, so it's extremely convenient.  

But whatever you do, don't walk around with Indian Spices burning up your insides.

East Lakes 17th Green

Final Footnote:  Cadamom Hill is on Scoutmob!  If you want a great upscale Indian Restaurant at a discount, this is your chance!  This is one of the best meals in Atlanta.  I implore you to try it (and get the egg appam with shrimp for an appetizer)  

https://scoutmob.com/atlanta/deals/4594?ref=deal_idx_newest

http://thedryrub.blogspot.com/2013/02/cardamom-hill-wow_3.html

Grindhouse Killer Burgers

Warning:  The following may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13 and those adverse to eating in converted gas stations

Please "like" our New Facebook Page!

Grindhouse is one of my favorite "go to" destinations.  Somehow I have been remiss in giving them a review.  I did an extensive review on their new Villains Wicked Heroes sandwiches before them!

Grindhouse also made The Dry Rubs Final Four "Best Burger in Atlanta" contest!  They beat out The Vortex for that distinction, which I took a lot of flack for. People said the the established Vortex deserved it more since they have become an Atlanta Institution.  I call bullsh*t, Grindhouse is just a better product.

I view them more in the way of how people felt The Rolling Stones were just a Beatles knock off.  I think they may have outgrown that shadow.  And somehow Keith Richards lives to tell about it.

Son, long after you and I are no longer of this world, this guy will still be around doing drugs and womanizing.  God bless him.

Or that the Stone Temple Pilots were basically a Pearl Jam cover band.  Have these people heard Interstate Love Song?

These guys did enough drugs and sold enough albums to have total street cred.  But better than Pearl Jam?  Nope, but they stand on their own.

They also said the Foo Fighters were purely riding the coattails of Nirvana, which initially may have been true, but the Foo's have long since emerged from Nirvana to become the ambassadors to Rock n' Roll.

Who knew the young and hyper drummer was a genius in his own right?

The Foo's can cover the hell out of some tunes as well.

Now that I have gotten way off track, let's get back to Grindhouse.  The beauty and genius of Grindhouse is that it can be everything to everybody.  My children LOVE it.  I have had business lunches here.  Hell I've had drinking lunches here and it works for all.  Not too many places can say that.

I would highly recommend you start out with the Cheesy Poofs, fried pimento cheese nuggets with an asian dipping sauce.  Not exactly gluten free, but worth the damage.

Poofs that are cheesy

Their burgers come in many different styles.  I am partial to these:

YANKEE STYLE with bleu cheese, thick cut bacon, grilled onions and lettuce.  This is my standby.  Is there anything more american than adding meat to meat?  I think not John Cougar Mellencamp.  Now go back to smoking your Marlboro's and drinking your Budweiser.  Carry on America.

APACHE STYLE with pepper jack cheese, grilled onions, new mexico green chiles and lettuce.  When I really want to punish myself, this is what I go with.  I better not have to work after this or be around humans in general.  Trust me on this one.  But man, the flavors are insane.

Tonto has nothing on this Apache

And if you really hate yourself?  Like in a Miley Cyrus type of insane self loathing?  Get the Crinkle Cut Fries with the bacon and blue cheese sauce.

This Cyrus family is starting to make the Jackson's and Kardashian's appear functional.

And for the encore?  Grindhouse has handspun milkshakes that aren't loaded for the kids and are delicious.  Then they offer "Boozy Milkshakes" that can make for an interesting time.

Here is a listing of their Boozy Milkshake offerings:

EL DUDERINO- coffee shake, kahlua, pinnacle whipped cream vodka

STIMULUS PACKAGE- oreo shake, whynatte (coffee+energy), peppermint liquer (100 proof) (I would call this the pregame drink)

PUDDIN’ OUT- vanilla shake, banana liquer, pinnacle cake vodka, ‘nilla wafers

BOOTY SHAKE- peach shake, peach liquer, jack daniels tennessee honey

BERRY SPRINGER- strawberry shake, raspberry liquer, pinnacle berry vodka

MONKEY WRENCH- peanut butter chocolate malt, banana liquer, pinnacle chocolate vodka (my personal favorite)

They also offer many beers from Pabst to Sweetwater to Sapporo.  It's truly a one size fits all establishment.

The bottom line is that you will not find a more fun place to clog your arteries than Grindhouse.  Great atmosphere, great food, great bar and great shakes.  

http://www.grindhouseburgers.com/

Today's Footnote:

It may be a while to the next entry.  I have a boys trip coming up that will be documented since I will be in Wisconsin most of the time.  Brats and Beers for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Then the DR4 is going to Rumi's Kitchen, which I am looking forward too.

Hopefully before that I can sneak in a Gu's and/ or Chai Pani comprehensive meal.  Both have been elusive.

I am also toying with a best Taco in Atlanta tournament.  Please let me know your thoughts.