Gameday Giveaway: College Football Playoff Semifinals

This Saturday, the College Football Playoffs kick off, with Washington v. Alabama, followed by Clemson v. Ohio State. If you correctly name the winner of each game, your name goes in the giveaway hat. Then, we will draw a winner, who will snag a 3-pound family platter from Big Cat BBQ (Cedar Park, TX). The 3-pound family platter comes with your choice of meat, 2 large sides, a cup of sauce, a loaf of bread, and condiments. The winner will also nab a YETI rambler, with Franklin Barbecue's logo on it! NOTE: You must claim your prizes in person at the respective restaurants. If you cannot, we will draw another name. You have until kickoff of the first semifinal game on Saturday, to submit your picks. There are 3 ways to enter the giveaway: (1) leave a comment below the post, (2) tweet us, or (3) email us. 

Big Cat BBQ open in Cedar Park

I had this queued up months ago, but it slipped by me. So, I'm posting it way later than I wanted. Nonetheless, I wanted to let you know Big Cat BBQ is open for business in Cedar Park. The menu includes black Angus brisket, beef ribs, pulled pork, St. Louis pork ribs, German-style sausage (with cheddar and jalapeño). They also have hot links and smoked turkey. Sides include beans, potato salad, slaw, buttered corn, green beans, and macaroni & cheese.  Check them out on Twitter. And here is a map & contact information.

Best BBQ in Cedar Park?

Cedar Park is a growing Austin suburb and will be moving up our list of Texas' biggest towns. What's the best BBQ joint in CP?

The rest from Smokey Mo's

First meal at Smokey Mo's

This past Friday night, I had my first meal at Smokey Mo's Bar-B-Q, at their Cedar Park location. (I have been to their Liberty Hill location before but just to get an iced tea for the road.) The first thing that stands out is the service I received - even before I got there. It was my first time in the area, and I had to call for directions. Carl, the GM, answered the phone and took his time getting me back on track. He also took his time when I made it to the counter, talking me through the menu and putting samples on the counter for me to try. I was gonna go with chicken (duh), but he gently persuaded me to go with "another bird." So, I ended up with a 2-meat plate: brisket, turkey, green beans, and corn on the cob. Honey-wheat bread. Pickles, Sauce. Large iced tea with lemon.

I liked the brisket more than turkey. The turkey was moist at the outset, but I ate very slowly, so the turkey dried out before long. Not surprising, since turkey doesn't have any fat to help it out. The brisket stayed moist. Made a little brisket and turkey sandwich. I liked the corn more than the green beans. I pretty much never order sausage, but in all honesty, I thought it was the best of all the samples I tasted. It was juicy and full of flavor, with a nice casing. Were my arteries not a big consideration, I woulda been all over it. The meal ended with a long conversation with Carl at my table. Super nice guy, who clearly loves his job. It was nice to see his passion and energy. Throw in 2 Texas high school football games after dinner, and it was a Friday evening well spent.