I had to make a quick run to Siesel's last week. At that time finding parking was just horrible and I managed to find a spot several blocks away from the shop. While walking back to the car I noticed a huge set-up in back of the Poseidon Project.
I went in and chatted with the nice folks at Poseidon and they told me that they were starting BBQ on weekends starting on the 5th of August, running from Fridays to Sundays.
Sure enough, I drove past the place yesterday and saw the signs up.
The BBQ is being done by the folks from Smokin' Joe's BBQ. If I recall, these were the folks doing BBQ in at Iowa Meat Farms a while back.
Since I'm all for more variety in our area, I decided to drop on in and get some takeout.
The drill is; you order from the friendly folks here, get a receipt, pay inside Poseidon, and return back with a ticket and pick up your order.
Before ordering, I asked what style of BBQ this was...especially since the menu had Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, Tri-Tip, Sausage, and Brisket on it. Having worked and travelled thru some of the south during an earlier life, I was quickly educated on the BBQ of different regions. The guys working looked surprised when I asked, but quickly replied, "Mississippi style".
So, at least for me, unless it's Mississippi Smoked Pot Roast (it's really good, try it if you have a chance) it's basically pork products. I was tempted with pulled pork, but really was craving some ribs and rib tips, which is what I got. Speaking of what I got; the meal also gets you three sides.....aaah, the good 'ole "meat n' three" in spirit.
And also some (rather mediocre) corn bread.
The rib and tips both had a very nice, deep, distinctive smoke ring and a decent, almost "crisp" if uneven bark.
The amount of run used on the baby backs made it really salty, though strangely, the amount on the rib tips were perfect.
The rib tips were very tender, moist, with the porky flavor shining thru and was my favorite. If the baby backs weren't as salty; they would have been quite good as the meat came off the bone perfectly.
The sauce was on the sweeter side; though the spicy version had a good amount of spice. I really didn't use any of it for my ribs/tips.
As for the sides. Well, I had wanted Black Eyed Peas but they were out.
My favorite item was usually one of my least favorite' the Breen Beans. Can you tell why?
Yep, that's fatty pork parts in the beans. It added some good flavor. Also, as you can tell, unlike many versions the beans aren't overcooked and are tender, but still somewhat firm. I'm not a fan of mushy green beans....mushy peas maybe, but not green beans.
I thought the texture of the collard greens, usually one of my favorite items was good.
But this was much too salty and acidic. I also like a nice touch of smokiness in my collards which this lacked; perhaps it was shrouded by all that salt?
The Mac and Cheese was like one giant lump and not my favorite.
Still, not a bad start. And I'll try them out a again in a couple of weeks. It's a nice addition to the neighborhood and I hope they stick around. I enjoyed the BBQ from Joe's much more than other places that had opened (then closed in the area). It might be a good option if you're grabbing a cold one from Harland or Poseidon; or just looking for a picnic at Mission Bay across the freeway.
And sometimes, because I'm getting and such....these type of posts bring back blogging memories.
And also is a reminder that I need to start using the 'ol smoker again.
Anyway, if you check out Smokin' Joe's, let me know what you think.
Smokin' Joe's Soul Food Weekends at The Poseidon Project
4126 Napier St
San Diego, CA 92110
Every other weekend (Fri - Sun) starting on August 5th
hope they’ll get better the next time you order from them
Posted by: kat | Saturday, 06 August 2022 at 08:52 PM
I remember a Smokin' Joe's on Euclid Ave that was good. https://www.yelp.com/biz/smokin-joes-barbeque-san-diego-32?osq=smokin+joe%27s+bbq
I'll have to give them a try.
Posted by: Soo | Sunday, 07 August 2022 at 07:56 AM
I hope so too Kat. It would be a great addition to the neighborhood.
Give them a shot Soo! Also, I noticed that most of the reviews in your link mention Iowa Meat Farms?
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 07 August 2022 at 01:10 PM
Good to have more options. I used to frequent Bull's BBQ when they first opened but after the original pit master left it was never the same.
Posted by: Junichi | Monday, 08 August 2022 at 12:30 PM
I visited Bull's once and really didn't care for it Junichi. Yes, it's great to have more options in the area.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 08 August 2022 at 02:51 PM