Every time I pass this new eatery in the Fine City, I always see the establishment packed -- the smells, the sounds, it's enticed me. You shall be judged. It's time... for another "TEEGE CRITIQUES"!
Upon entry? Greeted instantly with the offer of whichever seat took our choosing. No booking comes to mind? It seems Dray Yard Smokehouse is always fully booked between 6PM and 8PM every weekday, and especially weekends. Seems we were lucky enough to arrive within a minute of two tables cancelling.
Our waiter, Shaun, meanders his way through the tables and greets us with a welcoming smile, with a genuine interest in how our days were... nosy? No, just a happy man who takes an interest! The offer of drinks is exchanged, but me and my company were locked in a furious debate over how Thrall is much better than Garrosh! And we therefore haven't even given our full attention to the menus. So focus we must. Shaun explains it's no worry, to take our time, and lets us know that the special bottles are on the board and if we need anything to let him know.
I perused the board and found a very interesting apple, whiskey and cinnamon cider -- and upon tasting, was taken aback by it, with the colours of rich golden fields glowing from the glass. My company went with a glass of rosé to support her order. "Fruity with a zesty punch", was her description. Now to the main course, which we were both looking forward to. I went with a combo plate, which was £16.50 in price -- that is not bad, considering the amount of food you get! So my company did as well.
Her unique choice of chicken and ribs was a combination of splendid, succulent and warming smoked barbecue flavours, tastes of zest dry rub and moreish chilli, together with cheesy macaroni goodness that can only be made by the hands of those with talent. Words are sometimes not enough to describe what the mouth can taste. This is when English loses itself as a simple 26 letter language, maybe we should go for Russian? Too harsh -- French, too fluid? Spanish, too temperate? Then combine them all, find the words, and deliver.
So when it came to my decision, it was simple -- what's cooked long and slow, with flavours of another world? It's obvious! Any pulled meat that's slow-roasted, smoked or stewed... so why not have all three?
Beef brisket that is slow-smoked for a minimum of 12 hours. Pulled pork slow-cooked and finally, pit beans -- a combination of both, stewed with beans. Yes... this is it. This is near enough an orgasm on a plate. Why has no-one considered this as a food?
Beef brisket that is slow-smoked for a minimum of 12 hours. Pulled pork slow-cooked and finally, pit beans -- a combination of both, stewed with beans. Yes... this is it. This is near enough an orgasm on a plate. Why has no-one considered this as a food?
The service was on point. After two bites into the meal, Shaun checked everything was okay, and left us to it. I think he could tell from the smile on my face that I was enjoying it. Maybe I have even found a rival to pizza. Yes, I said it, Tony™ -- a rival of pizza! I'll drag you kicking and screaming from your abode atop the hill to this house of smoky foods and open your eyes.
Why don't we just take everything you've just described and photographed and put it on a pizza, so we can have the best of both worlds?
Chocolate brownie was the accomplice, and well met it was. Alas no pictures of these desserts, as I am afraid my phone's battery passed away. But to say the sights were that which any man or woman can dream about.
So to say this as my final piece, I am blown away by what is done here; there is much more to try on the menu, and I will be back hungry for more of what's offered. So bring it on, Dray Yard. Show me what you're made of. Show me the wonders of your kitchen. Let me know your secrets. I will be back.
4 / 5 Stars
Sweet merciful pogo-sticking Christ, in all my years of friendship with The Teege™, I've never seen him praise an eatery so highly! A rare accolade for what, it seems, is a rare and brilliant jewel in the Fine City's crown. Eagerly anticipating a visit of my own!
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