Category Archives: Food

David’s BBQ

Well, it’s been a while since we checked out a new BBQ venture. Quite frankly, when is that ever a bad thing? Saturday we stopped by David’s BBQ in Pantego.

The history of BBQ in this family goes back all the way to 1910 when Elias Bryan opened a BBQ restaurant in Oak Cliff, Texas. Third generation David Bryan put his name on the BBQ list as well and hence David’s BBQ was opened in Pantego where it is still family owned. I hope I’m understanding the history right, either way – BBQ has a long history in this family and its still going strong.

Walking into David’s BBQ, you will immediately see many, many photos of those who have stopped by and checked out the BBQ. I think this is a pretty common practice in BBQ establishments… one notable on the wall was Mr. John Travolta himself. I wonder if I should submit a head shot so I can be on the wall?

Food – David’s is kind of set up in a cafeteria style. Get up to the counter, tell them what you’d like for meat. For me – chopped brisket as always. Sy – three meat platter. Next, grab a tray, they will hand you a plate with your meat of choice and off you go. Next up, pick your side(s) (coleslaw, potato salad, beans, okra, french fries, onion rings) and grab some BBQ sauce. Finally, grab a cup or drink, pay at the end of the counter, find a seat and dig in. That simple.

Here is my chopped brisket sandwich with some coleslaw and potato salad.

The sandwich was loaded with meat, so much meat that I lost about half of it as I was trying to eat so two buns probably wouldn’t have been a bad idea. The meat was also all just meat. I hate going out to BBQ and ordering a chopped brisket sandwich and finding fat in it. I’ve claimed these as a “Fat sandwich” and find them disgusting. This was not the case – all meat and it tasted great. Pretty much melted in your mouth but I wanted a little something extra so I went for the BBQ sauce. I had to use BBQ sauce out of a little bottle that didn’t go on so well but I mean, I’m not really going to complain. The bread was very fresh and soft that it felt like it wasn’t there. The potato salad was a little too mustard filled for my taste – all you could taste was mustard. This wasn’t my favorite. The coleslaw however was delicious. Made to perfection!

This is Sy’s plate. Ribs, sausage, brisket, coleslaw and beans, oh yea and a side of Texas toast.

He loved the ribs and sausage. Devoured them really. We had the same taste regarding the coleslaw. Perfection. Beans – we need to trust Sy’s opinion of the beans as I refuse to eat them. He liked them. Oh – I stole the Texas toast. It was a nice touch to the meal. When can you go wrong with some Texas toast?

Are you full? Well, I hope you left room for dessert. David’s has free vanilla soft serve ice cream which you can help yourself.

All in all it was a good lunch and the staff was very friendly. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and let me know how you like it!

River House, Portsmouth, NH

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Located on Bow Street in Portsmouth, just walking to the restaurant will bring your imagination to what Portsmouth was like years and years ago but the food inside will think that you’ve been gifted by the food gods. There – I said it. This place is AMAZING!

If you find yourself in Portsmouth just craving some seafood and local culture, as I was, look no further than River House. I’m so glad that I had to pleasure of eating here and fully intend to return. Now the torture in having to write about my delicious meal with absolutely no way to savoring the food, while I write this.

The River House is located in downtown Portsmouth, right on the harbor. The building provides rustic charm, architecture that shines thru and original pieces of the building that haven’t been changed since first constructed. They have an area where you can sit outside and view the tugboats in the harbor. I imagine this is quite the popular locale in the summer where it is a little warmer outside.

Now – let’s get to the good stuff. My friend Cody ordered the Coca-Cola BBQ Pulled Pork Roll (below). It came with coleslaw. (We traded for my pickles.) He thought it was delicious plus there really are few things better than fresh cut fries.

Lobster Roll – that was all that was on my mind on the Saturday. That I got!

I’m going to go out on a limb and claim that the River House is known for the Lobster Roll and definitely their Seafood Chowder. Holy Moly was it ever delicious. The lobster is loaded into a grilled Brioche bun and when i say loaded, they definitely cannot fill anymore lobster into that bun! It wasn’t overly loaded with dressing and certainly did not lack lobster. The lobster and the Brioche bun were the perfect combination. The Lobster Rolls come in two different sizes (see below).

How is the chowder? I’ll be honest and I’m not a huge fan of soups or chowder when it comes down to it but no one is joking around when the menu stated the Seafood Chowder is “Voted New England’s Best!”. There are huge chunks of lobster, scallops, shrimp, clams and haddock and it will leave you wanting more even though are are stuffed by the end of your meal. Believe me, you will want more – it was a sad tale when the bowl was empty. It was seriously beyond delicious.

(Small Ships Plate – 4 inch sweet Maine Lobster Roll)

(Large Ships Plate – 6 inch sweet Maine Lobster Roll)

Now if neither of these seem to attract your attention, their menu is a little more extensive than the two items above. Starters, salads, sandwiches and entrees include Asian inspired dishes, fresh seafood items, meatloaf, burgers and even Guinness braised boneless ribs. River House also has a gluten free menu options. I’d be surprised if you couldn’t find something you liked on this list.

If only I lived closer, I would make it a point to be a regular and I’m sure I wouldn’t get sick of just ordering the Small Ship plate. I have no shame! At this particular moment, I’m having a hard time with these cravings!

If you find yourself in the area and are looking for a great local meal and local flavor – swing on over! I know you won’t be disappointed and as always – let me know what you think!

Portsmouth Brewery

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I’m a firm believer in micro-brews. If you have read some of my previous blogs, you have probably caught onto this by now. Pubs and breweries are pretty prominent in New England and it’s one of the reasons why I love the place. Each brewery and even each beer is diverse in its own right and provides a great opportunity to try something different. So, I did what I think every New Englander would want to do when heading back up to the great Northeast after being away for a bit – they’re wanting to go to a pub!

I happened to check out the Portsmouth Brewery.

Located in the heart of Portsmouth, it is surrounded by historical buildings and small shops. It’s a really interesting area to check out. Walking into the pub, your attention is grabbed and you soon find yourself pondering what to try first.

I seriously cannot remember which beer I tried so I’m going to be honest – it could be the Winter Ale. I’m 90% sure. I’ll be honest and say I wasn’t overly impressed – it was a little bitter for my taste. One thing I do wish is that I had tried the sampler so I could get a bigger variety. Mental note for future visits.

Char-grilled half pound cheese burger with a side of fries, obviously.

I opted to try the crab cake sandwich with bacon and avocado with a side of macaroni salad. The tomato didn’t last long and lets be honest here – neither did the lettuce. The sandwich (minus the tomato and lettuce) and the salad was tasty and filling!

What’s a brew pub without a window to the world of how beer is made!

If you happen to be in the area, there are many pubs to check out – this being one of them and I believe one of the only ones directly in the historical downtown. I would definitely suggest getting (or sharing) a sampler and while enjoying the pub fare. As always, if you happen to check it out – let me know what you thought!