Talk about your innovative restaurant choice. In a sleek, contemporary resort hotel… put in an upscale BBQ joint. And, in the vein of naming things with one letter highlighted, call it American Q.
I had the pleasure of tasting my way through the menu with other local food/restaurant/travel bloggers last week, and may I just say… if you’ve a “hankering” for southern flavors set in style, give it a try.
When you walk in, you kind of get the feeling you’re not in a run-of-the-mill restaurant. Smack dab in the front is an old ’51 Ford F1 red pick up and on the back is the bed. Not just ANY bed, but the “Flat Bed Bar,” an all-you-can-eat assortment including an incredibly tender chili con carne, a potato bar, peel-and-eat shrimp, assorted salads, soups, and other seasonal favorites. It’s $34.95 for adults and $10 for kids age 7 and under. Oh, and did I mention it includes “Cowboy Carvings”? Nine different items are brought right to your table. Save room for Brisket Of Beef with Texas Bark and Picanha Of Beef. Fans of chiaroscuro will be in heaven. (Say… with these options, the paleo diet seems doable.)
If, however, you want to have a couple of courses, start with some down-home appetizers and bar treats. First, make sure you try the crab deviled eggs. Not too “crabby.” Not too “plain ‘ol” egg flavor. They’re just the right combination of creamy egg goodness with the unmistakable texture and flavor of blue crab and rémoulade. Unusual, yes. Delicious? (Yes, please. I’ll have another!) Make sure you also give the Swine Candy a try. It’s bacon: spiced and candied with molasses. Bacon lovers: You’re welcome. You could also try the alligator boudin with roasted tomatoes, peppers & okra. Yeah, you read that right!
Entree selections include every kind of ribs you can think of, house-made sausage, Texas Bark Beef Ribs, chicken, salmon, and a Gulf Shrimp, Blue Crab & House Made Andouille Sausage Cajun Boil. Executive Chef Justin Leo and staff have created quite the varied selection. Sauces include Kansas City, Carolina, Texas Mustard, and Mango Heat. Try ’em all and pick your favorite. Did I mention you should arrive hungry?
Crafted cocktails should not be missed, either, especially the thyme cucumber martini. It’s light and refreshing. Just what the doctor ordered to balance the meal, though the lavender margarita was a good fit, too. How ever will I decide? (I guess I’ll have to go back again!)
If you’re in the mood for BBQ and want to up the anti on ambiance and quality, check out American Q. It’s the place to B for down home, and up town all in one.
SeaWorld Mommy 