Getting good BBQ in Vermont is a challenge. There just aren't many places,
and most of them are not where I am (central Vermont).

Friday that changed (though I didn't find out it changed until today). A
new place called Finkerman's Bar-B-Q opened on Friday night.

We were driving to the drug store when we saw the sign (we'd heard a place
was supposed to start construction in December, but we'd not heard anything
since). We drove back and took a look after getting our shopping done, and
sure enough, it was OPEN. I was so excited. We went in and had dinner.

We both had combo plates ($11.95), pulled pork and spareribs, cornbread,
and a choice of two sides (we both had hushpuppies, I had Vermont cheddar
mac and cheese and he had jalapeno cheese grits).

This was not the best BBQ I've ever had, but it IS the best BBQ I've had in
Vermont. The pulled pork was really good. Tender, delicious, great mouth
feel, not too saucy, and the sauce was not too sweet. They had spicy sauce
on the table to add. The spareribs were meaty and cooked well, though not
as tender as I've had elsewhere, I'm willing to bet that's more them
getting used to the volume they need to produce, and how long it takes to
smoke that amount.

If we'd ordered an appetizer or salad (as we usually do), we'd have been
stuffed. As it was, we each could have happily eaten a couple more
spareribs but we didn't leave feeling hungry, just like we'd have enjoyed
some more but it's probably good we didn't get it.

The grits were great, and they add something to their hushpuppies that
makes their flavour just burst (definately the best hushpuppies I've had
outside of my own kitchen in at least eight years, possibly longer), and I
need to figure out their secret ingredient (preferably by eating many more
of them). It was very subtle. I'm thinking it's cayenne but I could be
wrong.

The mac and cheese needed to either be made with more cheddar, sharper
cheddar, or have some spices and/or onions added to it, but as it is, it'd
be suitable for kids who aren't too fond of spicy stuff. The grits were
just wonderful (we bought a container of them to bring home, along with a
pound of the pulled pork).

The cornbread was competent. Not too dry, not sweet, had good flavour,
perhaps I should have taken a bite of it before I bit into the hushpuppies
'cos I didn't go "wow" with the cornbread like I did the hushpuppies.

They have a nice array of sides to choose from, and many vegetarian options
(including a marinated tempeh, and vegetarian black beans). They offer a
"blue plate special" with four sides and cornbread or biscuits for $8.25

They have bulk take-out, and everything on their regular menu is available
for take-out. I've already added them to the cell phone speed dial.

They have a variety of sandwiches, interesting salads, chicken and
andouille gumbo, and stuff from the grill, as well.

All in all I'm massively pleased. This may not be as good as some of you
pit-meisters can pull yourself, and it's not as good as what you can get in
the south, but for Vermont, this is damn good BBQ, and I'm gonna be going
there a lot! Next time I'll try the biscuits, and maybe the bourbon pecan
pie (though I'll have to walk an extra half hour afterwards, it'll be worth
it!).

So if you're wandering through the central Vermont area and lookin' for
some good food to stick to yer gut, give Finkerman's Bar-B-Q a try.

They're located at 186 River Street in Monpelier (call for directions, it's
tucked away by the river behind some other buildings), 802-229-2995.

--
Siobhan Perricone
"Ok, I know a whole generation has been raised on a notion of
multiculturalism. That all civilisations are just different.
No, not always. Sometimes things are better. Rule of law
is better than autocracy and theocracy. Equality of the
sexes - Better. Protection of minorities - Better. Free
speech - Better. Free elections - Better. Free appliances
with large purchases - Better. Don't get so tolerant that
you tolerate intolerance." - Bill Maher