Mr. BBQ

2602 N. Grand River Ave. (corner of MLK). 517-886-2012

It's hard to be a BBQ afficiando in Michigan, but this time of year you'll see smokers start turning up on street corners. There are a few little places with regular shops. (Like Vernadines up in north Lansing where Lamai's old place was.) I came across Mr. BBQ by accident, and I was lucky...it was almost lunchtime! (So often I've just eaten somewhere else when I discover these places....)

The sauce here is the sweet and tangy, but thin so that it doesn't gloop onto the meat and overwhealm the flavor. Good with both pork and chicken. They have hot sauce (vinegary and hot) on the side, and this is excellent to set off the flavors. I like to dip pieces in it as I eat it, or you can just pour it over the top.

The side dishes vary. The day I was there, they offered fries, mac and cheese and greens. I had the greens, which were yummy but too salty. (Probably from cooking with smoked ham or bacon.) The owners were still getting organized at the time, so I got offered bread by one person, and a corn muffin by another. (I took the corn muffin -- yum.) A plain slice of bread is traditional with bbq, so I assume this comes with the meal, but the corn muffin is not listed as a choice on the menu. You might have to ask if you want one.

They have a $5 lunch special -- smaller portions than their main dishes (but plenty), with one side and pop. The dinners come with two sides and range from $12 for a BBQ Rib meal to $8 for BBQ Chicken meal.

They offer Ribs, Rib Tips, BBQ Chicken, Fried Chicken, Fried Catfish or Perch, and BBQ Polish Sausage. Most of thse are also offered as a sandwich -- along with a BBQ meatball sub. (They also have hot dogs.)

Their menu says that call-in orders are welcome and that they will deliver to businesses with a minimum $25 order.

Lazeez burns down!

I just saw on the Lansing State Journal site that Lazeez burned down this afternoon. According to the Journal, the owners were working on the airconditioning when something went wrong. One of them was sent to the hospital with burns. (Update, the LSJ is saying that they were minor burns, thank goodness.)

I drove by there not long before it happened today. I'm shocked.

Anyway, our best wishes to the Helmy brothers and the people at Lazeez.

Student Gourmet Event

I also got this info from Paul Homeniuk:

"I am teaching in the Hospitality and Culinary Arts program at LCC. I stepped into the middle of a High school class in Culinary Arts that is a partnership with Eaton Intermediate School District and LCC. My students are putting on a five course gourmet dinner on Friday May 18th at 6:00 PM

The menu is below and I will note that I am baking the breads for the dinner. We still have some tickets available. They are $20.00 each. Contact me here at plr567@msn.com if you are interested in tickets or call the school office at 483-1328."

And here's the menu for that evening (comments by Paul):

Appetizer course: Gougeres, California rolls, Stuffed mushrooms & Spinach puffs

Most of these "little bits" are student favorites and in some cases their "Show case" project. From the "cheesy" lightness of Gougeres, (pronounced Goo Share) to the "Let's pretend it is healthful" Spinach puffs we think these will kick off this meal nicely!

Soup course: Parsnip & Apple

Light enough to be the second of a five course meal but hearty enough to stand alone if need be. This is an old Irish recipe that reflects the spice trade in it's hey day. Sweet parsnips, tart apple and cream form the base of this delightful concoction

Salad: Class Salad

The students spent some time experimenting with salads and at the time of this being printed the debate over which to use is still red hot. Rest assured there will be plenty of fresh greens and the student's own unique dressing to bring it all to table.

Entree: Filet en croute w/ Ravigote sauce

A simply seasoned beef filet in puff pastry (medium to medium rare) made truly exceptional with an old fashioned Ravigote sauce. This sauce has a checkered history and has been used in French cuisine since the 1600s. Done both hot and cold, in either case the heart of the sauce is fresh herbs.

The entree will be accompanied by the class's own unique blend of seasoned and slow roasted vegetables.

Dessert: Petite Chocolate heart attacks with Raspberry coulis and cream

This award wining treat is a unique version of a flour-less chocolate cake. Rich and creamy it is pushed into the decadent realm by a fresh raspberry coulis and a dollop of whipped cream

Dinner will also include an assortment of fresh baked breads and beverages.

Tickets are $20.00 per person

Dinner will be served in the Kennedy Grill in Lansing Community College's Arts & Science building, 2nd floor.

Heard on the Grapevine, May 12, 2007

I can't call this a drive-by because I wasn't the one who drove by, but I heard a few things this week.

*There's a new Thai restaurant over by Korner Kitchen around Mt. Hope and Pennsylvania. Don't know if it's good, or exactly where it is.

*Paul Homeniuk, formerly of the International Bread Company, reports that a new food market has opened up in Okemos. INTERNATIONAL MARKET at 2160 W. Grand River, has great Russian chocolate, and delicacies like Cold Smoked Mackerel. He says they're working to bring great bread, but apparently hasn't got there yet.