As Rocky found Adrian- I found BBQ! Oh and how I’ve missed it so.
If you’re thinking to yourself “I have gallbladder issues, high cholesterol and/or lactose issues; I can’t eat BBQ”. I’m here to tell you………you’re wrong!
Just down the road, at 5007 Lake Ave. in Blasdell NY is none other than BW’s Smokin’ Barrels Barbeque. This southern, down home country restaurant is no Mel’s Diner. Instead it sticks to it’s roots with great tasting BBQ and not much else.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted with the smells of hickory and apple flavors. Step into the carnivorous dining room; filled with the sweet smell of beef steeping in the smoke of oak embers, and watch as the patrons dig into such savory foods as a BBQ plate fit for a king, or a full rack of juicy, fall off the bone, ribs.
Now I know what you’re thinking- how could this possibly be a healthy eating establishment? Well- because it is! BW’s has found its niche, offering such items as a gluten free Pulled Pork Diner ($10.95), and a heart healthy Chicken Breast Diner ($8.95) that comes with your choice of rice pilaf or sweet mashed potatoes. BW’s has found a way to bring BBQ and healthy eating together in one place. Even better- the menu is labeled. That’s right, now instead of guessing what might be gluten free, low in cholesterol, or not fried; you can just look at the symbol next to the meal choice. BW’s boosts heart healthy options, gluten free options and portion control options (for those with a stomach like a Labrador). They even offer a cheese free veggie burger ($8.95) topped with lettuce, tomato and onion. Now not all their items are healthy, but it’s nice to know we’re not forgotten.
My taste buds were dying to try the gluten free pulled pork. This slow cooked pork is low in fat (because they took most of the fatty portions off- and for those of you who think that’s where the flava’s at, I’m here to tell you your wrong). Served pile high with steamed veggie’s, mashed sweet potatoes, and my choice of sauces on the side; there really was just nothing to complain about. The pork melts in your mouth and those sweet potatoes…….
Not many restaurants offer sweet potatoes without ruining them in some way. For example sweet potato fries, or steamed sweet potato with brown sugar, cinnamon and/or molasses. Let’s not forget the traditional mashed sweet potatoes with marshmallows and brown sugar. I have to admit the last one is a staple in our house at Thanksgiving time. But really, is that necessary?
Let me tell you why I’m so excited about plain ole’ sweet potatoes. First and foremost the sweet potato does not need any doctoring up; its natural flavor alone is juicy, earthy and sweet. Besides that, the sweet potato is jammed packed full of nutrients that not only help the body but help the digestive system to boot. Two of the most abundant vitamins found in the sweet potato are A and C, followed closely by B5 and B6. It’s low in calories, fat burning and holds 4 grams of fiber per potato. Keep going you say…..ok. The vitamin A and beta carotene hold cancer fighting abilities, and is considered an immune booster, packed with high doses of natural antioxidants. Also the sweet potato helps aid digestion; this is due to the sweet potato having 16% of our daily fiber in one serving. And fiber takes more energy to burn- hence the sweet potato being a fat burner!
BW’s has found a way to please not only the BBQ pit master’s but also the pit master wanna bee’s. Being able to to go in, listen to some good ole country music, and have a nice BBQ meal is something I never thought I’d be able to do without regretting it later.
Rapunzel, Rapunzel take out your wallet- this place is cheap! With prices that average $8-15.00 (on average, they do have items that are $20.00) and home cooking with a healthy state of mind; it’s hard not to agree that this is a great place to eat.
Ok, I’m there!