INA'S + SMOQUE BBQ

THE TRUTH REVEALED: THE BREAKFAST QUEEN IS A BBQ SLUT.

When SMOQUE BBQ opened, I urged all of you to GO GO GO and eat the best ‘Q’ Chicago ever had.

Some people thought I owned SMOQUE, others thought I was ‘dating’ Barry (!) and still others thought I was crazy for promoting another restaurant.

Here are the facts:

* I don’t own SMOQUE, but I WAS the FIRST customer!
* Barry is happily married.
* The restaurant business is tough, so any help from any source, is appreciated and we were only ‘paying forward’ all the help we’ve gotten.

I’ve seen many of you eating there (while I was up to my elbows in Brisket and Ribs) which makes me very happy.

But what makes me the HAPPIEST, is that Barry is trusting us to serve their Brisket, Pulled Pork and St. Louis Ribs on OUR menus!

Imagine, now you can order amazing Fried Chicken, succulent Smoked Brisket, meaty St. Louis Ribs and delectable Pulled Pork…..all from ONE MENU and in ONE PLACE!

BEGINNING JUNE 3rd , OUR NEW SUMMER DINNER MENU WILL FEATURE THESE AMAZING DISHES!
Oh sure, you’ll find your favorites, like the
Spinach Salad, or Fish, or Chicken Pot Pie and Meat Loaf, but be prepared for a summer sensation!!
SMOQUE BBQ + INA’S = A SUMMER TO REMEMBER!

((And because my name is on the door, I get to do whatever I want,
which means you just might find BBQ on the Breakfast menu as well!))




Chef/Owner
INA'S
1235 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60607
312-226-8227
www.breakfastqueen.com



**************
Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.
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Ina,

Thanks for the post and that's great news. My friends and I had given up on Smoque as an option for the weekends because they never have any of their product available. We've been trying for the last few weeks to organize a dinner during the week at Smoque but can't seem to get everyone on the same page.

Since you're much closer to me, I'll have to check it out. Maybe I can still get that great bbq without battling traffic at 6pm on a Tuesday to "hopefully" score a brisket sandwich!

This is great news indeed...

It is great news, but it raises a question. Reports here have consistently said that Smoque runs out of product during the day. For some, this is not a problem, and I'm not saying it should be, but whether it's a problem or not, either way it causes me to wonder: How can Smoque supply another restaurant when it can't consistently supply its own customers?

riddlemay wrote:How can Smoque supply another restaurant when it can't consistently supply its own customers?

Riddlemay,

Good question and one I asked Barry when I was there last Saturday. Seems Smoque has purchased a second smoker, trailer mounted Southern Pride, which they are currently keeping at Ina's.

Enjoy,
Gary

This is some good news! My wife and I have always enjoyed INA's. The freshness of the food and quality is outstanding. AND she is such a sweetheart! However, it will be a little strange eating Smoque's BBQ in an atmosphere where there is no actual smoke and separate table seating. Oh, and by the way... Ina.. you should try some of Smoque's Texas Sausage. We love it! This morning for breakfast, my wife who is just so darn smart, took some of the Mikeska Brand sausage we had from Smoque and she cut the link in two lengthwise but not all the way through, and pan fried it! She then put the fried up sausage onto a toasted bun with some jelly. OMG ! I have no idea what made her do this but it was great! Something about the light pan frying (she used no oil, just the sausage split on a skillet) really brought the spices out. So maybe you could try this and make up a name for it. Very delicious!

Rick_Sheffield wrote:Ina.. you should try some of Smoque's Texas Sausage. We love it!

Rick,

Your singular enthusiasm for Smoque's Texas sausage is inspiring, though I can't help but wonder if there other restaurants or food products you enjoy.

Curiously yours,
Gary

It's unfortunate someone like myself can't get excited about a food product without hearing that I am either over inspired or someway related to the owners of Smoque. I am guilty of being excited and over inspired... Shoot me if you want. I am not related to the owners of Smoque but I am available for adoption. Either them, or the family from Texas. If given a choice, I would like to stay here since it's a little too hot in Texas for me. Just as long as I can get all the brisket and sausage I can eat for free!

Since we are talking about Ina, she is another example of someone that's just can't do anything wrong. Everything she has on her menu is wonderful. Especially those thin flavorful pancakes. The fried chicken is another dish that is first class. The combination of Ina and Smoque is a match made in culinary heaven. More than just good food. Very, very nice people that seem to care a lot about every customer that walks in their door.

And yes, I did have other favorite places to dine out. Before Smoque, I was partial to Fat Willys. But for some reason all the other things they sold didn't make it feel like a bbq joint. We have a whole host of great steakhouses here in Chicago. But I tend to prefer spending 20 dollars on 1 lb of good bbq brisket/sausage rather than 75 dollars on a one pound steak.

So I apologize to the forum admin for just being to darn inspired.....!

Rick_Sheffield wrote:So I apologize to the forum admin for just being to darn inspired.....!

Rick,

I apologize for wording my post so you interpreted it as anything but admiration for your enthusiasm. As one who has been guilty of over the top hyperbole more times than I can count it would be a serious case of stones and glass houses for me to be critical of your very vocal love for Smoque's Texas Style sausage.

I was, and still am, wondering what other food items float your boat, not necessarily in the category of BBQ.

Yours truly,
Gary Wiviott, fellow enthusiast

Accepted Gary....

I am picky and hard to please in most cases since my mother and grandmother were the best cooks I had ever known. No one seems to compare. Of course, they did not do BBQ so my facination with BBQ started about 10 years ago during a business trip to Memphis. But here would be my choices for eating out.
* Smoque for brisket and Texas sausage and any of their sides.
* Ina's for anything on the menu. Especially for breakfast and her pancakes.
* Byrons for hot dogs.
* Gibsons for a good affordable filet and some good GL scotch.
* Mortons any steak... (only if someone else is paying!)
* Mambos for the margaritas and tequila steak.
* Maggianos for the linguini and a glass of chianti.
* Hot Dougs if I want a bratwurst.

We are fortunate to have so many great places to eat in this area. I am always on the prowl for good food. Especially now since I am known as the "go to" guy at my work when discussing food.

I am thinking about taking a valium before heading to Smoque in an hour. Maybe I will remain calm with neutral inspiration. LOL ! My wife is going so she can drive me home. I am wearing my stretch athletic warm-ups... to allow for belly expansion. !!

i just love that you are now an admitted "BBQ Slut!"
thanks, Ina...my bubbe away from home!

Ina,

Have you tried us at Smokin' Woody's since we re-opened about 8 weeks ago?

I don't wish to supplant your admiration for Smoque, but would be surprised if you didn't find our fare delightful as well.

Full disclosure - Woody is my brother.
I handle many different roles, one of which is our website http://www.originalsmokinwoodys.com
On any given day you may find me running deliveries, handling catering, cooking, or going to events like the LTHForum picnic!



I'd love to get an opinion of our BBQ from a self-proclaimed BBQ Slut.

- Jimmy