128 N Glassell St.
Orange, CA 92866
smoquedbbq.com
When you think of Southern California and being behind the Orange Curtain, one doesn't think of barbecue. However, I've got to tell you that there is a place that has some really interesting things going on (aside from the spelling of the name) and that is Smoqued.
The first thing that got my attention was the menu. They have some really interesting items. Like this...
HANGOVER BURGER brisket burger topped with roasted red peppers, arugula, cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, a fried egg, spicy aioli and served on texas toast.
I went for the Pork Belly Sandwich with a side of
Chili Mac which is their Texas Brisket Chili layered over with Mac and
Cheese.
The pork belly sandwich is sliced smoked pork belly, dijon aioli, fresh arugula and bourbon pickled peppers on toasted bun.
This was smoked well, tasty and delicious. I choose to eat the greens as a salad and the sandwich without all of the extra stuff.
That is one thing about California barbecue, is there will be a lot more ingredients on the food and more complex tastes going on. Now I don't mind it if it's done well and this is a pretty good run.
Here is the whole plate as served (to go) but with the Chili Mac. I wasn't quite so enamored with the Brisket Chili. I find that brisket should be brisket and chili should be chili. This melding of the two worlds didn't work as well as I hoped.
Now for the sauces...
They have 3 different sauces there.
The pork belly sandwich is sliced smoked pork belly, dijon aioli, fresh arugula and bourbon pickled peppers on toasted bun.
This was smoked well, tasty and delicious. I choose to eat the greens as a salad and the sandwich without all of the extra stuff.
That is one thing about California barbecue, is there will be a lot more ingredients on the food and more complex tastes going on. Now I don't mind it if it's done well and this is a pretty good run.
Here is the whole plate as served (to go) but with the Chili Mac. I wasn't quite so enamored with the Brisket Chili. I find that brisket should be brisket and chili should be chili. This melding of the two worlds didn't work as well as I hoped.
Now for the sauces...
They have 3 different sauces there.
SMOQUED HOUSE SAUCE -traditional American BBQ sauce with smoqued seasonings and a hint of sweetness.
CALIFORNIA GOLD SAUCE - deep rich mustard flavor with a slight vinegar finish at the end.
HABANERO RASPBERRY - sweet and smoky with a spicy finish that will give you a small kick of heat.
The gold was my least favorite but the Habanero Raz actually had it's moments and the house sauce was pretty good too.
So if you are ever in the neighborhood of Orange, CA, don't be afraid to stop in to Smoqued BBQ. You just might be surprised.
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