Here we are in backwater Arkansas…I’ll let you figure out why. Certainly it was a neat experience, and one I hope to repeat as necessary (like a lather-rinse cycle, only this experience leaves you feeling a little dirty afterward).
I was there with Solly and Earle, and since Earle is down with barbecue, and I don’t mind subjecting Solly to my whims (it’s good to give your boss some discipline, right?), I mandated that we were having barbecue.
In point of fact, Whole Hog was an easy walk from our hotel – and that’s saying something, because our hotel was in the middle of a faceless hotelz-n-chainz strip outside of town. I’ve forgotten how it went down, but I’m pretty sure I picked the hotel just so’s we could walk to the Hog and have barbecue and beerz.
They had a bucket of Shiners, but only one bucket left. Which was OK because those guys weren’t into it. Me, I wanna have a good time, all the time, and that mos def includes meet and beerz. Even if it’s Texas beer in Arkansas.
We were at the Hog because it was the recommendation of Hoor, who lived in these parts for a while and does appear to like his food. We also confirmed it with the guys at the 5 & 10. The Hog also confirmed it with all the trophies piled up in the window. I guess there’s something in it. But I see now that it’s a small chain, and the main office is Little Rock. I feel less kindly toward them now. Next time I’m picking another place.
The ribs were big and soft and meaty, really nice. The brisket was sort of a highlight for me and Solly – it seemed to have been pickled a little before smoking. A bit of a smoked-corned-beef thing going on. And the pulled didn’t seem optimal at first, but I found myself continuing to stick forks back into it. Sides were decent, with the exception of the potato salad – almost seemed like it was whitened up with whipped heavy cream, and when you combine that thick ‘n’ creamy approach with the sliced red potatoes they used for it, it was a real winner. Of course I knew what was coming, because Hoor and the 5 & 10 guys had both suggested that it was a highlight of the Whole Hog experience.
Which was pretty muted, now that I think about it. They close up early, and there weren’t even that many people there. It was a Monday. We closed the place down at 8.
No evidence that this isn’t the best place in town. It was more real good than great though.
(479) 271-6566
oh goodness, wearing white shirt and eating bbq!