BBQ Smoker Site » BBQ Restaurant Reviews

Uncle Kenny’s BBQ – Their Mustard Sauce is the Boss

BBQ Smoker — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:31:54 +0000

Stopped by Uncle Kenny’s BBQ vendor station last night at the Bartow Bluegrass and Barbecue Festival and gave their ribs a try. A good product, but what I was very impressed with was their mustard bbq sauce. This stuff is rockin’ good. In fact, there isn’t much I’d not want to put this stuff on!

Kenny Nadeau is a super nice guy, too. A native of Missouri, he started the Winter Garden, FL based Uncle Kenny’s BBQ with Mike Smith – a college buddy of his. Hitting the competitive BBQ circuit in 2005, Uncle Kenny’s participates in BBQ competitions sanctioned under the Florida Barbeque Association (FBA) and Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS).

They’ve accumulated a nice set of awards and prizes, and hope to do well at this weekend’s cook-off in Bartow. Kenny told me that he hopes to get to the Kansas City Royal next year, as it would be nice to compete at this massive event that takes place in his old home territory. I know I’ll be pulling for him to get there.

If you are in the Winter Garden, FL area, you need to get over to Uncle Kenny’s to taste that mustard sauce. I promise you’ll love it.

Peebles Bar-B-Q in Auburndale, Florida – A True Piece of Florida Barbecue History

BBQ Smoker — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:59:17 +0000

I love Peebles Barbecue in Auburndale, Florida. I love it for its food, of course, but also for its history. Peebles is hands down a Florida BBQ Landmark. It should be, as it’s been putting out good barbecue now for more than 50 years!

They are only open from Labor Day till Memorial Day and then only on Thursday/Friday/Saturday from 11am till 9pm. So, now is the time to get over there, as you’re out of luck come summer time!

Photo Credit: Hyku on Flickr.com

Peebles BBQ
503 Dixie Hwy
Auburndale, FL 33823-2810
(863) 967-3085

Oh – and trust me, they’re packed in so tight during their “season” that you’re nearly always waiting in line for a seat.

Screen walls, cement floor, and a wood pile that can sometimes look more like a “heap” rather than a “pile,” this place is a MUST for any true BBQ historians out there.

The smoke pits are in the restaurant, so count on smelling like BBQ the whole day. ‘Course – you have to go “outside” if you need to hit the bathrooms. Classic!

The ribs are phenomenal – cooked more in the sometimes higher heat – fast paced – Carolina style than the true low and slow method. But where I think Peebles really shines is with their chopped pork.

Folks, it’s beyond description. The sweet smokey flavor mixed with a few nice texture pieces of bark are just what this boy likes to chomp on when he sits down for good ‘cue!

Lakeland Barbecue – Good Buddies BBQ Brings Championship ‘Cue Downtown

BBQ Smoker — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:59:09 +0000

Sitting just next to Downtown Lakeland’s General Store is Good Buddies BBQ, a piece of Lakeland Barbecue Rib and Brisket Nirvana right here in our own backyard.

Follow Good Buddies on Twitter – and Check Them Out on Facebook

I walked into Good Buddies yesterday to ask about an interview and was asked to contact owner Joel Vann on his cell phone (863-221-8144).

Why was Joel not in the restaurant? Simple. He was out on a catering gig doing what he does best – rock the smoker!

So, I left a voicemail for him explaining that I’m a BBQ enthusiast looking to write about and showcase some of Florida’s best BBQ joints, and that I’d like to speak with him about Good Buddies. He sent a text message back to me within minutes stating: “At a catering. I am in!” My guess? He probably had to put a new set of gloves on after speaking with me so he could get back to pulling pork for his guests. Gotta love the hands on owner.

Stay tuned to this blog as we hope to have an in-depth talk with Joel at his Downtown Lakeland Good Buddies BBQ location. I know I can’t wait – and I hope you can’t either!

About the BBQ Smoker Site’s BBQ Restaurant and Cook Team Reviews

This article continues a tradition here on the BBQ Smoker Site where we review and promote some of Florida’s best BBQ joints. Our criteria? Simple. We look for sole proprietor restaurants or competitive cook teams who are getting down to the art of good barbecue in true hands on fashion.

We don’t have anything against warehouse barbecue or chain BBQ restaurants. We just like the close to it – personal touch – we see and experience with the guys working things on the smaller side of the scale.

Winter Haven BBQ Report: Brock's Smoke Hut – Awesome BBQ at an Awesome Price

BBQ Smoker — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:46:39 +0000

Winter Haven BBQ Restaurant, Brock’s Smoke Hut.

4200 Dundee Road

Winter Haven, FL 33884

Phone: (863) 326-9640

Review

Stopped by for a chat with Dennis Brock today, owner of Brock’s Smoke Hut. Great guy – and genuine smoke hound. He’s a competition judge here in FL, and his restaurant is one of two Florida Barbecue joints recognized by the National Barbecue News.

Dennis buys quality pork spare ribs and Boston Butts from IBP, and smokes them to perfection using no seasoning or rub at all. Nope – just the pork, steady 225 heat from his Southern Pride Smoker, and Live Oak wood. He likes the rougher bark live oak because he says it smokes better, has a subtle smoke taste, and is readily available here in Central Florida.

95% of Brock’s business is carry out. There’s a great covered seating area in back if you want to hang out and eat your grub.

Dennis Brock – Owner -He’s serious about good BBQ!

Low and Slow Baby, This Southern Pride Smoker is set to a perfect 225 degrees F.

Live Oak Wood Smoke – and a propane fed flame.

Lip smackin’ smoked goodness – almost ready! Can’t wait!

Winter Haven Barbecue Prices That Cant’ Be Beat!

$15.00 Slab of Pork Spare Ribs
$7.99 BBQ Dinners – Ribs, Pulled Pork, Turkey, Sausage, etc.

No Rub, Sauce, or Seasoning Here… just plain Live Oak Smoke! Mmm… this is some of the best BBQ you’ll eat anywhere. And it’s right here in Winter Haven, FL!

So, If you’re in the Central Florida area – maybe traveling down Highway 27 – stop by Brock’s Smoke Hut.

You’re mouth will thank you!

Polk County FL BBQ Showcase: Coming Soon – Brock's Smoke Hut in Winter Haven

BBQ Smoker — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:45:34 +0000

Folks, I have some great news! I just spoke with Mr. Dennis Brock, owner of Brock’s Smoke Hut located at 4200 Dundee Road in Winter Haven, Florida, and we’ll be doing a feature on his Smoked BBQ Business in the very near future.

Winter Haven Barbecue – Step Right Up and Place Your Order

Photo Credit – www.whatweheard.com

Take your food out back to Brock’s Garden Patio

Photo Credit – www.whatweheard.com

Brock’s Smoke Hut is a great local Polk County, Florida BBQ story, as it was started by Dennis Brock, a down home boy from way back. I’ve very excited about talking with him about what he’s done with Brock’s Smoke Hut, its ties to the local community, and his success as a local businessman.

Some Basic Facts about Dennis Brock and the Smoke Hut

While attending college, the founder, Dennis Brock, took employment in the theme park business at Florida’s Cypress Gardens. Starting out in customer service in 1970, Dennis stayed with the company throughout Anheuser-Busch’s tenure. In 1995, Dennis Brock along with 5 other partners purchased Cypress Gardens from Anheuser-Busch. In 2003, Cypress Gardens was sold and Mr. Brock retired.

In 2003 Dennis and his long term partner, Bob Kehoe opened a Purina Distributorship in Winter Haven, FL. Also that same year Dennis opened his next business, Brock’s Smoke Hut. The next five years proved to be a successful venture. The success lead to the franchise opportunities of Brock’s BBQ Co., LLC.

So, stay tuned. Dennis has agreed to open the doors and show us what it takes to produce high quality smoked barbecue on the local level – where it counts. No tricks, just good old fashioned hard work!

Have you eaten at Brock’s Smoke Hut? Have a favorite item on the menu? Share with us here!

And don’t forget to subscribe to the BBQ Smoker Site’s RSS feed, so you can stay up to date on our next great local Polk County, Florida Barbecue story!