RETURN TO PREVIOUS PAGE Chowhound's Tristate Region Message Board March 9, 2003 Escaping the "outer boroughs" for the weekend, thought The Hickory BBQ Smokehouse looked kinda inviting so we decided on a birthday dinner for eight last night... Although their parking lot seemed packed, there was dining room to spare...greeted warmly by owners and served by Hannah, a rookie waitress...who, after dealing with us, must have it down pat. Suffice it to say that someone still cares about that delicate blend of quality and quantity, 'cause the smoker DELIVERED! (and delivered a LOT!)...two of us selected the catchy "Kingston Trio" (where you choose three different meats). We're still eating...there were ample BBQ ribs, pulled chunks/strips of pork and just-right Atlantic salmon to satisfy...and NOT smothered with some funk-a-dunk vinegary slime, but served dry with YOUR choice of BBQ Sauces on the table...I like that! And anyplace brave enough to offer a veg-of-the-day like string beans with liver & onion flecks gets two points...we tried various sides, the most outstanding were nicely done sweet potato and the smoky collards...least enjoyed a dried-out mac 'n' cheese and the garlic mashed, but others dug it. About those ribs...they were NOT especially fatty and they were certainly NOT the fall-off-the-bone type, but were solid on flavor. Throw in some Jane's local strawberry ice cream, a decent chocolate mousse cake (with a candle and a song) free roadhouse band after 9 o'clock and call it (with a nod to one Manhattan Board 'Hound) a "rockin-good" evening...recommended!