RETURN TO PREVIOUS PAGE Dining Out in the Region Catskill Mountain Region Guide - December, 2003 For a wonderful, home cooked meal that's also affordable, try Hickory Barbecue and Smokehouse, conveniently located on route 28 between Kingston and Woodstock. Hickory Barbecue and Smokehouse is a labor of love for three generations of the Slutzky family. It was at their summer residence in Sullivan County where they developed their love of barbecue and the recipes that are still used in the restaurant today. When you visit, chances are you'll find a member of the family manning the host station, waiting your table or serving up drinks at the bar. Owner Steve Slutzky spent several years in the public relations business before he decided to follow this family barbecue tradition by opening a restaurant. It just so happened that his brother Mark was a 1995 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, with extensive culinary experience in fine restaurants and catering establishments in both New York City and Paris. It's been Mark who has taken the old family recipes and adapted them using his expertise. He describes the results as "traditional barbecue with farm market freshness." The rest of us call the results absolutely delicious. Since its opening in October of 2002, Hickory Barbecue and Smokehouse has become one of the most popular restaurants in the area. Some of their specialties include Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak on Garlic Bread with BBQ Mushrooms and Onions, a Barbecue Sandwich with choice of Pork, Turkey or Beef, St. Louis Style Spare Ribs with Doc Hickory's Famous Rub, Chef Hickory's Legendary 48 hour Free Range Chicken or a Pulled Pork Shoulder Platter. If you're having trouble deciding, you can try The Kingston Trio, your choice of any three smoked meats, or Hickory's Barbecue Feast, a sampling of their house smoked meats and sausages. There are also plenty of options for either vegetarians or those with lighter appetites, such as salads, a sample of five sides for veggie lovers or Hot Smoked Atlantic Salmon with BBQ Remoulade. Sunday thru Thursday, there are Family Dinner Specials that include your choice of meats and sides, maple cornbread and buttermilk biscuits. Take out is available. Side dishes include all the traditional favorites like Hickory's Mac and Cheese, Ma Hickory's Slaw, BBQ Baked Beans, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Market Vegetable of the Day or Fresh Cut French Fries. Unless you choose Hickory's Barbecue Feast, which includes a choice of four side dishes, all main courses come with a choice of two sides. Desserts are made fresh daily, and the dessert menu changes each day. Hickory is also dedicated to using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. All of their produce comes from local farms and farm stands. They use Eden Brook Smoked Trout (from Monticello, NY), and the free range chicken comes from Murray's in South Fallsburg, NY. The bar also serves a selection of local wines and beers, from Millbrook and Cascade wines to Keegan Ales from Kingston that were just recently added to the menu. Hickory will be happy to cater your party, either on of off premises. Their private party dining room seats up to 50 people and their outdoor deck seats anywhere from 30 to 40 people. Weekdays from 3:30 to 6:30 are Happy Hour at Hickory. Appetizers are half price and drinks are discounted. There is live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights at 9:00 pm, which includes everything from acoustic rock to blues to jazz. Hickory Barbecue and Smokehouse is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Friday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information, please call them at 845-338-2424 or visit their web site at www.hickoryrestaurant.com.