Sunday, April 10, 2005

Dixie's BBQ, Bellevue, Washington

Keep your eyes open because the Porter Automotive Service sign is easy to miss, much less the Dixie's BBQ sign. Once you find the sign you will realize that underneath the two freeway overpasses is the world of Dixie's BBQ. The now closed garage is the home of Dixie's BBQ and "The Man."

As you pull into the drive you see a garage, a few parked cars, and a handful of picnic tables. Once you step inside you are engulfed by the sweet smell of BBQ slowly cooking. The counter is a long stainless steal counter with two commanding lady's serving the food and two or three staff busily working in the kitchen behind them. The walls are covered with awards, newspaper clippings, and magazine articles all claiming the fame of Dixie's.

After much deliberation, Lefty made his choice of pulled pork, dirty rice, and potato salad. When making a drink selection Lefty realized he had found the sweet spot of the northwest. Dixie's has sweet tea! This is one of if not the only place in the Pacific Northwest in which a southerner can find sweet tea. The reason behind the sweet tea is that Gene and Dixie Porter are Louisiana transplants.

After being handed his styrofoam plate of goodness Lefty found a warm seat in the corner. Just as he was about to begin enjoying his lunch, he felt the presence of a big man over his shoulder. Looking up he found Gene Porter holding an old black pot with a steamy dark red sauce. Growling out in a low voice, Porter asked, "Have you met the man?" The Man being the steamy red sauce of course. Having never met "The Man" Lefty answered "no," at which point Mr. Porter placed a small dab of the sauce on Lefty's plate. As he placed the sauce on Lefty's plate he said, "now don't be cryin' like no baby." Be advised "The Man" is HOT! This is not for the faint at heart. Everyone should try a dab for fun, but you better test it before you add it to everything. "The Man" is indisputably the most heat that you will find packed onto the end of a toothpick anywhere.

All in all the food is about average, but meeting "The Man" is worth making the trip!

You can find Dixie's BBQ at:
11522 Northup Way
Bellevue, WA 98004

425-828-2460

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