The Search for Great BBQ

Ever since I moved to Connecticut from Texas, I've been on a search for great BBQ - specifically beef brisket - in New England ... and I've drawn E into the search. He (gasp!) never had brisket before he met me, and now he's hooked.

Since we're not particularly fond of any of the Hartford area offerings, we often make a day trip just to get brisket. Here are a few of our favorites:

• LJ's BBQ in Providence, Rhode Island is our hands-down favorite. It's owned by a husband and wife team - he cooks, and she provides the down-home hospitality. Their brisket is hickory smoked and oh-so-good. Plus, their pecan pie served heated and topped with fresh whipped cream is an amazing way to finish a meal. Providence has so much to offer - combined with BBQ at LJ's, it's a great day trip.

• Muddy River Smokehouse in Portsmouth, New Hampshire has a large, varied menu, and it includes one of my favorites - fried pickles! After a big meal here, take advantage of the restaurant's great location and walk off your meal by exploring all the wonderful shops in downtown Portsmouth.

• Big Bubba's BBQ is located in the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. It's our choice for BBQ closer to home since it's only about an hour outside of Hartford. I always tell E "it's all about the sides" - a good BBQ meal can be ruined if accompanied by terrible sides. Big Bubba's sides are so good sometimes I forgo their brisket just to eat a meal of side dishes. My choices are macaroni and cheese (Southern style - yellow and no breadcrumbs), mashed potatoes (with no gravy) and a biscuit (flaky and buttery). It's all delicious.

So, we'll happily continue our search and report our progress along the way. I've already picked out a few places to try in the future (Curtis' Bar-B-Que in Putney, Vermont, for example), and E and I would love to hear suggestions of your favorite BBQ places in New England, as well.