DALLAS: Dixon's BBQ (Whole Foods)
8190 Park Lane
Dallas, TX 75231
214-342-4850
Open Daily 8-10
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/parklane/
Against my better judgment, some friends and decided to grab lunch at the new Whole Foods Market at Park Lane in Dallas during the day of their grand opening celebration. The place was positively packed, but it was great to see and feel the excitement for this new store opening. The place is positively huge with so many prepared food options in addition to the groceries it can boggle the mind. I didn't have any trouble deciding on this day, as I was here for BBQ.
Dixon's BBQ , much like it's Lakewood counterpart, Bluebonnet Bar-B-Q, has various meats wrapped in foil and stored in heated steam trays ready for slicing. While the chalkboard behind the counter advertises cabrito and beef ribs, they were not yet available on the first day. I've later learned that they're having trouble finding a supplier for organic goat, so the cabrito hasn't found it's way into the daily options although it confusingly remains on the chalkboard. I opted for brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
The pulled pork from the shoulder was well cooked with nicely rendered fat throughout, but even with the nice black bits of crust, there was very little smoke flavor. In fact there was little flavor at all from the inadequate seasoning. The ribs had no bark, but better seasoning. The dry meat was a bit undercooked, and had very little smoke flavor. Brisket was the best tasting offering, but was quite tough. It took some effort to pull apart the large slices, and the line of fat remaining was still chewy. The flavor of the meat was smoky and each slice had a hefty smokering and a nice crust.
While this was opening day, there were no doubt some kinks to work out. I look forward to returning for more smoked meat to see what they can produce once they've had a chance to get into a routine. On my return trip I'll try to get a look at the smoker to see if they're using a Southern Pride like the Lakewood location, but my guess is they are.
Rating **
I went to Dixon's last weekend with my daughter. We shared a three-meat platter with brisket, baby back ribs, and sausage, plus beans and potato salad. The brisket was better than you describe it in your review; it was tender and tasty, the best of the three. The ribs were flavorful, but tough as leather. I guess they were under the heat lamp too long. The sausage was delicious, but the spice almost overwhelmed it. I might go back earlier in the day, or whenever the fare comes off the grill. Two stars is about right.
ReplyDeleteDarryl