Barbecue bliss

Saturday screams barbecue, at least this Saturday did. I’m happy to live in one of those neighborhoods with a propensity for impromptu restaurants – today there were no less than three sandwich boards dedicated to barbecue on my afternoon dog walk. And that’s without counting things like Rogue Cafe, a new Saturday pop-up “coffee house” a few blocks down from me…

It was meant to be. I chatted with Brother Curtis, Theresa and Larry while more of the family put together my double order of beef links and ribs. I brought my handy mini-pyrex to avoid the styrofoam packaging offered and they had no problem filling it with delectable barbecue, plus beans and potato salad. Even Dutsi walked around on his hind legs while we waited – the smells were so good.

Besides the food, which was better than most proper restaurant barbecue, even in Oakland, it was a treat to meet more neighbors. They do meals for the homeless a few times a year, and together with their church host a clothing give-away. I highly recommend skipping dinner reservations every once-in-a-Saturday and following your nose to a street-side sandwich board near you. You might just discover the next great barbecue.