I finally stopped into a local eatery that I had been eyeing since we moved into the neighborhood: M&D's Barbeque Cafe. Located on the southeast corner of 28th and Race (I think it's actually Whittier Neighborhood, or maybe City Park West I guess) in a clean, inviting brick building, M&D's is an ironic gem in the midst of the neighborhood's regenesis.
I say ironic, because each time I passed by the place on my bike or walking the dogs, the beautiful building shined like a beacon on an otherwise yet-to-be-renovated block. So much so that I thought it had to be a new business, banking on what the neighborhood was going to become (like us).
Needless to say I was quite surprised to find out that M&D's is actually a veteran of the neighborhood, residing at this very location since they originally opened their doors in 1977. According to the hostess, they renovated in 2003 (and it shows). Their building is so nice, so clean, it almost doesn't do the home-made cooking served within justice, as it wouldn't look out-of-place next to a Chipotle or Starbucks somewhere in suburban hell.
Anyway, I stopped in there the other day for lunch. I have to tell you, don't even go there if you're trying to diet, as a mouth-watering aroma of barbecue sauces greeted me at the door, and at that moment, I knew I was going to have to take in the whole experience (not just a measly salad or something!).
The place was very warm and friendly--A nice, eclectic mix of people that usually bodes well for the food quality--Good eats are a pretty universal language. The hostess greeted us promptly and with a smile, and quickly led us to a half-booth near the back of the dining room. Our server was similarly efficient and friendly in greeting us. We started off with some catfish nuggets for an appetizer, with barbecue sauce to dip. Being quite the chile-head, I ordered the hot barbecue sauce, my friend Christian, who finds Hunts ketchup on the spicier side of things, threw caution into the wind and ordered the medium. I tried them both before settling on the medium myself--While the hot was admirably so, the medium had more depth to the flavor and a sweetness that was familiar to my barbecue experience.
They have everything on the menu from your normal barbecue chicken, ribs, briscuit, catfish, even whiting, but it all sounded good to us. Christian settled on the briscuit sandwich, I had the smoked and marinated barbecue burger, and our late-arriving friend had the catfish plate.
The food turned out to be on par with the friendly service. Christian's briscuit sandwich was "like candy" he said; my smoked burger was unlike anything else I had ever had (and in a good way!); and our other friend seemed content with his catfish as he ate about half of the huge plate.
We were in a hurry, so we didn't take advantage of the extensive, and very tasty selection of home-made desserts they had on the menu. That will have to wait until next time.
So, if you're looking for some tasty southern cooking, some take-out barbecue or even catering for an event, give M&D's Barbecue Cafe a try. I think you'll be glad you did. And of course, you'll be investing in the success of the neighborhood.
Oh, and be sure to tell them you learned about them from The Cole Neighborhood Memoirs.
Thanks for reading.
