Adventures in Barbeque

Whenever or wherever we plan a road trip Shana has a diner or barbecue joint picked out to visit. This particular one: Clark's Outpost was featured several years ago in the Road Food column in Gourmet magazine. A trip to Denton Texas for a family visit finally provided the excuse to stop by and sample the wares.

From the road it looks really small, and the parking lot was full of pick up trucks. This is a good sign. We had checked the menu, and noted that they ship all over the country - proof that their popularity had outstripped the size of their dining room.

Shana ordered some ribs and brisket, plus beans, fries, and a side of fried corn. I got a baked potato and planned to steal meat from her plate. Service was fast and friendly, although we did have to wait a few minutes for a table.

The verdict: DELICIOUS. Portions were generous but not outlandish. The meat was smoked with a dry rub and was juicy

and tender. The corn was succulent and piping hot, the beans exceptional. The sauce was tomato based with a vinegar zing and served on the side. They served really good iced tea, and the desert selection, while small, was excellent. We shared a very satisfying piece of coconut cream pie to round out our meal.

Clark's is in horse country, and the decor is suitably horsey - photos and drawings of equine subjects fill the walls. Corn is served with horse shoe nails as holders. I'm pretty sure we'll be stopping in again, or ordering on line.