The Duck Deli in New Brtain, PA (about 25 N of Philly)

[mslatter]

Full disclosure: the place is run by a friend of a friend, so I have some slight bias. But not much. I wouldn't post if I didn't have an opinion.

The ribs are simply the best I've had. They're meaty, very tender, and quite juicy without any sign of the trickery other establishments use to achieve juiciness - just good meat selection and excellent technique. They're very lightly sauced late in the cook, but the rub comes through nicely with a good base of salt, garlic and Q spices. They didn't offer sauce with the meal, and there was none on the table, but none of us asked for any. The meat stood alone. It's right to the point of fall-off-the-bone, but not quite. I swear I wish I knew where they bought their meats. The fat content was just perfect. Plenty to melt away and provide flavor, but no pockets of slimy goo. I left behind nothing but bone and just the slightest pile of connective bits.

I've also had their pulled pork and the brisket on a previous visit. I'll vouch that they're authentic, and very good. But the ribs are killer.

Let's talk sides. Today, I had the onion rings. They were good. Thick without being cartoonish, and panko breaded and fried for crunch. I enjoyed them, but they're not special. What IS special, though is the potato-corn fritter. It's a couple of 3-inch discs of hand-made dough, of corn, mashed potato, and (I think) flour, deep fried, and, ohhhh boy, it's tasty. Crispy, corny, potato-ey. Just like their ribs, they hit that perfect balance of competing flavors and textures to hit one out of the park.

Then there are the hush puppies. Generally, hush puppies are fillers, and not much to talk about. But I'm one of those weirdos who saves a bite or two of his favorite part of the meal until last, so that every meal ends on a good note. Today, I could NOT decide whether to end with a bite or ribs, or a bite of hush puppy! Their regular hush puppies are very good - crisp and robust without being heavy - and the jalapeno puppies are just perfect. But it's honey-butter they give for dipping that elevates this normally mundane side-dish into the sublime. Let me see if I can summarize it this way: the first time we visited, I didn't realize what the butter was for until I was full, needed no more food, and was down to an empty plate with one hush puppy on it, then a dining companion pointed out the purpose of the honey-butter. I dipped, bit, and CURSED IN FRONT OF THE KIDS. It was THAT good.

In addition to all the great food, the service has been wonderful. Not just friendly - legitimately appreciative of having you there.

The Duck Deli is two hours from my house, but I took the day off work today and found an excuse to be in the area. I left full, and happy. We'll be back, and I very much recommend it to real Q heads. They know their smoke.