25368 Fri Aug 15 13:09:24 -0700 2003 1 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 101283 Make sure you come here not just to eat but to talk to Frank, the friendly proprietor of Uncle Frank's in East Palo Alto. He will give you the low down on how real Southern smoking is done and this includes a tour of his very large homemade smoker (fit with a trailer hitch) and abundant stores of fruitwood piled high in the back. Smoking meats in the deep, poor rural non-electrified rural South was the best bet to ward off spoilage but given that we have the luxury of refrigeration, eating smoked meat is done now only for the pleasure of tasting the mellow flavors of slow cooking. Frank's menu has the ususal offerings of big meaty beef ribs, links, brisket and chicken. The meats have been cooked at low temperatures for hours (Frank starts the fires at 0500 as he has since was ten yhears old) and the meats are tender and delicious. The BBQ sauce is thick and sweet but Crystal hot sauce and vinegar bottles are on the tables for those who like it hot. Also tried was the most delicious catfish which was breaded in a light and completely greasless coating, accopanied by thick steak fries and tarter sauce for dunking. Wonderful. Frank is a stickler for quality and his mission is to transport true Southern smoking ideals in the mouths of mid-Peninsulans. On this score, he has performed his task to the highest levels. Uncle Frank's Cafe 2417 Pulgas Ave. East Palo Alto, CA. 94303 (650) 321-6369 Link: http://www.epacity.com/menu.htm Fri Aug 15 13:09:24 -0700 2003 0 Ken Hoffman 1 101558 Ma Pinkies is usually good, but it's been a while and the setting is bleak. Armadillo Willy's does a dry rub in their smoker oven and just pours sauce over it. Uncle Frank's is something to look forward to as Goldies and Dessies are gone. Tue Apr 20 23:57:49 -0700 2004 101283 0 Greg