661384 Wed Oct 21 20:44:54 -0700 2009 0 3 California 0 5121695 Good food alert. Mike’s Grill is the same little stand that used to be Big Al’s BBQ, southeast corner of Cedar & Herndon, in the same strip mall as Hunan. The last couple of times I’ve driven by I’ve seen the smoker & grill out in the little parking lot next to the stand. An impressive tri-tip sandwich. A generous portion of warm, very moist, almond-wood-grilled beef, thinly sliced, wonderful balance of flavorful smoke but not too much to overpower the meat. Served on a toasted, herb-buttered hoagie roll with sesame seeds. Optional BBQ sauce (on the side) & jalapeños. Meat was so succulent that I ate the first half of my sandwich without any BBQ sauce. BBQ sauce is a dark (almost-purple), thick, sweet sauce; not very spicy. If I had to guess (which I will) I’d guess it was pretty heavy on the molasses. Homemade potato salad was thick (of the not-very-moist variety), chucks of potato, hard-boiled egg, black olive & chopped celery and/or pickle. Pretty standard stuff though its homemade flavor comes across clearly. Limited menu (tri-tip or sausage sandwiches). Prices seemed reasonable: tri-tip sandwich with a side (chips or potato salad) & a drink for about 8 bucks (sausage sandwich a little bit less). I left with a full stomach. Michael (very friendly owner) said he’s like to add menu items as he gets settled in & more comfortable with the business: chili, a chicken sandwich, maybe a salad or some grilled fish, a take-home tri-tip meal perhaps. This place has been open for less than two weeks. I hope Michael does well & if the good quality food I had tonight is any indication, he’s got a fightin’ chance. Mike’s Grill 6642 N. Cedar Ave. Fresno CA 93710 559-299-3177 Wed Oct 21 20:44:54 -0700 2009 16340 alanstotle