665610 Sun Nov 08 12:42:25 -0800 2009 0 20 Tristate Region 0 5165308 In planning a get-together with friends, we decided to leave Manhattan behind and take a scenic drive to a BBQ joint. After intense research here and at Pigtrip.com, we finally agreed on Barnstormer BBQ in Fort Montgomery (http://www.barnstormerbbq.com/). And while the foliage was disappointing, the BBQ was not. We arrived in late afternoon and there was only one other group just finishing their meal. We were encouraged by their comments to each other and the pile of debris on their table. Every table is supplied with a roll of paper towels and the overall atmosphere leans in the direction of "dive", which was fine. We ordered beers and "hot" chicken wings to start. The 12 wings were slathered in a very tasty, spicy sauce, but the heat was less than expected. If you like heat, I'd suggest going for the "nuclear" option. Our original plan of ordering 4 different main dishes for sharing was abandoned when almost everyone wanted the the Kansas style wet ribs. I was the only hold-out and ordered the pork barbeque sandwich. For sides we had coleslaw, bbq beans, cheesy grits and mac & cheese. Here's the breakdown; Spare Ribs - Thin layer of spicy, not hot, sauce. Meat tender but not falling off the bone. Hint of hickory smoke. Two of us added some Tabasco for heat and tang. Hickory and spice actually more prominent in the next day leftovers. All agreed on a rating of very good. Pork BBQ sandwich - Bold, spicy sauce but not overpowering. Pork and hickory flavor stood up to the sauce. Plain white bun, while not exciting, was absorbant but firm enough to keep the sandwich together. I thought it was excellent and didn't share any (yes, I can be a selfish Sloth). Coleslaw - Fresh and firm, not soggy. I'm generally not a fan of coleslaw but this was actually nice and refreshing. BBQ beans - We suspected that these were from a can and doctored up, but they were okay. Not too sweet and we didn't leave any behind. Cheesy grits - Not up to Southern standards, but not vile either. They were the least favorite of what we ordered. Mac & cheese - Firm pasta with sticky, not soupy, cheese. Both orders were gobbled up before I could steal a bite, so it must've been good. After the meal we chatted with Geoff Provan, the chef and owner. He was very friendly and actually recommended other BBQ places that he's enjoyed (the original divey Dinosaur in Syracuse and Daisy Mae's in NYC). Thanks to CH, I informed him that Fink had left Bailey's and is now back to catering. This really didn't mean anything to us, but Geoff was was interested and a little surprised. One friend kinda broke protocol by saying that I would be posting a review here, so if you're reading this Geoff, we liked Barnstormers, we really did. Sorry about the grits. By the time we left, the place was almost full. Families, couples on dates and a West Point cadet with his parents were all having a good time. We were well-fed and satisfied, but not rolling out the door. Total cost for 4 with drinks and tip was $100. Recommended, with the caveat that it was just one visit so we can't speak for consistency. If I lived in the area, I'd be back often. Sun Nov 08 12:42:25 -0800 2009 11115 Sloth