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4/6/05 |
More than two
years ago I went meandering through a ghetto in southwest
Atlanta in search of JJ’s Rib Shack on the recommendation
of some of our viewers. This beat up and run down wooden
building on Campbellton Rd, which had the appearance of an
uninviting junkyard, subjected my friend and I to the most
hideous BBQ we’d ever encountered.
My
review prompted an onslaught of emails, which now, more
than two years later, has maintained a steady flow of twenty
or so a week. Some are humored, others politely agree to
disagree but many are ill-tempered – one even threatened
to roast a certain, very sensitive, part of my anatomy over
a fiery pit then stomp on its ashes.
With such a spirited and loyal following, how could I not give
JJ’s another go?
For those of you who remember my first review – we were
greeted by three street thugs drinking out of brown paper bags
while taking food orders. But on two recent visits I didn’t
notice any brown paper bags and the hoodlums have taken on a
slight upgrade in appearance, making the entire experience much
less intimidating. And for someone who just had a contract taken
out on his manhood, this was a welcomed sight.
I’m also happy to report that JJ’s Rib Shack has tidied
up their appearance since my first review. The front room, where
you place your order and eat, now has a wall that blocks the
storage area, which used to overflow into the main room and make
you feel as if you were eating in Sanford & Son’s clutter-y closet.
What about the food?
Well, the food was much improved from my first review. The major
change I found was in the sauce, for my first review I received
an abysmal thick overly sweet blanket that lacked any hint of
spice. But this time the sauce, though still too sweet, was much
tastier with a visible flecking of spices. |
JJ's Rib Tips
Price Range: $ - Most
under $10
Hours: I only know they open at 12:30pm Mon
- Fri.
Address and Telephone: 2979 Campbellton Rd SW
Atlanta Tel: 404-349-2717
Key Notes:
*A worthy stop if you happen to be in this ghetto and don't
mind overly sweet sauce.
*Rib tips are your best bet
*The ribs are usually too tough
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Unfortunately, the ribs haven’t changed one bit – still
large but too chewy. Incessantly chomping away on the same bite
before deciding to just go ahead and swallow it whole. However,
the Rib Tips are less cantankerous. Though smothered in the same
sweet sauce, they arrive tender wearing a slightly sweet but
smoky perfume.
All in all, I wouldn’t run across town for JJ’s, but
if you happen to be hanging in the ghetto – you might want
to grab a bite just to see for yourself.
News from around town:
Iris (1314 Glenwood Ave, Tel: 404-221-1300) has announced Chris
Reid (aka Vino Envy), one of the most wine savvy individuals
I've ever met, to be their new General Manager and Wine Director.
I’d be expecting some changes on Iris' wine list in the
not-so-distant future.
Judd Levy, owner of J. Ripples, has informed me
that he will be closing his popular Collier Rd. location by the
end of April to focus on his booming wholesale business. His
product will be called: Gelato Mio. Many of you may have
already noticed it on the shelves at Whole Foods.
Especially For You (1650 Virginia Ave., College Park,
Tel: 404-766-3465) is now hand-dipping fresh Gelato Mio products
and Judd tells me that he has several other deals in the works.
Looks like for now I’ll be making the journey all the way
to College Park for my next gelato and Italian Ice fix. I can’t
help it …I’m addicted.
The Real Chow Baby (1016 Howell Mill Rd, Suite A, Atlanta,
Tel: 404-815-4900), Atlanta's first create-your-own stir-fry
restaurant, has finally opened after what seemed to be a decade’s
worth of delays.
email: tom@atlantacuisine.com |
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