Let’s face it. This past Sunday morning was cold. Sunny and beautiful. But cold. So walking around the Dunedin Arts and Crafts Festival meant we wanted a hot lunch. Street food is fine when it’s warm. But the minute I spotted The Dunedin Smokehouse (and could be seated immediately!) it was a no-brainer.

  The Smokehouse has been downtown for a few years and is the sister restaurant to The Living Room, also now on Main Street. It’s family owned, and produces some delicious BBQ. Executive Chef Tony Bruno and Pitmaster Rick Knapik know their ‘Q! My pulled pork sliders were perfect even without added sauce. Honestly, I just dug right in and didn’t even think about putting any on. But one taste of the Granny Smith Apple Cole Slaw did inspire me to top the sliders with just a touch. That is awesome slaw. The rest of the table ordered the Brisket Chili Bread Bowl to start and I had to have just a taste. It’s considered a Premium Side and could easily work as an entrée. Just that good.  I also liked a taste of the Mango Mustard. Much more than the usual yellow stuff. The menu also offers their signature Montreal Beef Sandwich which features slow-smoked corned beef and my favorite apple slaw; there’s also an intriguing Rainbow Trout Po’boy which is next on my list to try. Going the veggie route? Check out The Weed Eater Combo!

   A nice little wine list, what they call “stuff in bottles” has everything from Bud to local brews, ales from Colorado, New York, England and more. Oh, and dessert? I can’t believe we didn’t even look at the list. That full, but next time, okay?  Like so many in downtown Dunedin The Smokehouse has a good size dog-friendly patio, free parking and offers both the dine-in and take-out option. You can also take advantage of gluten-free and vegetarian options. They do advise not wearing white shirts. That, or bring a Tide Stain Stick! 

   Make a date! Flicks and Food Trucks is back this Thursday at The Grand Central at Kennedy with local independent short films, microbrews and of course…food! The exact address is 1208 East Kennedy, and it’s a good idea to bring cash, as not every truck is able to take debit or credit cards. Fifteen food trucks will be parked on Madison, so take the time to get in line and chose a little something from each truck. It’s the best way to take a taste and share. Find complete details are at tampabaymarkets.com for this and other events like the Hyde Park Fresh Market which is the official sponsor of Kelly's Kitchen!

 WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN 

“Grilling, broiling, barbecuing - whatever you want to call it - is an art, not just a matter of building a pyre and throwing on a piece of meat as a sacrifice to the gods of the stomach.” -    James Beard, 'Beard on Food' (1974)