I think nearly any American expat living in France would offer up the same response when asked the question, “What food do you miss the most from home?” The answer would be: Mexican. Or more specifically, Real Mexican Food as yes, Old El Paso can be bought even at my local grocery store in Arles and that isn’t even food let alone authentic. My Mom knows this and so whipped up her crispy quesadillas with tomatillo salsa within an hour or so of my arrival in the States. For that, not to mention the glass of wine that was immediately placed in my hand, I thank her. I am also grateful for her truly infallible food radar, one that the military would covet if only they could figure out how to transform it into say, a heat-seeking missile.
So when she kept suggesting that we take a road trip down to Detroit (not even 45 minutes from Ann Arbor) for BBQ, I listened. In the realm of expatatia, great BBQ is beyond what one can even hope for and so is often left off the list. And yet somehow before we knew it, my trip was almost over. But my Mom is a wily one and nothing will stop her from good food even if she has to take a personal day off from work to get it (shhh). This is after all, the woman who said that I had a dentist appointment one day when I was in high school so that I could attend a traditional Indonesian luncheon at India Joze in Santa Cruz, California (rightfully feeling that I would learn more from the experience that I would that day in school). So soon, off we went, barrelling down the highway with her companion, Leonard in his big Lincoln that we affectionately call “the Boat.”
Later, when folks would hear that we went to Slows Bar B Q, they would immediately ask, “How long was your wait?” Turns out, Slows is famous. But it also just so happened that luck was on our side. Even though it was already past 1:30pm when we heaved open the heavy front door, we were initially told by the hostess (who is heading to Paris next April) that it would be 45 minutes but to come back for our beeper (ah, only in America!) in fifteen. Back in ten as it was too cold to wander, we were seated straight away.
It says a lot about “the what” we were about to dive into that the beer menu in the bar area suggested to “Buy a six pack for the kitchen” for $5.95. Well, they do have to smoke and roast all of the meats on the menu for hours–hence the name Slows–I suppose they could use a little encouragement from time to time. That there were four different types of sauce, including the vinegary North Carolina style (David Terry, are you listening?) on the table also had me curious.
Oooh, Helen I had forgotten the Ontario connection! Yes, really do go. But please do use the guarded parking lot which is behind the Mercury Bar across the street. The neighborhood is up and coming, so to speak. And I would suggest following the meal with a stroll around the amazing Detroit Institute of the Arts (I will post about it soon) which blew me away in the little of it that I saw, let alone for you…
Beautifully said, Elizabeth. Merci beaucoup, beaucoup.
Bisous à toi aussi!
I could eat sushi, bbq and Mexican everyday. But now that would be one heck of a diet now wouldn't it? :O
Bisous!
As long as it isn't over the top, a bit of wine while cooking works for me!
Food and family? Perfectly said Sylvia. Especially in my family where the two are linked like shaking hands! I have never been to Miami although I might in the future so will keep your Shorty's suggestion in mind! Merci!
This sounds like the kind of place that my husband would love. These type of restaurants are so homely and welcoming. I wanted to thank you for your latest comment. Your words warm up my heart.
Oh my GOSH. I thought I didn't really like bbq, but this makes me realize that I don't know BBQ. Thanks for the introduction, Heather! So glad you had such a fun and delicious meal with your mom!
Even living in 'the States' we find ourselves craving certain authentic foods (and drinks). We've been dreaming of the tamarindo margaritas we drank in the tiny Mexican hill town last spring; asking bartenders throughout our Western Road Trip if they had them. No one did; one said he thought they might offer them as seasonal specials (couldn't remember when though) and then when we least expected it. . .at Wisdom's Cafe some 19 miles north of Nogales, 'our' margaritas were on the menu. . .and by then we were too stuffed with the good Mexican food to drink one. Ahhh, but next time. . .
Great Mexican food can be addictive as great barbecue. Your mom sounds like a fun mother and Leonard is her partner in fun…:) I'd say you've done good by not leaving Michigan without enjoying a great all American barbecue dinner. That should last you for a while, unless Slows fed ex to Provence.
XO
Amelia
Oh…..I just googled the joint. Turns out it's about 5 years old, turned 1.8 million in revenue during the first year of operation, and is owned by a very smart white guy who's quite obviously done his homework.
What I want to know now is….has Aretha decided to notice "Slows" exists and come by for lunch?
Until that happens, it's still just a flash in the pan…..
—-david terry