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We have added a new barbecue restaurant to our nationwide directory of bbq joints.  This one is out west in Casmalia, California north of Lompoc.  The Hitching Post Restaurant has been around for quite a while and is a favorite of Air Force personnel stationed at nearby Vandenberg Air Force Base.  The Hitching Post Restaurant has had quite a history and is actually listed as Santa Barabara County landmark.

Here is a little of what makes this barbecue restaurant so good:

What is the secret to the BBQ that has become world famous? The Hitching Post follows the method introduced long ago in the old west, beginning with the indoor bar-b-que pit. A good fire is extremely important, and for this the Ostinis use red oak wood that comes exclusively from the scrub oak tree which is indigenous to the area. Frank Ostini instilled in his sons the importance of purchasing only the finest beef, aged to perfection. They endeavor to keep alive the traditions of the old romantic West. The weather-beaten walls of the 100-year-old building are crammed with memories that induce an atmosphere of Western nostalgia to romantically inclined people who can relax and trade the pressures of the fast, modern world for an evening of Old West Hospitality. 

To read more about The Hitching Post Restaurant’s unique history click here.

The menu for the restaurant looks really good and as I am a big steak fan I will have to keep this place on my radar the next time I am in California.  They also have a catering business and an online store for the convenience of ordering from them.

All in all The Hitching Post Restaurant looks like a great place to spend an afternoon or evening just relaxing and eating.  Be sure to stop in and take some photos and send us a review…………

Sometimes the best places to eat are not always the fanciest. The Dinky Diner in Madisonville KY has been around for as long as I can remember on the courthouse square.

For all of you who don’t know anything about West Virginia, let me tell you……… there is some incredible food that comes out of the mountaineer state.  The variety is unbelievable and the state is a definite food lovers paradise.  My family is from West Virginia and that is where I  spent my non military brat years.  I work with a man from southern WV who is a hot dog fanatic and makes a great sauce (that is another post that is coming soon).

Cecil went back to WV on vacation last week and he brought a jar of Hot Blue Smoke Salsa and let me tell you………… this stuff is FANTASTIC.  I realize this is not a barbecue sauce but you definitely need to get some of this stuff. The first bite is sweet and instantly addictive. Nothing hot about this………… uh that is until you are on the third or fourth chip and it has creeped up on you. There is definitely some heat and it creeps up from the back of your tongue and stays for a little while once you have put the chips away.

This is the first time I have had Blue Smoke and I am definitely hooked. I checked out their website at www.bluesmokesalsa.com and they have a full line of salsas, jelly’s and sauces.  I noticed they have a Triple-X Hot Salsa that I am going to have to try………  maybe I will work up to it.

I give Blue Smoke Salsa - Hot a big thumbs up…………