by Susie Timm, Head Cheese
There’s not much Chef James Porter has done in the world of restaurant ownership that I haven’t enjoyed thoroughly.
First, it was Tapino. Every time I write about James, I tend to lament Tapino. It will always hold a very special place in my heart. And someday, James WILL make those damn lobster corn dogs for me.
I digress. Next he has mastered French cuisine at his own little house, Petite Maison. I’ve spent many days and nights sitting at the bar munching on my favorite salad nicoise in the Valley.
Evidently this Spanish Tapas/French Food master is ready to go back to his roots. He’s opening Big Earl’s BBQ in Old Town Scottsdale on Saturday, February 5 at 11 a.m.
I got a first look at the menu, and to say I am excited would be a massive understatement.
He offers a pretty wide selection of appetizers, sides, salads and sandwiches, but I of course, really only care about the meat of the menu.
He’s got the standard meat selection of brisket, ribs, pork and chicken. He’s also got a selection of “Tasty Parts” that includes pickled pigs feet, oven roasted marrow and fried sweetbreads. Sounds pretty offal to me.
I am intrigued by his “Feast-Leg of Beast” that includes a choice of braised beef or ham shank served family style with 2 salads, three sides and dessert. The beef serves six to eight and the ham up to ten people! They do require a 72 hour notice for this “beast” but it’s only $21.99/person and sounds delectable to me!
Also noteworthy is the dessert menu: they’ve got everything from a chocolate chipwich sandwich using Superstition Farms ice cream to “The Johnson” a chocolate-covered frozen banana, to a homestyle banana pudding with Nilla Wafers.
Of course after I stuff myself silly on the BBQ’d meat selection, I’m not sure I’ll have room for dessert, but somewhere on 1st Ave in Scottsdale, there’s a chipwich with my name on it.
Find Big Earls BBQ at 7213 E. 1st. Ave in Scottsdale starting Feb 5 or www.bigearlsbbq.com.
