As I have mentioned, I don’t leave the Westside much. In fact, up until I started with this little part-time job job that turned into my current delicious-hell-on-earth job (as opposed to a blogging notjob, which is a blogging "job" that doesn't pay and is distinctly different from a blogging nutjob, who is a person like me that does stupid things like blog for no money), I never even left my house except on those rare occasions that I was either 1) out of toilet paper, or 2) really out of toilet paper. Even now, my job job is on the Promenade Promenade, so when I do leave the house, I go...further West.
However, there are some certain occasions that could potentially possibly maybe perhaps motivate me to drive toward the land of the rising sun, past the 405, maybe even past La Cienega, and if we're talking about all kinds of awesome, I might even brave a freeway or two.
"Might." I mean, Tyler Florence wearing nothing but an apron better be involved in there somewhere.
I am not quite sure how he got me to drive out to the Farmers Market. I do not love the Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax. Sure, if I already lived in that district, I would make it a frequent stop for a few of the semi-precious gems like Loteria Grill or perhaps to satiate a craving for gumbo, but otherwise, the Farmers' Market is just one step above a mall food court. Even tempting me with "BBQ" normally would not have worked because there are plenty of good BBQ places on the Westside that require a shorter drive-time and a far less migraine-inducing bout with parking.
But I went. It is, after all, meat.
hook 'em horns
well done
The only BBQ I know is "meat on grill, eaten with lots of sauce." That basically translates to "I know nothing about BBQ." Bryan's is "pit" BBQ, which I am guessing means that if we were in Texas, the meat would be barbecued in a pit in the ground. I don't remember seeing a pit in the tiny shack that is Bryan's in the Farmers' Market, but they could have been hiding it. Who knows.
We ordered brisket, which wouldn't have been my choice had I been there alone. I am a neanderthal when it comes to BBQ and I prefer things that require my using two hands and my teeth ripping flesh from bones. Who eats BBQ with a fork and knife?!?! The brisket came out in a lovely fan arrangement on the plate with a roasted potato in the middle. I have to tell you, though, it was too pretty to be "pit" BBQ. The meat was tender, but could have used a generous dose of sauce to cover up the dryness. I know. This is the type of BBQ that doesn't "do" sauce, but I guess that's my lesson. I am not a "pit" BBQ kind of girl.
Tyler Florence wasn't there, apron or otherwise. I'm not going back.
Bryan's Pit BBQ
at the Los Angeles Farmers Market
6333 West 3rd Street (@Fairfax)
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.933.9211
I Must Have Been Having a Love Affair in LA:
~ Loteria Grill - Jackpot! (Dec 2006)
~ The Gumbo Pot - Ask Dad if it's Official (Jan 2007)
~ Morel French Steakhouse & Bistro - Am I Having a Love Affair or am I Just Stupid? (Jan 2007)
~ Monsieur Marcel - Korean-French Women Do Get Fat (Feb 2007)
** a year ago today, tyler florence made me, and my lemon ginger ice, melt **
** two years ago today, there were personal ads in musha's bathroom **
tags :: food : and drink : american : barbecue : restaurants : reviews : los angeles
Duane says
Looks tasty!
Duane says
Looks tasty!
Texican says
BBQ on a plate!?!
SACRILEGE!!!
Texican says
BBQ on a plate!?!
SACRILEGE!!!
Charlie says
How else would you eat bbq? On the floor?
d'wite says
I wunder if Sarah likes white meat or dark meat.
d'wite says
I wunder if Sarah likes white meat or dark meat.
sarah says
duance: does it? i don't know, i wasn't very impressed by its aesthetics...
texican: do you mean it's supposed to be a paper plate? then what happens when you cut through it?
charlie: dat's what i'm saying...
d'wite: honey, i love all meat. as long as it's rare ;)
Texican says
German meat market style.
By the pound off of butcher paper.
http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Writeup.aspx?ReviewID=583&RefID=583
Texican says
German meat market style.
By the pound off of butcher paper.
http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Writeup.aspx?ReviewID=583&RefID=583
Professor Salt says
Looking forward to your writeup of this place.
To add to the discussion on Central Texas BBQ served on butcher paper, I did a writeup a couple years ago
http://professorsalt.com/2006/05/09/dont-mess-with-texas/
sarah says
texican: you had me at "meat market."
oh frack. did i just comment that out loud?
never mind.
professor: i didn't love it. but like, probably just me - i can't really eat meat unless it's pretty rare.
Nate says
A long ride "just" for meat? Meat justifies the length of any ride. Actually, meat justifies most anything in life.
texican says
For months I've been waiting to read your full review of this place and this is what I get?!?
You ARE a tease! ;-)
texican says
For months I've been waiting to read your full review of this place and this is what I get?!?
You ARE a tease! ;-)
hermz says
holy frack! Did you just say frack?!?
sarah says
nate: well, i do like an occasion vegetable. occasionally.
texican: i know. i'm horrible.
hermz: me? say frack? never!
Megancake says
I want to know where these great barbeque places are on the west side! I drove down to Hermosa beach to get BBQ with James Boo and was somewhat disappointed, although he enjoyed himself so perhaps I am just too picky!
sarah j. gim says
cereal lady: i've only been to a few BBQ places on the westside, but these are the ones that i have heard other people talk about:
~ baby blues BBQ
~ outdoor grill (attached to a car wash - which i have tried, and it's pretty good!)
~ mr cecil's ribs (not too bad)
~ philip's (which is actually a little further south than the westside)
if you come across any worth trying / mentioning / blogging, let me know!