jonathan duthinh
Smokin' Dave's BBQ catered a picnic for approximately a hundred of my wife’s and my friends. The food, service and people were excellent. Five Stars.
To start, I went to Smokin’ Dave’s brick n mortar location in Ellwood city and tried their sampler platter: turkey, pulled pork, brisket, baked beans, mac n’ cheese, coleslaw, jalapeno cornbread and regular cornbread. Everything was excellent, but the turkey, brisket and jalapeno cornbread were standouts. Turkey breast was smokey, moist and didn’t need any sauce; Brisket was equally moist, great smoke ring, balance of lean and fat; Jalapeno cornbread was (you guessed it) moist, sweet and gently spicy. I tried numerous other samplers in the Pittsburgh area and Smokin’ Dave’s easily had the best all-around meats, sides and service.
Prior to the event, Ann and Dave were very communicative. They helped my wife and I tailor the menu, portions and addressed concerns (what and when to serve on a hot day, full size buns vs dinner rolls etc). Ann and Dave were especially helpful with gluten and lactose allergies. Ann and Dave provided us with an estimate a few months prior to the event, with a warning the price may shift due to their cost. A month or two before the event, we added peach cobbler on a friend’s recommendation and changed one of the sides. Ann and Dave sent us an updated, final bill based on the increased cost of meat and our changes. Every time I raised a concern, asked a question, made a change, needed paperwork, Ann and Dave responded quickly and gave me confidence things would be done the right way. With a hundred guests, and me choosing Smokin’ Dave’s without my wife trying their food, the pressure was stifling, suffocating, oppressive.
Day of the event, servers Ashli and Echo, were efficient, helpful and friendly. Dinnerware, plates, bowls, chafing dishes, were all provided. Of note were small menu cards with an allergy warning for eggs, gluten, and lactose, which guests really appreciated. Ashli and Echo had everything set up early, but patiently waited for our cue to start service. We went with turkey, pulled pork, brisket, mac n cheese, coleslaw, spinach and strawberry salad, rolls and peach cobbler. All our guests praised the food and were very impressed. Different guests gave different dishes high praise, but nothing received low marks. Even though the bulk of the eatin’ was done, Ashli and Echo patiently stuck around to see if we needed anything else. Once we gave the word, Ashli and Echo neatly packaged the leftovers. I really appreciated how leftovers were in pans and covered, but still accessible and appetizing. Guests had a second round a few hours later.
Ann, Dave, Ashli and Echo helped make our event a success. They have my business and I recommend them for yours.
