While growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, week-end barbecues were a family tradition. Many years later when I moved to New York City, I would wait until I visited my Mom’s home for a barbeque—treat.
On Saturday, January 7th, I came upon Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, in Manhattanville at 700 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027.
Although, I had heard of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, I could not imagine any meat being roasted on the grill better than my Mom’s backyard. One time, while my brother Sherrod was basting chicken with his secret barbecue sauce, my sister Lynette, a school teacher said. “You know, the origin of barbecue is French.”
“Oh, really,” I replied.
“Yes,” she said, “barbe to queue.”
That conversation seemed ages ago; but when I saw two women sitting in nippy weather, with a platter of barbecue ribs, I decided to take quick look at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.
It was 4:00 PM, and I thought, “There is plenty of time for my Cherry Walk. (“Cherry Walk is part of Riverside Walk, a continuous four-mile-long path along the Hudson River from 72nd to 158th Street”). I gazed at the majestic view of the Hudson River and walked in Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.
The space was large, plenty of tables for dining and a sports bar area with additional seating. Right away, one takes in a wide and welcoming sight: the open kitchen and the smell of smoky barbeque. At the reception desk, there were two friendly hosts; many customers flowed in; families with children in carriages; and couples or a single person with a book in hand—waited to be seated. It was crowded—a lot of cheer throughout the home of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.
At the same time, the reception desk was busy; another gentleman walked over to greet me.
“Hi,” he said. “Are you waiting for a table?”
“No, I am stopping by; this is my first time at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.” I said.
“We like first timers; I am Stephen, the Floor Manager.” He said.
“My name is Wanda, I have a blog called Catch It. I write about restaurants and delightful places in New York; delectable eateries, such as a Dinosaur Bar-B-Que,” I said.
“Great, let me get Abigail, she could tell you more.” He said.
A few moments later, a lady with a gracious smile said, “Hi, I am Abigail Doyle; I heard you are a first timer?”
“Yes, Hi, I feel I am down south; the smoky smell of barbecue; the homelike atmosphere—It’s a dream.” I said.
“We have other locations, too,” Abigail said, “in Syracuse, Rochester and Troy, New York.”
“That’s great, I will certainly come again.” I said.
We spoke for another minute, and I thanked Abigail and Stephen for my surprised treat.
I was glad the daylight lays still; I had time for my walk. I saw the same two comfy ladies, sitting outside, and enjoying their Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.
As I strolled towards Cherry Walk (St. Clair Place and Marginal Street/125th Street), I looked at the gorgeous blue sky; the shimmering sun shone on the calm waters of the Hudson River. By the time, I reached West 79th Street and Riverside Drive: runners, bikers speeded north.
I thought, “Perhaps they are on their way for some southern style, home style—Dinosaur’s international style Bar-B-Que.
Catch it if you can at www.dinosaurbarbque.com and www.nycgovparks.org/parks/riversidepark/highlights/
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