DISH OF THE WEEK: Pastrami Bacon at HOMETOWN BAR-B-QUE

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

I unequivocally claim that the best barbecue in New York City (and perhaps in the northeast) is at Hometown Bar-B-Que in the hard-to-reach neighborhood of Red Hook. People in the food world have made the pilgrimage to Hometown. And after eating there for the second time recently, I know that there is nowhere better.

On my first visit, I was almost moved to tears by the size and complexity of the giant beef rib. It ended up being my number one dish of the year. On that visit, I also got to try some great jerk-spiced baby back ribs and a number of excellent sides.

Upon returning, I wanted to try some new things. So I picked a slice of turkey, the sriracha hot wings, and a slab of pastrami bacon.

Amazingly, that turkey (which is not usually something I would order at a barbecue joint) was so good. Smoky, juicy, and nothing resembling that stuffed bird on Thanksgiving. This place can smoke anything to perfection.

But the thing that brought me to meat heaven once again was that slab of grilled, smoked bacon. It was seasoned generously with pepper and pastrami spices and featured char marks along the exterior. It had the perfect layer of fat, which was buttery but not unctuous. Each bite was peppery, smoky, and luscious. I can’t think of a better pairing than the accompanying sweet and spicy honey mustard sauce. It was really difficult to resist ordering a second slab.

I’ll say it again: Hometown Bar-B-Que is the best we have in New York City. Save yourself a trip to Texas or Memphis and just come to Red Hook.