Smokey Bones

We take time out of your regularly scheduled life to bring you some previously recorded episodes. Yep, thanks to potty training I feel like we're in the summer reruns period of the TV schedule. So while we put life on hold and try to get this task done, I'll be posting some things we've done earlier but I haven't had time to write about up until now.

Last weekend we went to one of the big festivals here in Columbus: The Jazz and Ribs Festival. Being a fan of jazz (thanks to being married to Andy, who loves to play jazz piano) and having recently discovered the joy of ribs (thanks to Nate Harris and his amazing Dr. Pepper soaked beauties), this seemed to be the perfect combination. We miss the blessed event last year because we were out of town and I couldn't pass up another chance. On Friday we picked up Andy from work and walked down to Riverfront Park, which was lined with vendors from all over the country selling ribs, each with its own special flavor. With so many choices, I let Andy decide.

The picture doesn't capture the impressiveness of this spectacle. This guy is up on a huge riser managing two gigantic BBQs bursting with ribs. Notice the elbow-length gloves he's wearing to combat the heat.

Where we finally ended up getting our food. I was a bit taken aback by how expensive the ribs were: Between $20 and $25 for a rack of ribs. They did sell bones for $1 each. Can someone tell me why you'd buy just one bone? Does it have meat on it or do you just suck on the bone?
Full rack, with coleslaw, cornbread, and delicious baked beans. Andy's slathering on extra sauce.
What would a Midwestern festival be without a booth that offers fried everything? The Ohio State Fair just started and I can't wait to go to see the array there of fried morsels. Will I try any? No. I am opposed to pretty much fried anything.
Ben loved the ribs and the beans. Can you see the sauce on his face? I'm afraid the beans might have had some wheat ingredients in them, but we pumped him full of Benadryl. That might have partly accounted for the huge fit he threw when we tried to leave and then the immediate crash in the car afterwards.
Love it! For those of you who are wondering why I recently discovered the joy of ribs, I'll explain. They always seemed really messy, expensive, and alot of work for not much food.

Overall, the food was good, but the entertainment so-so. I guess I was expecting more like Harry Connick, Jr.-type jazz, versus the random/loud/grating offerings that were at the festival. I'm glad I went, to say I've been, but I think a BBQ restaurant with live music would be just as fun. Anyone know of a good BBQ restaurant in Ohio?