Review: Big Dog's Smokehouse BBQ

Many bikers ride through Cicero because of the scenic ride out historic 8^th Street from Anderson, or for the view of Morse Lake. But now there’s another good reason to ride or drive to Cicero: Big Dog’s Smokehouse BBQ, located at 29 East Jackson Street, just east of IN 19. The historic building was recently a Motorcycle repair shop, before being turned into an eatery in late 2011. The building retains historic brick walls, now covered with Coke memorabilia and other antique signs. But the fun atmosphere is not the best part. The energetic and fun staff is glad to suggest different menu combinations. You can go all-you-can-eat, or just single portion menu items. The half rack of ribs was $12.99 including two homemade sides. I had potato Salad and creamy cole slaw, both very tasty and fresh. The ribs had a pronounced smokey flavor, which I found very good. I chose ‘Original’ from their range of sauces (Simply Sweet, Outrageous Original, Mustard Tiger, Smokin Hot, Flamethrower, and Lincoln’s Ghost)  and enjoyed the just right seasoning in a tomato sauce- it was some of the best BBQ I have ever tasted.  I also was able to wrestle some brisket away from my wife, and it was extremely tender and had outstanding flavor. We were not so lucky when we took ½ of my generous portion of ribs home with a few bones in a doggy bag for our big dog, Lili, an 84 lb. Lab-Sheppard mix- she not only got the bones from the doggy bag, but snarfed down my few leftover ribs before we could we could wrestle it away from her! (No joke!) We will definitely have to return to try their smoked sausage, pulled pork, and BBQ chicken. The smoked BBQ, fun atmosphere and staff make Big Dog’s a destination for your ride (or drive!)

Review: Big Bamboo's Dockside Grill

Celina, Ohio, about 35 miles southwest of Lima, Ohio, is an area destination on account of its 8 mile across lake, Grand Lake St. Mary’s. But it also is home to Big Bamboo’s Dockside Grill, which is on the Northwest corner of the lake, just south of OH 29 on OH 127. Residents can dock their boat and walk the few yards across the street. The view is perfect, and the whole front is open air, with an upstairs, and a bar inside. The grill is always on, and there are daily specials. If pulled pork is the special when you go, you won’t want to miss it, it’s outstanding in flavor, tender and moist. The bourbon chicken is also a great flavorful dish, and the dinner is $9.95, including a side of beans and rice.  The menu is broad: burgers, chicken, seafood, steak.  The help is friendly, and they keep busy, as this is a popular spot, including their share of bikers. The front is especially suited for bike parking, as it is paved.  With two trips to the grill so far, I look forward to returning to try out more of the menu.  Don’t miss this great spot- it would fit well in Miami, but, we’re glad it’s close by in western Ohio!