Country’s Brunswick stew keeps me warm during the Fall
An old silver and light blue Greyhound bus sits outside what was once a bus station in downtown Columbus. Under the shade of towering trees stands a tall red, white and blue neon sign announcing you are at Country’s BBQ.
As you walk in it feels as if you’ve been transported back in time as you are greeted by a jukebox playing all the best hits of the 60s-80s.
As children me and my sister would raid the jukebox and play everything from Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” to The GAP Band’s “You Dropped A Bomb On Me” before going up to the bus and pressing every sound effect button in the driver’s seat.
My usual order is a BBQ pork platter, but with the weather turning colder with Fall’s hand falling upon our shoulder, I decided I needed something to keep me warm.
I ordered what I consider to be some of the best Brunswick stew I’ve ever had. The stew is filled with moist BBQ, corn and juicy tomatoes which is always a great meal when the temperatures drop below 60 degrees.
The stew has a slightly sweet, smoky, acidic and savory flavor that all blends together to send your taste buds on a ride. The only place I know whose stew can compare is a small place over in Albany, Georgia.
I chowed down on the stew while intermittently taking bites of Texas toast because bread always goes well with stew.
Afterwards, I was asked whether I wanted desert, and trying to decide between mile high lemon meringue pie and banana pudding, I decided on the banana pudding. I was happy I did.
The banana pudding was delicious as always and came in a cool-looking mason jar that read, “Banana Pudding The Old Fashion Way.” I’m not sure what ‘the old fashion way’ entails, but I now know I like my banana pudding made that way.
After eating my meal I sat there for a second and waited for the feeling of being stuffed to pass while staring at the same 7-Up sign I have seen for over a decade while K.C. and the Sunshine Band’s “Queen of Clubs” played. I then picked up my cup filled with the best sweet tea in the area and got on with the rest of my day.
Editor’s note: Ledger-Enquirer breaking news reporter Kelby Hutchison is our staff foodie and will occasionally write reviews of local restaurants. If you have a suggestion, e-mail him a khutchison@ledger-enquirer.com.