Opening for business on this past spring, Smoky Bro’s BBQ has been serving up authentic wood-smoked barbecue on the scenic Mohawk Trail (Route 2) in Shelburne, Massachusetts. Being a native Texan, BBQ is one of my guilty sins, but sadly, many BBQ sauces are made with white vinegar, some with soy sauce, and others might add Worcestershire sauce.
I asked Brolin Winning, owner of Smoky Bro’s BBQ if his dishes were gluten-free. His honest reply was, “I’m not an expert on it, but as far as I know, all of our stuff (other than the buns) is gluten-free (we use cider vinegar instead of white).” Probing a little further to find out if other ingredients with gluten might be involved, I asked him if he used soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. His reply, “Nope, neither one of ‘em.”
I think this calls for trip to Shelburne for some more quizzing and a Sunday lunch sample!
In addition to their signature pork spare ribs and pulled pork, they also offer chopped chicken and all homemade side dishes of potato salad, cole slaw, and spicy beans, as well as their own hot and sweet sauces. Meats are dry-rubbed, then cooked slow and low over local apple wood, 4-10 hours in their custom built smoker.
Located next to the Mohawk Trading Post, owner/operators Brolin and Sunshine Winning are serving lunch and dinner, open Friday through Sunday, all summer and fall. Diners can eat at one of several creekside picnic tables, or drive up and order food to go.
Brolin has over 20 years of food service experience. He designed and built the all steel smoker last summer, debuting it at the 2010 Cummington Fair to wide acclaim, followed by Franklin County Cider Days, and Moonlight Magic Holiday Fair in Shelburne Falls.
Though New England is generally not known for its barbecue, Smoky Bro’s looks to change that, offering the most authentic, classic-style meals possible, always fresh, delicious, and homemade, at a very reasonable price. With a few exceptions (see website for complete schedule), they will be open on the Trail 12-7 every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until November. www.smokybrosbbq.com, 413-489-1515
