February 1 - 8, 1 9 9 6

Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q

When you're deciding where to go for authentic Southern barbecue, West Newton doesn't immediately comes to mind -- unless you've experienced Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q. This newcomer to the local food scene opened November 1 and is fast becoming a favorite place for pit-smoked foods. Here, Memphis dry-rubbed ribs (prices range from $6.50 for a third of a slab to $16.95 for a full slab), vinegary North Carolina pulled pork, and "Kansas City Burnt Ends" (sandwiches are $4.50; platters $6.95) are just a few of the offerings slow-cooked over oak and maple.

The perfect way to round out the meal is with Blue Ribbon's homemade side dishes, such as spicy collard greens, baked beans, coleslaw, and slightly sweet cornbread (cornbread is 75 cents; other sides are $1.75 per half-pint). Wash it all down with Southern-style sweet tea (80 cents for a bottomless cup) and a king-size serving of the restaurant's champion rice pudding ($1.50). Blue Ribbon also sells in bulk, for anyone interested in feeding a roomful of friends or colleagues.

Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q, located at 1375 Washington Street, in West Newton, is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 332-BLUE.

-- Stephanie Lipka