Mill Creek Cattle Company - BBQ + Goodies ($18) Rating: 7

Mark Lim - We've been searching all over Southern California for an affordable wedding venue with no luck. Lauren's mother suggested a place called the Mill Creek Cattle Company but her idea was instantly shot down by my fiance.

I had never heard of the place before so I asked why there was "no way in hell" we were having our wedding reception there. Instead of telling me why she decided to show me.

I thought the place was awesome! I loved the old pictures and giant animal heads on the wall. I even liked the Confederate flag! Yeehaw! She was afraid the Asian side of my family would freak out and they probably would but I don't really care. It's our wedding and if I want to dress up like Ulysses S. Grant wearing a kilt then I'm going to.

The food was a great price so I was excited to order. I chose the super combo with Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, and BBQ Chicken. It came with a broccoli and cheese soup and a big stuffed potato.

I think I'm getting a little "Oh So Fat" myself

The Chicken and Ribs were a little over cooked. It was Easter and they had just finished up their brunch so I think we got the left overs. The place is usually packed but only 2 of the tables were filled. I'm sure the BBQ would have been better if we had came around dinner time. The food was gorgeous looking though.

Lauren got the pork ribs and the sweet potato fries

The large crispy and brown croutons and garbanzo beans made the salad.

This was one of the best soups I've ever had. It was truly amazing and I would come back just for their broccoli cheese.

Corn bread and sweet butter

Pictured Left to Right: Stuffed Baked Potato, Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, and BBQ Chicken

The stuffed baked potato was also fantastic. I probably could have ate it just like a tater-tot.

The place had a wonderful ambiance. It was just what you'd imagine a restaurant in a town called "Mentone" would look like. The service was great as well. Maybe a little too great. The waitress was at our table about 8-10 times during our meal. Towards the end she admited she was just really really bored.

The food was hit and miss. The BBQ wasn't all that great and I prefer Lucille's. The meat just wasn't tender enough. I did find it strange that the Pulled Pork, Baked Potato, and Broccoli Cheese Soup were some of the best I've ever had.

Mill Creek Cattle Company - BBQ Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, Stuffed Baked Potato, and Broccoli Cheese Soup
Taste ------------ (6) I was torn. The main course missed but the sides hit
Presentation -----(9) It was a really cool looking place and the food looked great
Price ------------- (7) The price was right on. Not too expensive
Quantity --------- (9) Tons of food. I actually had left overs!
Satisfaction ----- (6) I was disappointed with the BBQ but I want to give them another shot

Rating: 7 out of 10

I'm still on the fence about this place because it didn't have quality BBQ but the sides were so damn good. I think they might have had an off day because of Easter so I'm going to try them again. I'm betting they'll rock my socks the next time.

Be Fat! Be Happy!

Chris' & Pitt's: Ribs, Chicken, Blooming Onion ($20.00) Rating: 7

Mark Lim - Chris' & Pitt's is a Southern California BBQ joint that has been around since I can remember. The place is almost always packed with jolly patrons and screaming kids and the decor looks like it hasn't changed in 50 years.

The best thing they've got there is their super seasoned blooming onion:

Golden slivers of sweet and crunchy onions deep fried to perfection. They add some sort of spice which gives it a kick and they serve it with their special Chris' & Pitt's BBQ Sauce. Definitely the best blooming onion in town.

I normally get their Prime Rib with aujous and horseradish which is usually pretty good but I wanted to try something new.

I was feeling hungry so I ordered the half chicken and ribs combo. Parts of the BBQ chicken were over cooked and tasted very tough and hard but the parts that were fattier were much better. The ribs weren't that great and were way over sauced but the price ($17) was right. The onion rings were the best I've had in a long time. Their fried stuff kicked their BBQ'ed stuff's butt.

The broasted chicken was awesome. The technique to broasting is to combine pressure cooking with deep frying which causes the chicken skin to be super crisp and crunchy while keeping the meat inside juicy. It's my favorite way to have my chicken cooked.

The ribs were quite generic tasting and the food wasn't as good as I remembered. I had to use a napkin to dab the sauce off the ribs so it didn't taste like I was just spooning ketchup in my mouth.

Chris' & Pitt's - Ribs, Broasted and BBQ Chicken, Blooming Onion
Taste ------------ (6) Not that spectacular
Presentation -----(7) It's a nice big plate of goodies
Price ------------- (8) It's a pretty good deal for the amount
Availability ----- (5) Only in Southern California
Quantity --------- (8) Lots of food. Didn't finish
Satisfaction ----- (7) I was full and ate it for breakfast the next day

Rating: 7 out of 10

Overall the place is pretty good. It's certainly not the best BBQ in the world or the nicest looking place but the portions are great and it's a pretty casual place, the price is right, and they give you a hot towel at the end to wipe away your shame.

I'll be back for the onion and chicken.

Be Fat! Be Happy!

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