My friend and I decided to visit the Markthalle Neun to check out her favorite food, New Zealand…read morePies. As we were getting ready to leave, I literally grabbed her arm and yelled, "Wait! I smell smoked meat!"
I followed my nose to an oasis of of meaty delight: Big Stuff Smoked BBQ. I swear that tears formed in my eyes as I saw the writing on the glass display: BRISKET. Alas, my tears of joy turned to tears of sorrow, when the guy in front of me got the last delectable-looking piece. Then the tough decision: pulled pork or pork belly? Well, anyone with a brain would choose the crispy fat and juicy flesh of the pork belly... so I chose pulled pork. ;-)
While I was waiting for my sandwich to be assembled, I started up a conversation with the owners about the difficulties of finding brisket in Germany. I was quite impressed with their knowledge of brisket versus tri-tip, and the delicate process of cooking brisket hot, then warm for hours. These guys knew their stuff!!
After my pork was pulled (by hand), I was asked to choose a sauce. I went with the spicy one, naturally. Most sandwiches come with a variety of veggies: cucumbers, lettuce, etc., but I'm a purist. Meat, sauce and bun, please. Pickles on the side, if you've got 'em.
I think my hands actually trembled a bit when I went to take the first bite. The aroma of the smoky sauce and juicy pork were almost overwhelming. The sandwich did not disappoint. I would even go so far as to say it was on par with some of the best barbecue I've had - even from central Texas, the Vaterland of barbecuing excellence.
A glass of tart lemonade, garnished with lime, mint and cucumber was a delicious accompaniment to the sandwich.
I'm already planning my next visit at the end of September. I'll be there first thing on Thursday morning, guys. Save me a slab of brisket and a bottle of the spicy sauce!!