I tend to limit my comments about businesses I've had experience with because when I post…read moresomething, I want it to mean something. If it's bad, you can be sure it's really bad. But when it's good and I'm posting about it, you can bet your bottom dollar that it's not just good, it's fan-f'ing-tastic!
Smoked Seduction is exactly that, FAN-F'ING-TASTIC!!!
I have deep roots in Kansas. And I mean seriously deep roots, going back five generations. Kansas City barbecue is the standard I grew up with. Of course, there's Gates. Back in the day, Gates was off the hook. It's still good by most standards, but the locals all knew that Arthur Bryant's was the standard, with its decades-old, decades-seasoned brick ovens.
Cherished memories aside, I've traveled quite a bit over the years and spent a lot of time in Texas, where I've sampled some of the world's best barbecue, including Black's (the original Black's), Terry Black's, Goldee's, and Chisholm Trail.
The closest I ever found to true Texas-style barbecue here was Horn Barbecue in Oakland and Lafayette. It was very good, and I'm sad it closed. However, having recently sampled the food of pitmaster/owner Brian Silveira and his company, Smoked Seduction...well, I can honestly say it is some of the best BBQ I've ever had. Hands down!
Let me put it this way: When my buddy and I bit into the ribs we were sampling for a big company event, our conversation came to a complete stop.
I can honestly say that I had never tasted a rib so good, so delicious, and so fall-off-the-bone tender that sauce was a complete afterthought. Although, don't get me wrong, Brian's homemade and bottled sauces are indescribably good too!
The Cherry Habanero is my favorite. I don't know how he does it, but it's not super spicy, as you might assume. There's just a bit of a kick to it, yet all the flavor of the habanero is there. Somehow, he's extracted all of the flavor and just a portion of the heat.
I don't know what is in the rub, but it was truly off the hook! The rub combined with the perfect smoke was a showstopper. Honestly, if they gave Michelin stars for BBQ, Brian's food would deserve three.
The ribs, his Snake River Farms American Wagyu brisket, the pulled pork, the tri-tip, and even the chicken are all incredible.
As I mentioned, we hired Smoked Seduction for a company event. Brian started the prep the day before, then rolled up at 6:00 a.m. the morning of the event and started putting the finishing touches on the cook.
And it's not just the food. Brian and his wife are truly awesome people. Given that we hired them to feed 80 people, he allowed us to drop by the shop the week before and sample some of the food.
Wow! Just WOW!
In fact, his whole crew was super nice, and they're also exceedingly generous. The service at the event was superb! Nearly everyone went back for seconds, and while it lasted, those who could made sure to take home the extras.
It really is too bad that Smoked Seduction isn't a brick-and-mortar restaurant. I honestly believe that, with the right location, they would make a killing!
Nevertheless, if you're looking for a next-level BBQ caterer, or if you want to place a specialty order, Smoked Seduction is, in my opinion, the best barbecue in Northern California!
And yes, I'm absolutely putting my name behind that statement.