By La’Chia Harrison, The Dining Traveler Event & Food Contributor
A few weeks ago, Bloomingdaleʼs DCity Smokehouse celebrated their one year anniversary with a special tasting party. The restaurant has been a huge success so far with lines often stretching out the door and around the block. Also, the Washington Post calls it “the finest BBQ in DC”. Despite the acclaim, I had my doubts. DC doesnʼt have the best reputation and barbecue isnʼt something Iʼd go out of my way to get.
 |
| DCity Smokehouse Wings |
One bite of the smokehouse wings, however, turned my assumptions on their head! Dry rubbed with a proprietary seasoning blend, smoked in house and flash fried, these wings delivered great flavor and texture with every bite. By far my favorite thing I ate that night! Also on offer was the best selling brisket which regularly sells out. While it was very tender and well seasoned, I didnʼt think it was as compelling as the wings. Iʼm not a beef person, anyway.
 |
| Pork Platter |
Pulled pork is a classic at barbecue joints and DCity Smokehouseʼs does not disappoint. The pork shoulder is dry rubbed then hickory and cherrywood smoked. It reminded me of the barbecue my aunt makes and is just as good. My favorite pork item was the pork belly. How can you go wrong with seasoned and smoked bacon?
 |
| DCity Smokehouse Restaurant |
No barbecue meal would be complete without sides! Crispy Brussels sprouts and hush puppies were served to go along with meat. The Brussels sprouts are a far cry from the boiled, smelly bulbs we all hated growing up. DCity Smokehouse seasons them with the same mix of spices used for the wings and then grills them. At the end of the party, there were none left! The hush puppies were also nothing like the ones I despised as a kid. When I took a bite, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they tasted just like sweet corn bread.
 |
|
DCity Smokhouse Team (Pitmaster Rob Sonderman, Sous Chef Shawn
McWhirter, owners Scott Jacobs and Melvin Hines, and cook Dennis Geddie)
|
For Pitmaster Rob Sonderman and his staff, good quality food is the highest priority. DCity Smokehouseʼs “BBQ philosophy” is simply the good kind. Itʼs going to be good as long as you care about it, Sonderman says. In every bite I took, it was evident that DCity Smokehouse takes great pride in their food. I would be more than willing to return and try more dishes. After a highly successful year, DCity Smokehouse is on the hunt for more space so that they can bring barbecue to more Washingtonians. Hopefully, the next location will be more accessible by Metro!
