Eat at any Dinosaur Bar-b-Que Memorial Day Weekend, help Wounded Warrior Project!

On Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26, all Dinosaur Bar-B-Que locations will be raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project.  And, we kinda dig their style with this fundraiser:  they are making the amount of money they donate proportionate to the amount of people who come out.  So, the more, the merrier, the more money raised to help provide assistance, support, and programs for wounded service members.

While you’re there, here are some suggestions from OmNomCT

• Dinosaur Bar-b-que has a great selection of local beers and cocktails, so order up!

• We love their wings, especially with the Wango Tango Sauce

•  Dino poutine…most likely the best dish at Dinosaur!  French fries topped with beef gravy, house Pimento cheese, and pulled pork.  Amazing.  

• Their Creole Spiced Deviled Eggs are also pretty damn good and worthy of munching.

• BBQ.  They have BBQ, you know?  Some of our favorites from Dino are the brisket, the ribs, and the pulled pork.  When in doubt, try some of the sampler plates to get a nice cross section of the menu.

We hope you can get out and visit Dinosaur on Sunday or Monday.  It’s nice to know that pigging out can help you do some good…

Brooklyn, NY

604 Union St. Brooklyn, NY 11215
347-429-7030

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Buffalo, NY

301 Franklin St. Buffalo, NY 14202
716-880-1677

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Harlem, NY

700 W. 125th St at 12th 10027
212-694-1777

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Newark, NJ

224 Market St. Newark, NJ 07102
862-214-6100

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Rochester, NY

99 Court St. Rochester NY, 14604
585-325-7090

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Stamford, CT

845 Canal St. Stamford, CT 06902
203-517-3272

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Syracuse, NY

246 W. Willow St., Syracuse NY 13202
315-476-4937

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Troy, NY

377 River St. Troy, NY 12180
518-308-0400

Eating and Schmoozing Our Way Through Best of the Gold Coast, 2013

Killer food (as always) from EOS!

Matt Storch of The Chelsea

Mark it down:  July 25, 2013…the day we hit up our first Best of the Gold Coast party!  It’s Moffly Media’s yearly party that celebrate the best in shopping, services, and (of course) food.  As we made our way upstairs to the Hilton Ballroom you could heard the buzz and chatter of happy and excited people.  And who should greet us as we enter?  Robin Wexler from Stamford Museum and Nature Center!  Dan said hi while Kristien was transfixed by the two celebrity goats:  Kathie Lee and Hoda.  We were thirsty for some drinks and hungry for some food, so we decided we’d hit up the outside of the ballroom after we were full.  :)

When we got into the main area we were amazed at how many restaurants and shops were inside.  There was even a side room where we got some vino from Val’s in Greenwich…that’s our go-to wine/liquor shop in the area.  Then, we let the madness begin!  It’s hard to recount everything we ordered, but Harvest had some awesome food which made us want to go back.  People were going crazy over Colony and so did we.  Ah, how we’ve missed you!  They even put some stingers on the side for you to load up your pizza with.  We talked with Conor at Half Full for a bit, he’s such an awesome guy.  We loved the food from Capital Grille which made us want to go there, dug the ribs at Dinosaur, loved the gazpacho at Ginger Man and finally met their beer dude, Andrew Hoening.  We tried Valbella’s truffle pasta and decided we’d have to go there, too!  Then we felt guilty as we saw Matt Storch from The Chelsea again.  We had promised we’d come visit him since we saw him at Blues, Views, & BBQ, but we’ve been lax in our promise.  The food that he prepared was freaking awesome.  And our last culinary stop of the night was at Marcia Selden Catering.  They did up their booth to look like it was a paint store…so creative, so wicked good.  Plus, the “Bad Ass” Red Velvet Double Candied Bacon was a trip into ecstasy.

And, there are so many other places that we didn’t even mention, too!  We have them up on our Facebook gallery, though, so check out all our pics.  It’s safe to say we had a blast and we’re really grateful to Moffly Media for inviting us.  ‘Til next year!

Our Search for BBQ Perfection at Dinosaur Bar-b-que – Stamford, CT

Our first (and awesome) experience with Dinosaur Bar-b-que in Stamford was their opening party where we were treated to a buffet of meats and side dishes. We were able to get a real taste of Dinosaur and were very impressed with everything. But, being the good little OmNomers we are, we wanted to make sure we came back (um, a few times) to try things without all the opening hoopla so we could get the real experience everyone else would get.

The first time we decided to hit up Dinosaur it was Friday night at 9:40, so we thought we’d have no problem getting in, but, alas, there was a 30 minute wait.  Yeah, this place is hot so it was quite busy.  We decided to head to the bar and were greeted by a perky and fun hostess who asked if we wanted to be seated right away in a “secret spot.’  Duh.  She shuffled us off to a somewhat private dining area by the side of the bar.  A hidden gem, so now you’re in the know…you’re welcome!

The service that night was excellent! The food came out quickly, our waitress was super attentive and friendly and the food was amazing as ever.  Everything from the meats to the sides were seriously perfect! With two great experiences under our belt, we decided to go back twice over the holiday break with friends and family and our brand new fancy camera! YAY food porn! Through our 3rd and 4th gorge fest we discovered some new favorites, and the service was consistently impeccable, but we also were just a little disappointed by some of the dishes that we had previously liked.  Here’s the rub:

Dinosaur Ape Hanger Ale:  made for Dinosaur Bar-b-que by Middle Ages Brewery in Syracuse was just $5 a pint and was worth every penny.  It was wheaty and that beautiful taste lingers with you for a bit after you drink. Goes great with BBQ and is super easy to drink!

Nice char and sauce on the wings

Jumbo BBQ Chicken Wings: BEST chicken wings EVER and winner of best wings in our 2012 OmNomys! Seriously! These bad boys are smoked for four hours then they are grilled.  There’s such a beautiful smokiness and char around these wings with just the right amount of sauce.  Ah.  You can get them in Wango Tango (hot), Garlic Chipotle (hotter), Devil’s Duel (hottest), and the mild Honey BBQ or Sesame Hoisin.  Even the hottest of these sauces aren’t too much to handle, but will definitely leave a nice burn on your tongue. But then again, we’re tough like that.

From Brisket, to Cornbread, to Ribs: Dinosaur Bar-b-que Roars into Stamford – Exclusive First Tastes

Update:  see our complete review here.

Good things come to those who wait.  That’s the BBQ creed, you know?  Time is your friend when it comes to smoking up some ribs, bringing out that smoke ring, and making things delicate.    Well, we kind of feel the same way about Dinosaur Bar-b-que here in Stamford.  When we heard rumblings of Dinosaur opening in Stamford, we got the news straight from the Dino’s mouth and were the first to share it.  We also gave you an interview with owner and pitmaster, John Stage, breaking down his BBQ, his style, and what to eat in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.  Well, lucky OmNomCT was invited to a special sneak peek a day before the opening and we even had a chance to chat with John Stage himself.  What a really nice guy!  So, if this is the first time you’re hearing about Dinosaur Bar-b-que, here’s a crash course:

• John Stage started Dinosaur Bar-b-que as a mobile BBQ truck that followed biker rallies and events.
• He opened up Dinosaur in Syracuse in 1988  because people couldn’t get enough Dino.
• Dinosaur Syracuse quickly became a rite of passage for BBQ lovers and a place of pilgrimage for bikers across the country.
• Dinosaur Bar-b-que became a cult, a legend.
• Dinosaur Bar-b-que sauces are sold in stores now for your slathering, BBQ, and grilling needs.
• Dinosaur Bar-b-que has taken over Harlem, Newark, Rochester, Stamford, Syracuse, and Troy.  Dinosaur Buffalo is on the way.

Now, dear friends, we’re pleased to share with you…the first BBQ slathered, rib-sauce all over your face, hands sticky beyond all recognition because of brisket juice review of Dinosaur Bar-b-que Stamford.

Dinosaur Bar-b-que Slathers up for Opening Day – Stamford, CT

Yumminess of Dinosaur Bar-b-que, photo by Daniel Krieger

Update:  as of 5 pm, 12/5/12, Dinosaur Stamford is open.  Check our review!

Would you believe that we told you about Dinosaur Bar-b-que coming to Stamford way back in April, 2011?  When it became official, the days seemed to drag on and the opening seemed so far away.  Why does that happen, anyway?

So, as we got closer to the opening date, people got more anxious, dripping pools of sweat thinking about ribs, sauce, meaty goodness, and brews.  We’re here to tell you that there is salvation, brothers and sisters.  Yes, we were told that mid November would be the opening of Dinosaur Bar-b-que Stamford, but then something called Super Storm Sandy came along.  That was enough to delay things and push back their final completion.  Yet, we hold the key to your salvation:  the opening date of Dinosaur Bar-b-que.

Get Your First Bites of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que at the Harbor Point Block Party, Part of Stamford Lights Festival

People have been moaning and groaning, drooling in anticipation for Dinosaur Bar-B-Que to open.

Is it open?

When will it open?

It has to open soon!

OmNomCT…do you know when it will open?

Well, we’ve still got some time before that happens, but you can get your first licks in on September 22 from 4-8 pm.  Just stop by during that time at 711 Canal Street (by Fairway Market and Yale and Town) for the first annual Harbor Point Block Party, part of Stamford Lights.  OmNomCT officially endorses this and thinks this could prove to be epically awesome.

So, yes, let’s get focused.  BBQ kind of has that effect on us, you know?  You might remember that we announced that Dinosaur was trying to get a spot in Stamford, then everybody went crazy when we found out it was a done deal.  Heck, we even got to talk to the grand pitmaster and awesome BBQ god himself, John Stage.  People swear by their BBQ (and swear if they don’t get theirs) so we’re sure that people want their first tastes to see what the big fuss is about.

Exclusive interview with Dinosaur Bar-b-que pitmaster extraordinaire, John Stage!

John Stage of Dinosaur Bar-b-que talks with OmNomCT (press photo)

Update:  as of 5 pm, 12/5/12, Dinosaur Stamford is open.  Check our review!

Are you a BBQaholic?  Well, you still have plenty of time to work on that and become one.  Just imagine…around this time next year, the fall of 2012, you could be down by the water in Stamford, munchin’ on some smoky, succulent ribs at Dinosaur Bar-b-que—see our announcement here.  To get you all psyched up and ready for the opening, we’ve got an interview with founder and pitmaster, John Stage.  In the meantime you can check out their Newark (now open), Syracuse, Troy, Rochester, or Harlem joints.  Without further ado, John Stage…

Dinosaur Bar-B-Q Ribs (press photo)

OmNomCT:  Everyone has their own opinion on what makes good BBQ. What’s yours?

John Stage:  Good BBQ is the right balance of smoke, spice, and sauce. Most importantly, the succulence of the meat is the star of the show.

OmNomCT:  Dinosaur Bar-b-que went from a BBQ slinging truck to a Syracuse institution of meatiness.  What made Dinosaur Bar-b-que so popular and the go-to spot for BBQ?

John Stage: I’m a self-taught chef who’s let my experiences—from my Italian-American upbringing, to my travels to Miami and love of Cuban food, to my training under a Japanese chef—inform the menu at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The early days of Dino, which were spent traveling and cooking up and down the East Coast, brought my cuisine to life in a way that respectfully blends regional lines of barbecue. Further, the Syracuse location gained fast popularity because of its unique, festive atmosphere, live music scene and motorcycle vibe, indicative of my love of traveling by bike on the open road. All of these aspects come together at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, making it stand apart from other barbecue joints. The restaurant offers a story, an experience, a night out, and delicious, unparalleled barbecue, all of which have built its reputation.

OmNomCT:  Are there unique aspects to each of your places?  What will make Stamford stand out from your other Dinosaur Bar-b-que spots?

John Stage:  There are no two Dinos that look the same, the uniqueness of the Stamford building and the design that’s evolving will add to that. We are also putting in a wood grill in addition to the 3 smokers, so I’m very excited about some new recipes to complement the grill.

OmNomCT:  How would you describe Dinosaur Bar-b-que in 140 characters or less?

John Stage:  A soulful restaurant that offers delicious, authentic barbecue in a relaxed, fun atmosphere infused with great music and biker culture.

Yumminess of Dinosaur Bar-b-que, photo by Daniel Krieger

OmNomCT:  If zombies were invading Stamford and the customers at Dino Bar-b-que had enough time for one last dish, what do you think should be their final meal from you?

John Stage:  That’s easy, they should get the sampler plate of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and our homemade sausage. Hit that with our mac and cheese and all will be right in Zombieland.

Well that it’s folks! We’re even more excited now after hearing about John’s culinary training – and the fact that he justified our Zombie question with a perfect answer! How could you not love that? Stay tuned for more meaty goodness as we get closer to the grand opening.

Dinosaur Bar-b-que

Stamford (November 2012)

845 Canal Street

Stamford, CT

Newark (Now Open!)

224-226 Market Street

Newark, NJ

Syracuse 

246 W. Willow St.

Syracuse, NY

Rochester

99 Court St

Rochester, NY

Harlem

700 W. 125th St at 12th

Harlem, NYC

Troy

377 River St.

Troy, NY

Buffalo (Summer 2013)

301 Franklin Street

Are the rumors true? Is Dinosaur Bar-b-que coming to Stamford, CT?

Update:  as of 5 pm, 12/5/12, Dinosaur Stamford is open.  Check our review!

 If you haven’t had a chance to try Dinosaur BBQ yet, then either get into NYC stat or take a weekend trip up to one of their three upstate locations in Syracuse, Rochester, or Troy, because it is da bomb! See, I grew up about 45 minutes from Syracuse and went to Syracuse University, so I would hit up Dinosaur BBQ whenever I had the chance. What exactly is Dinosaur BBQ you might be asking? *ahem, blasphemy* Dinosaur BBQ is a down and dirty BBQ joint and bar that started as essentially a food truck touring motorcycle shows, fairs, and festivals before settling down at their first location in Syracuse in 1988. See, good things do start in upstate NY (like moi, hehe). Now, all four locations are frequented by bikers and BBQ lovers alike. With fantastically tender ribs and pork, delicious side dishes like to-die-for potato salad, and sauces so good they’re sold at grocery stores across the U.S., Dinosaur BBQ can rival any seasoned BBQ joint of the south!

So, when we heard a rumor a few weeks ago that my beloved Dinosaur BBQ is coming to Stamford, CT, I almost exploded with excitement.  But, never being ones to spread rumors without a little fact checking, we emailed Dinosaur BBQ’s corporate office for some answers.  So, word from the horse’s mouth is they are in negotiations for a Stamford spot (supposedly in the up-and-coming Harbor Point area), but nothing is final yet. Now it’s final. :)

So, we promise to update this post as soon as we hear more, but it sounds like things are moving along well.  Until then, there’s a Facebook page to rally for Dinosaur BBQ to come to Stamford. Hey, I know it won’t make it happen any sooner, but we can all hope, right?

Dinosaur Bar-b-que

845 Canal Street

Stamford, CT