Eat, Drink, & Just Be

May 6, 2012

Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, you’re the best. You make me miss the South a little less, and for that I am forever grateful. You fill my husband and me up with barbecue deliciousness for less than $25, and that can’t be beat. Food truck? Check. Hickory-smoked deliciousness? Check. Banana Puddin’? Yes, please.

Ray Ray's Hog Pit

Ray Ray’s is not one, but two food trucks, now located in the Ace of Cups parking lot on High Street in Clintonville (Columbus, OH). Only open Friday-Sunday, and targeting meat-eaters, even the veggies are full of smoked meat goodness. We went for a late lunch today. Ray Ray’s features pork, brisket, and sides, but the brisket is only offered on Sundays. They were already out of the grass-fed brisket (get there early!) at around 2:30, so we went for the regular brisket sandwich, sauced, and the pulled pork sandwich, sauced. Of course we needed to try the ribs, so luckily they offer a rib sampler of 3 bones- perfect, and we shared a small side of collard greens and baked beans. Holy yum. The sandwiches were drippin’ with deliciosity- seriously messy and delicious. We chose the vinegar sauce, which is well balanced and not too sweet, but it should be noted- this ain’t exactly North Carolina vinegar sauce. This is more of a vinegary red sauce, but it is very good. I also ordered a side of the habanero sauce for dipping, and it was a great addition- sweet with some extra kick. The ribs were tender and delicious.

Pulled Pork Sandwich

The collards were good, with pulled pork throughout, but needed a little something- maybe some vinegar and a little heat. The baked beans were also nice- not too sweet. We probably should have stopped there, but the banana pudding was calling my name. It was perfect- Southern-style with vanilla pudding, bananas and cookies, topped with whipped cream and sprinkle of cinnamon. I think this might have to be a Sunday tradition. Ray Ray’s is the best barbecue we’ve found yet in Ohio.

Rib Sampler, Baked Beans, & Collard Greens