Perhaps the most well known logo -- representing top of the line barbeque cuisine -- in the food business. I was enthused when, after a morning of marketing at Barnes & Noble in Paramus, my daughter Stefanie discovered that a new Mighty Quinn's Barbeque had been unveiled in the same town, just 1 1/2 miles away (1 Garden State Plaza Boulevard, Garden State Plaza Mall, Paramus, New Jersey, 201-843-1490, www.mightyquinnsbbq.com). Stefanie had worked at the Route 3 West located Clifton location for 1 1/2 years, so we know the product well. Above you'll see our lunch. Stef's brisket sandwich ($9.85) on the right is available on a bun or "naked" (minus the bun). To the left is a medium serving of Mighty Texas red chili and MQ beer chips ($7.95), a newer menu item which has very quickly become my favorite. Add to this a side of fries and Heaven arrives. Also, those colorful little additions to Stef's tray are called pickled add-ons (also known as pickled veggies), and they are, in order, cucumber, red onions, and fresno chiles (chili peppers). Michelle, a Clifton MQ veteran, was onsite during the second day of the Paramus operation to make sure all went smoothly, taking orders at the register and overseeing the line operation, and occasionally peeking out into the customer area to ensure customers were satisfied. It appeared so. The team on duty worked diligently, making sure orders were properly prepared and, at the same time, being engaging with the customers for whom they prepared and delivered food. And, with regard to that, there are a few differences between the Clifton and Paramus operations. No alcoholic drinks are sold in Paramus, while in Clifton you can order beer, wine, or even specialty mixed drinks to complement your meal. Also, the method of ordering food is reversed. Instead of approaching the cutting station and ordering your food as in Clifton, eventually making your way past the add-on and side stations and the arriving at the cashier to pay, in Paramus you first order at the cashier station, pay, and then wait for your food to be delivered. It was Ahmad's first day working for Mighty Quinn. "How was the food?" he asked us with a smile. "Good, buddy," I responded. "This is my first day here," he said enthusiastically, and he was a natural, dealing professionally with customers at the counter and at their tables. Stefanie then told him she had worked at the Clifton location. "Oh yeah?" he said, and knelt down next to our table. "Tell me about Clifton." He listened as Stefanie explained about the larger eatery, and then said, "Is it far? How would you get there? I'd like to try it one day." The Garden State Plaza version also has a new Mighty Quinn's menu option, chicken and waffles ($9.75), which we took home to my wife Lucille. This will take time to grow on me, but my first impression is that a new favorite has been born, and my wife confirms this: she loved it! My Mighty Quinn's selections often vary per visit. If not the Texas chili, I may opt for a pulled pork or crispy chicken sandwich. For a side order, the potato salad is one of my favorites, and I love the bread pudding for dessert (*Note: the latter is not to be bypassed. Get the largest size. You won't be disappointed).
In addition to its two Garden State restaurants, Mighty Quinn's has New York City and a Westchester County locations, and has shop set up internationally in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Dubai. Mighty Quinn's Barbeque has quite a following, so this post may serve as a refresher for those who need to return. However, if you are not familiar with this excellent, comfortable yet "robust" type of dining, suggested here is a visit to the one nearest you. Steve
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AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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