I was beginning to feel targeted.
I’ve lost several favorite restaurants over the past few years (and by favorite, I mean places I generally ate no less often than biweekly). So I was delighted earlier this year to discover Fusion BBQ in Lincoln Mill on Meridian Street in Huntsville. With an undeniable foodie’s menu, reasonable prices, and excellent service, I began meeting my many lunch companions there (yes, just about weekly). And then nearly immediately it closed.
Seriously??
But guess what? As of last month, it’s open again as Salt Smokehouse.
And the Fusion BBQ chef bought the place, so a lot of the Fusion menu survives (including the barbecue wonton nachos, which was the very first item my friend Jodi asked about when I shared the news!). An extensive smoked barbecue menu includes pulled pork and brisket, with some interesting curve balls like beef ribs and belly. These are available by the pound, in plates, or in sandwiches as you’d expect, but they also find their way into creative and delicious appetizers.
The sandwich and salad menu is extensive, and there remain intriguing fusion selections. The first thing I ever had at the old location was the bulgogi cheesesteak made with prime brisket, and I was eager to try it again, accompanied with delectable wagyu fries. It was the delight I remember.
Other surviving signature selections include the motherclucker sandwich, with organic smoked chicken breast, gouda, coleslaw, pickles, and black truffle aioli; and hot honey yuzu Brussels sprouts, which are the best I’ve ever eaten.
I’m going to need to go back a couple dozen times to try everything I want. How about crispy duck wings tossed in Asian bourbon glacé? How about a Southern bahn mi no with pulled pork, pickled vegetable blend, fresh cilantro, and white sauce? How about tallow-fried plantains?
The space is updated but familiar, with attractive modern furnishings and pleasant popular music for which I’m only cool enough to know every fourth or fifth song. It remains a full-service restaurant, and my experience today was excellent. Prices are only slightly higher than what you’ll pay at a stuff-on-the-wall, which is to say eminently competitive for this quality.
It’s a great place. I’m glad it’s (essentially) back. And I do not intend to lose it again. So go!
Salt Smokehouse
1300 Meridian Street, Huntsville
(256) 978-4515