Smithfields

Location: Ashland, Oregon

Food: American/Barbecue

Close to: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Oregon Cabaret Theatre

Smithfields’ slogan is “Meat-centric,” but this isn’t an ordinary barbecue joint. Located on a steep hill near the historic Ashland Springs Hotel, Smithfields takes a modern upscale approach to the art of meat. Their menu features some of the great American classics, transformed through careful attention to ingredient quality and the cooking process. Even in a city filled with excellent restaurants, Smithfields stands as one of the most interesting and unique.

The entree menu at Smithfields is split between “Meat,” cuts of meat largely allowed to stand by themselves, and “Developed,” which includes familiar American meat entrees as well as innovative new dishes. Standing out in the former section is a 10-ounce brisket ($17) and a perfectly cooked half roast chicken, served with lemon and thyme ($18). Like many steakhouses, Smithfields offers add-on sides and sauces if you want a particular flavor experience with your meal.

The “Developed” menu boasts some equally outstanding food. The fried chicken, served with chive mashed potatoes and crimini mushroom gravy ($16), hides juicy chicken meat within a crisp, well-seasoned coating. Pork belly is common on the menu in modern eateries; Smithfields’ variation ($26) uses the tangy flavor of apples both as a sauce and as a robust chutney served alongside the thick-cut pork. Chewy bacon-braised collard greens round out the flavors of the dish. Even the vegetarian option is excellent: A goat cheese soufflé ($18) that accentuates the delicacy of the cheese with the earthy sweetness of beets.

While you’re waiting for your meal, you may want to take advantage of Smithfields’ extensive bar, which has dozens of varieties of whiskey in addition to several signature cocktails. There are plenty of appetizers to choose from as well, including a fresh-baked loaf of bread with seeds and cracked pepper ($3) and a charcuterie board ($18). (Bread is on the menu because your meals are served with complimentary cayenne popcorn.) If you have room for dessert, try the peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake ($8), an incredibly rich concoction that makes use of honeycomb to add a layer of crunch to its thick, creamy filling.

Smithfields provides an impactful eating experience that appeals to many tastes. Whether you’re looking for something upscale without the frills, want to make an event out of an evening, or simply like eating delicious food, Smithfields has excellent options for you. 

Back-A-Yard

Location: San Jose and Menlo Park (Note: I have only gone to the San Jose location; this recommendation is about that location.)

Food: Jamaican/Pan-Caribbean

Close to: City Lights Theatre Company, Tabard Theatre, Santa Clara University, San Jose State

There are many things to say about Back-A-Yard, all of them glowing. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and interesting; the restaurant is located directly across the street from a validated parking garage; several San Jose theaters and entertainment spots are located within walking distance. However, most importantly, Back-A-Yard features a selection of incomparable Jamaican barbecue dishes and sides, making it one of the best restaurants in San Jose.

The menu has a decent selection, most of the entrees falling into one of several large categories. The first is various protein selections (including tofu for vegetarians) covered in Back-A-Yard’s signature jerk sauce. The sauce is spicy, but not so hot that it drowns out the complexities of the flavor. The jerk chicken ($9.75 with rice, salad, and fried plantains, or $7.95 a la carte with bread) is the more traditional option, and certainly worth ordering. There are also several meat options that use a thick, sweet house barbecue sauce, including fall-off-the-bone spareribs ($12.45 for five pieces). Additionally, there are sandwiches, a selection of fried fish, and a rotating menu of more obscure Jamaican dishes like curried goat and beef oxtails ($13.25 to $16.25, check website for availability).

It is important not to ignore Back-A-Yard’s selection of sides. If you are ordering one of the jerk dishes, it comes with some fried plantains; if not, I highly recommend ordering them separately ($2.75). The plantains are firm, rich, and slightly sweet, and once you start eating them it’s hard to go back to the rest of your meal. Also worth considering is the delicious rice and beans ($2.75), dashed with coconut milk to give it a pleasant aroma and mouthwatering sweetness. Some of my fellow diners at Back-A-Yard have made entire meals out of side dishes. Save room for dessert, too, especially the incredibly satisfying sweet potato pudding ($3.45).

Back-A-Yard is the personal project of Robert Simpson, a formally educated chef who previously worked in executive positions in hotels across the world. By establishing his own restaurant, Simpson was able to bring the flavors of his native Jamaica to several locations in California. After eating at Back-A-Yard, you will find yourself thankful that he made this decision.