I went to graduate school in Virginia, where I learned to appreciate a few things about the South - like men who wear seersucker without the slightest hint of irony, ladies in dresses and hats at the fox races, the scent of dogwood trees in the spring, and a nice Bloody Mary after a Sunday morning game of croquet.

While these genteel traditions make for sweet memories for this Bostonian and can’t possibly be recreated in our super-yankee city there is one southern specialty that thrives here, and in the suburbs no less: Pulled pork, baked beans, cornbread and sweet tea at Blue Ribbon BBQ in Newton.

Yes folks, you can get real barbecue just minutes from the Mass Pike rather than having to trek south of the Mason-Dixon line. Real barbecue - not wimpy grilled meats. Real fall-off-the-bone North Carolina pulled pork and Memphis dry-rubbed ribs. Real friendly service and huge portions.

The place is small (read: plan on takeout) but there is no chance that you will miss it. You can smell the delicious aroma of slow-cooked meats for blocks and the lines are usually long - but trust me, the place is well worth it. If pork isn’t your thing, how about some barbecue chicken, Key Lime pie(!), or some of their mysterious Potlikker? I’ve yet to ask them what’s in it, but I’m sure if you ask nicely they’ll tell you.

Vegetarians should probably avoid this place. But for the rest of us, it’s an easy trip for some authentic southern food.

Blue Ribbon BBQ
1375 Washington Street
West Newton
617-332-2583