8-20-2008 Smoking Mo's Kitchen

Well what do you know? Right here in the middle of the BBQ desert (Shelton, WA) I find a place like Mo's. According to Mo (at least I'm pretty sure it was Mo), they have been in operation since last November. I have ridden and/or driven past Mo's a zillion times. I've even been to Philly Bob's, which is just a short stones throw away. I must need new glasses or something. Anyway, lets get down to the nitty gritty.

Taste: For sure an 8. I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was delicious. I have never tried a Carolina style BBQ before and they were offering my choice of sauces, so I went with the Carolina Mustard Sauce. Very good is one way to describe it. The side of slaw was great too. Crunchy and vinegary. The helping of pork was huge and I should have asked for a second bun to have another sandwich. The only big flaw I found in the meal was the tea. In my book, tea is not meant to be served so darn sweet. It was like drinking pure sugar.

Value: Very good. Like I said before, I want to feel like I got my moneys worth. 9 stars. The portions were a little more than what I expected for $10 (including drink).

Staff: I enjoyed listening to Mo talk to another person about how her business was doing. I got the impression that they were doing a bang up catering service. I was politely greeted and the food was whisked out to me without hardly a wait. Of course I have to mention that I was the only customer at the time. It was too late for lunch and too early for dinner. 8 stars.

Ambiance: I liked the "feel" of the place. It was small and cozy. I can imagine that 99.9% of their business is take out as there are only 2 lonely stools inside and 2 picnic tables outside. It would have been perfect if I could smell the pit. 8 stars.

Friends: Is this a place I would bring my friends to or at least recommend it? You betcha! 8 stars. I even went as far as to snag a menu and post it at work. Hey, it was in brochure form and meant to be taken from the premises.

So I give Smoking Mo's Kitchen a solid 8 out of 10 stars. Great job and keep up the good work.