Voice-Tribune/LHB: The quest for great 'cue

[Robin Garr]

<table border="0" align="right" width="260"><tr><td><img src="http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com/shanes.jpg" border="1" align="right"></td></tr></table>The quest for great 'cue
(<b>Shane's Rib Shack and Pig City BBQ, <i>Voice-Tribune</i>, Aug. 31, 2007</b>)

For many years, when I've been in the East End and craved excellent barbecue, my go-to spots have been Jucy's near Pewee Valley and Vince Staten's in Anchorage.

Jucy's remains a favorite, but Staten's, sadly, has lost a step since local writer Vince Staten (co-author with the C-J's Greg Johnson of the fine book "<i>Real Barbecue</i>") moved to Tennessee and the eatery that still bears his name moved out U.S. 42 to new shopping-center quarters on the site of the old Melrose Inn in Oldham County.

While the barbecue at Vince's (without Vince) remains acceptable, it's no longer memorable; so I've been looking for some new go-to places in the neighborhood when I've got a hankering for smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and all the fixins.

The good news, however, is that at least a couple of worthy candidates have turned up in recent months. I've chowed down heartily recently at <b>Shane's Rib Shack</b> in Holiday Manor and <b>Pig City</b> in Middletown, and I'm prepared to offer one thumb up for Shane's and a happy two thumbs up, both of them well-smeared with rib fat, for the first-rate Pig City.

Full report on LouisvilleHotBytes.

Visit The Voice-Tribune Website.

As a big fan of Ken-Tex, I have waited lo these many years to make it to Jucy's. Finally, last night, I picked up ribs, chopped beef, chopped chicken and sides. It was absolutely fabulous. I won't wait too long to take your advice and try Shane's!

[Robin Garr]

As a big fan of Ken-Tex, I have waited lo these many years to make it to Jucy's. Finally, last night, I picked up ribs, chopped beef, chopped chicken and sides. It was absolutely fabulous. I won't wait too long to take your advice and try Shane's!

Read carefully, TP. One thumb up for Shane's, two big, greasy thumbs up for Pig City. Shane's is okay, but I'd class it with, say, Famous Dave's as decent chain barbecue. Stick with Jucy's and Ken-Tex, give Pig City a try, and hit Shane's mainly if you're in the neighborhood and hungry.

I love Ken-Tex, too, but for the Voice-Tribune columns I try to stick strictly in their coverage area. It's good for my perspective to have a reason to get out to the East End now and then, anyway.

I was so excited about posting something about Jucy's I did misread - thanks for the heads up.

I couldn't find the review on the Voice link. It takes you to the front page, but not doesn't look like anyway to get to the review.

[Robin Garr]

I couldn't find the review on the Voice link. It takes you to the front page, but not doesn't look like anyway to get to the review.

This is true. That's why the link says "Visit the Voice-Tribune Website" rather than "Read the Voice-Tribune review."

The print content and photos are the same as here, but the good folks in St. Matthews leave the Webification of the review to us.