After almost licking all the bbq sauce from our aluminum plates and finishing up my $1 PBR, we sat contently with bellies full of some of the best BBQ food this side of the Mason county line! The Pig Iron Bar-B-Q is the kind of place you will see Harleys and hot rods parked out front, along with mini-vans and big rigs. It seems everyone enjoys what Michael and Celeste have put together on their menu. Aside from all the other mouth watering items, the brisket slices are tender and generous and the sweet potato fries are to die for. So I had to asked Michael a few questions about their place.
What got you started in BBQ-ing?
When I was a younger man, I traveled to the South a lot, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana etc. And being a cook, after tasting the real deal, I knew barbecue was my calling.
When did you open the Pig Iron? and tell us how the Pig Iron came about.
Pig Iron was opened in 2004, but the concept had always been in my mind. We had started out with a 1959 travel trailer converted into a mobile bbq wagon for hot rod and motorcycle events. When WA State told us we needed a commercial commissary we figured well Hell, why not use the space to sell sandwiches at lunch. Thousands of sandwiches later, here we are.
Tell us a little about your new venture, the Last Chance, next door and what we can expect with that.
The Last Chance is going to be a Chili, booze, good music and frosty mugs o'cheap beer joint. We're building a large outdoor courtyard to host shindigs and hootenannies. It'll be the place to be when it’s finished!
Tell us some of the hardships you have faced in 2007.
The hardest thing I faced this year was the loss of my closest friend Slim Jak McCarroll. He was working on the Last Chance when he fell ill. Slim's life was an inspiration to me and everyone who met him. Slim's name will be added to the moniker which will read Slim's Last Chance.
What is your favorite item on the menu?
Smoked Whole Hog which we just added to the catering menu. But, you can't go wrong with a pork sandwich, smokey beans and a Pig Iron Cola!
I know I’ll be back for more bbq... and a lot of napkins!
