HESTAND, KENTUCKY, USA -- The aroma hits you first, then your stomach begins to growl and you realize how hungry you are -- even if you just recently finished eating. Walk into the door of Frances BBQ Restaurant in the tiny town of Hestand, Kentucky and the same thing will happen to you.

Ten, (count them), ten BBQ restaurants call the small Kentucky county of Monroe home. But don't get hungry early in the week, they are nearly all closed Monday - Wednesday. Nonetheless, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are more than enough time for locals and tourists alike to chow down on plenty of BBQ. In a county of only 12,000, Frances BBQ owner David Arms claims to go through 11,000 pounds of sliced shoulder steak during his typical work week.

"It's the competition that keeps me on my toes," says Arms, who along with his wife Jennifer runs the restaurant his mom and dad started in 1977. A true storyteller at heart, visitors are frequently treated to a side order of Arms' yarns along with their shredded pork, beef brisket, pork ribs or BBQ chicken. And that's one of the things that gives Frances BBQ an authentic, country down home charm that just can't be duplicated in today's world of franchises and fast food.

It's obvious that Arms takes pride in his craft. "We don't have cooks, we have grill masters," he proudly boasts of his staff. In fact, BBQ in this area of the country does mean grilled meats (as opposed to the slow cooking techniques of other areas of the USA). the meat is served covered in copious amounts of a tangy, peppery tomato BBQ sauce that goes heavy handed on the vinegar. It's a perfect flavor combination with the grilled smokiness of the meat mellowing the tangy sauce to a precise balance -- the result is that you just can't stop eating the stuff.

Arms markets his 100 year old recipe sauce with some help from his friend country music star John Anderson. It's available at the restaurant and at certain grocery chains in the South, or you can email jarms@sctr.com for more info on ordering). So versatile is the sauce, David Arms even puts it to use making pickled eggs. His BBQ eggs are an unusual taste treat that are simple to make at home. I know BBQed eggs may sound strange, but they are really delicious. Try them, you'll be surprised (click for recipe).

If you go to Frances, be sure to order some of shoulder steak, their most famous dish. Arms favors the cut because he says "the closer to the bone, the sweeter the meat."

Perhaps the best bet at Frances is the "Mix Plate" which gives you any three meats like BBQ ham, pork chops, chicken, beef brisket, ribs, the famous shoulder steak and even hot dogs. The baked beans are first class, as is the Gold Nugget cake for dessert. Best of all, Frances, like most of the restaurants, hotels and attractions we found in Kentucky, is an unbelievable bargain. The Mix Plate, including three kinds of meat and two side dishes will set you back a mere $5.50.

So if you're ever near Eastern Kentucky, be sure to stop by. David Arms promises to "tickle your taste buds like they've never been tickled before."

Practicalities

Frances BBQ is located at 4255 Vernon Rd. in Hestand, Kentucky. They're open on Thursdays from 9:00 - 8:00 and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 9:00. For more information call 270-487-8550.

For iformation on more things to do in Southern and Eastern Kentucky, contact the Southern & Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association (SEKTDA) toll free at 877-TOUR-SEKY or visit www.tourseky.com.

More About Ribs & BBQ

• How to Smoke Ribs
• Interview with Famous Dave Anderson -- America's BBQ King
• Award Winning Ribs at Mobile's Saucy Q

In the Nearby Area

• Doing the Derby & Then Some!
• Kentucky Travel Bargains
• Motoring to the Best in Kentucky Music
  

Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day. To learn more about Cheri, click here.