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Review: Elwood's, 174 Lords Place, Orange
By The Plate
Reviewed: February 24, 2022.
Elwood's is here for those who enjoy their food southern USA style.
Low and slow.
The bar and diner on Lords Place serves up juicy burgers, corn dogs, Cajun squid and prawn, brisket, pulled meats, wings, jalapeno poppers, fish, tacos, pork belly and more.
Smoking ovens are used for the meats and the sauces and spice rubs are made by the Elwood's team (Smoking Brothers catering is part of the operation and does functions, corporate catering, etc).
I've had a handful of meals at Elwood's and each time they've done the business in terms of sweetness, smokiness and heat.
On the last two visits I've gone for the Elwood's BBQ Snack Pack ($26.50).
This provides an excellent overview of what Elwood's does best.
On the rectangular plastic plate is a small mound of juicy maple barbecue pulled pork; lean slices of soft brisket; sticky barbecue wings with slightly blackened skin; crunchy haloumi cheese and chorizo skewers with a red sauce; coleslaw with what seems like a slightly acidic undertone; and pig tail fries.
The portion size is fair, and the flavours deep.
There is only one thing to wash this selection of goodies down, and that is Americano Lambrusco (Coca-Cola) over ice.
I have two small gripes about Elwood's, and both relate to the music.
I like to sit outside, and every time I do the music is blaring at a level that makes conversation, or thinking, or even daydreaming, all but impossible. Furthermore, the '80s hits don't really suit the food.
When I'm eating ribs or wings or brisket, I don't want to hear Starship singing We Built This City (some of us had to live through it first time around).
No, no, no.
I'd rather my meaty feasts be backed by the likes of Sugar Pie DeSanto, Fontella Bass, Allen Toussaint, Booker T., Mavis Staples, Johnnie Taylor, Solomon Burke, Rufus & Carla Thomas, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. The real deal.
* The Orange News Examiner does not accept free meals and reviews anonymously.