I won a package deal at Meat Fight, a charitable event created by Alice Laussade that supports the MS Society, that included lunch for two at Slowbone in Dallas. A friend of mine, Chef Tom Fleming of Crossroads Diner in Dallas, joined me for lunch. He and Chef Jeffrey Hobbs, owner of Slowbone, are friends from way back in the day.

Chef Tom started his career in France where he staged at Paul Bocuse and L’Auberge de l’Ille. Back in Chicago, he worked under the tutelage of his mentor chef Jean Joho at Everest. After five years at Everest, Fleming opened Brasserie Jo for Joho, which later won the James Beard Foundation Award for “Best New Restaurant.” Later Fleming moved to Dallas, cultivating his career as Executive Chef at Mediterraneo. Fleming’s position and contribution to other Dallas kitchens included Executive Chef of Riviera, Lombardi Mare, Pappas Brothers’ Steak House, Old Hickory Steakhouse at the Gaylord Texan, and Central 214. Chef Tom decided to dominate the breakfast industry with Crossroads Diner in Dallas so he could devote more time to his family. Crossroads has won every accolade available for the breakfast industry, recognized by D Magazine, Dallas Morning News, Dallas Observer, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine Magazine, and Zagat.

Chef Jeffrey Hobbs has quite the pedigree, having worked at well-known Dallas places such as Celebration, Riviera, Toscana, Il Sole, Suze, and Sissy’s Southern Kitchen. Then, he left fine-dining and turned to barbeque. Hobbs’ mantra is Barbecue is Beautiful. And, believe me, it really is at Slowbone. Arguments can be made that Slowbone is The Best BBQ in Dallas if not Texas. Certainly, it is the best fried chicken at a BBQ place. And the sides…. Oh man… you got to try the sides. Who am I kidding… everything is great. You just really have to go check it out.