The [Food] Hangover

J's still trying to piece it all together. He remembers finishing up work at World Financial Center and venturing out into the freezing cold...

 WTC memorial

...But the rest is one big blur...

 Famous Ray's, Eataly NY, Shake Shack, Heartland Brewery

...That ended with a visit to White Castle.

What happened that night?!

Blake's Place

We left work early on Friday to take care of some things, then raced to make our way down to OC before those dreaded red bands took over Google Maps. But it was more than just traffic that was motivating us...it was a chance to catch up with one of our very good friends, P.

Actually...who are we kidding? Let's not put on airs -- all we really wanted was a late lunch at Blake's Place. Blake's Place is simply the most amazing BBQ ever, which totally makes up for its location out in the middle of nowhere and its a aging bro-ish clientele.

Between the three of us, we ordered a rib plate (for P), a sandwich sampler plate (for J) and a sliced beef brisket plate (for E). What's really to die for, though, are the chicken wings. They're not breaded or baked -- they're smoked! So the outside has an amazing, slightly crispy char (made 100x better if you get the spicy apricot glaze) and the inside is super flavorful and moist.

We stuffed our faces and there was still plenty to take home. We'd suggest sharing a few different things if when you go so you can try a variety of Blake's delicious offerings, but we won't judge if you decide to get an order of wings just for yourself. We learned from P's quietly selfless act that true friends will order their own chicken wings, and stay out of yours.