Atlanta, GA 30324
http://www.fatmattsribshack.com/
"Dessert ribs" was the battle cry for the weekend. With so many other dinners lined up, it seemed like the only time we'd be able to get ribs were for dessert or "second dinner". Luckily, we left one night's activities unplanned so that's when we visited Fat Matt's. We'd passed by the restaurant to and from Trang's place multiple times. But it wasn't until our last night in Atlanta that we finally made it there.
1. two full slabs of ribs - The meat was fantastic. An oft used description for great ribs is that the meat was "falling off the bone". And these fantastic ribs were no exception. It probably wouldn't be too much of a stretch to eat these things without teeth. The sauce was also very good. More reminiscent of a Carolina BBQ sauce, with hints of vinegar. Two slabs were more than enough to feed five people. But of course you can't go to Fat Matt's and just get ribs...
2. 1/2 a bird - So we also ordered two half birds (one whole). We also found it curious that white bread was served along with Southern BBQ. Having seen it a few times now, we equate it with Chinese food and white rice. The benefit of bread over rice, however, is that you can use the bread as an edible napkin. Wipe any sauce off your plate, fingers, or mouth, then chow it down. Pure genius! The chicken was tender and juicy but played second fiddle to the ribs.
sides: collard greens and Brunswick stew - Winners! The best collard greens we've ever had. They had a subtle sweetness to them that made you wanting more. Never before had we tasted a preparation quite like that before. The stew was no slouch either. It had the consistency of a chili, without the bean. Not quite sure what they put in it, but it was excellent.
Looks can be deceiving. The above picture is not, as we powered through a lot of the mountain of food we ordered. What is deceiving however, is a petite young lady's ability to eat. In an effort to not have too many leftovers, the gauntlet was thrown down to see who can pack away the most ribs, inside their own ribs. A grown man eating less than a girl is embarrassing. Eating less than a girl that's nearly half the man's size is down right unacceptable. But clocking in at seven ribs, multiple sides, a quarter chicken and two beers, Chau set Ray packing with his stomach between his legs. He put up a valiant effort, but the lack of strategy (and that extra side of potato salad) was his undoing.
An excellent meal and a great way to end this culinary adventure.