Bethel BBQ, Long Eddy and a Quiet Evening on the Delaware

We just missed the line for lunch at Big Kev's.

We pick our routes to the cabin based on what we want to eat. This weekend, we made our way through Bethel, NY in order to stop at Big Kev's BBQ. We found out about Big Kev's after sampling their ribs at a BBQ competition at Roscoe Beer Co. They took first place. There's a trophy case just under the order counter. You can't miss it. The honors are well deserved.

We were here a few weeks back. This time, we were with our son. Peter had the brisket sandwich (again!), our son tried the pulled pork and I had the ribs (again!). We love that the rubs and flavorings are infused throughout the meat, tender, juicy without an extra coating of BBQ sauce. The sandwich rolls are excellent too as well as the few sides they have available. They have a steady line of folks who have ordered in advanced from the catering menu, people literally pull their cars up to the food truck and pop their trunks to haul their food away. And then there are those who stop in and partake of the smoked goodness on premises. The covered picnic tables are perfect. The only thing Big Kev's is missing is a handwashing station and probably a portajohn, but that's only if you choose to eat there. If you haven't been, go! Trust me. We all want to support these guys so that they'll keep providing us with the area's best BBQ for a long long time!

Later that day, Peter and I weren't so hungry for dinner but with a 17-year-old growing boy who claims he has a tapeworm, we made our way to another casual dining establishment, this time in Long Eddy. There may not be so much going on in Long Eddy, except for the quaint homes, the proximity to the river, and the Long Eddy Hotel and Saloon.  It has a nice well-stocked bar and an indoor air-conditioned dining room. We've only found out about this place since it's been nice out, so we usually sit outdoors on the expansive lawn with picnic tables and umbrellas.

The road to Long Eddy is windy and pastoral.
We often see deer, porcupine, and other wildl-
life. This time, we saw many an escaped
goat and chickens.

The menu is mostly pub food but all done well. The burgers are seasoned to perfection. Just about everything is under $10. We've missed their Friday evening BBQ but we're told it's a must, as in you must get there right at the time it opens or you'll miss out. I'd check with the Saloon about when they're having it and what time it starts since things are a bit laid back around here.

We like that about it. Coming here is an easy choice for us because Westley is welcome on the grassy outdoor area. We also like that it's very local and still welcoming. While we were there this weekend, I misplaced my phone. We retraced our steps, asked everyone at the bar, then, asked them again. It was during the second go-round that one of the patrons asked Peter. "Are you staying nearby? Maybe you can come back. It might turn up tomorrow." Peter told her we had a cabin in the area and told her the name of the road. "Oh, really? I'm related to those folk. You must know my cousin." "Aw!" another patron said to her. "I hate that guy." Hahaha! Everyone knows everyone here in the Catskills. It's a lot like a place we lived. In Botswana, Africa, the rule of thumb is, "Don't do anything your mother wouldn't approve of, because it will get back to her soon enough."

The Catskills, also relaxed cattle country like Botswana, only the Catskills has mountains, lush green foliage, and excellent flyfishing. And that's why we're here and what Peter did after we got back from Long Eddy.

He went fishing at dusk, while our son and I relaxed in the cabin. It was a beautifully cool night with fresh bugs hatching all around. Peter can tell you more about fishing, but he did tell us it was a beautful night on the Delaware, after a wonderful start to another weekend in the Catskills.