Ralph's Ribs sticks to your... well, you know

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We're always happy when a new restaurant opens, and when it involves BBQ... well, we couldn't be more pleased. Ralph's Ribs on Route 13 opened last month, started by the guys who've sold Ralph's Momma's Sauce and Ralph's Sweet Hot Sauce for years.

Ralph's is in the former Pizza Hut building next to Wickes Lumber, and the place has never looked better. It feels clean and open, and the rolls of butcher paper they use as tablecloths, with crayons handy while you wait for your meal, really finish off the atmosphere perfectly.

Start off your winter lunch or dinner with a cup of the fantastic gumbo, or Commodore chowder, full of seafood. The gumbo could stand to be spicier, but that's OK... this is Ralph's, and there are bottles of his sauces on each table.

A friend commented that you need a fork for the ribs, because they're so tender the meat just falls all over the place if you try to pick up the bone. They're not drenched in too much sauce; you can always add more if you like it that way. I watched them cook the BBQ chicken one morning on an apple and cherrywood grill, and I was glad I came back and had that for lunch. The chicken is tender and tasty, and while the pieces look small, they're very meaty.

There are lots of choices of side dishes, and my favorite is the collard greens, probably the best in town. Grits on the menu surprised me -- aren't they for breakfast? -- but the cheese grits went great with the ribs.

There are a couple of vegetarian items on the menu, but be careful... some of the vegetables are made with meat, so ask before you order. The vegetarian entrees on the menu are a veggie burger and grilled veggie kabobs, and a few of the side dishes are safe. Note that the collard greens have bits of ham, and the red beans and rice are cooked in chicken stock. Try the southern caviar, made from black-eyed peas, onions, celery, and peppers with vinaigrette.

If after all this you still have room for dessert, have a piece of the sweet potato pie.

Ralph's Ribs offers take-out service, and there are convenient paper menus available. The prices are the same as dining in, which makes dining in an especially good deal; you get free soda with your meal, but only in the restaurant.

Plan on 6-15 bucks for lunch or dinner, depending on how hungry you are and how good you are at sharing. Call Ralph's at 607-277-RIBS and tell them you heard about them here.