A picky eater with lots of allergies and her husband visit Rocking Horse Smokehouse

Smoke Hunt

We’d been watching the construction for months and speculating about what was moving in to the old movie theater building. Every time we drive by on the highway, we would note the progress: dumpsters dotting the lot filled with debris, an addition, a huge porch in the back, and finally the smokers. Dan’s mouth salivated every time we drove through the little town of Vernon. Thoughts of freshly smoked meats danced in his head as we wondered when and if this new restaurant would ever open. Little by little improvements were made on the building as the summer dragged on, but still, no opening date. Until, finally! I was driving home from a burger adventure, glanced out my side window as I drove by, and noticed dozens of cars in the lot. Could this be it? Was the Rocking Horse Smokehouse really open for business? I called Dan from the car and he confirmed it online. Yes, it was open and ready to serve up some Southern hospitality. And we were ready to plan a meal out.

A Bit of Haze

It had just stopped raining on that humid Wednesday evening when Dan and I pulled into the parking lot. The weather was warm with a slight haze in the air. We both sniffed, but smelled nothing. Dan often frequents a smokehouse near his office, and was pretty sure you’d be able to smell something. I’ve never been to a smokehouse and was definitely  expecting to smell smoke upon arrival. Perhaps the rain dampened the scent and perhaps the haze was simply haze.

Fast Food

There were several cars, but it was early and we had time to wait. Surprisingly, the large, wood beamed dining room was mostly empty. We were seated right away with menus and I barely had time to note the large bar in the back corner and the TVs on the walls. The room had a sports bar vibe, but without the closeness and camaraderie. Their website boasts lawn games like cornhole and line dancing on the weekends. No sooner had I found my pen in the depths of my purse, the waitress was asking for our drink order. Dan got a soda and I got water, no lemon.  I started to take notes about the decor, as I always do, when the waitress returned with our drinks and was eager to take our order. We hadn’t even opened the menu. She returned three minutes later and we were ready. At least I thought we were ready. I stumbled when she asked me about sides. All they had for fries were cajun or vinegar, yikes, but Dan jumped in to save me and asked if they could give me just plain old unseasoned fries. She nodded, left, and within minutes returned with our meals. I have been to fast food restaurants before, but this was a different level of fast. Dan suggested that since everything is on the smokers all day, all the items are ready to be served. However, I doubt my hamburger was on a smoker and it appeared just as quickly. From the time we sat, to the time we got back in our car, twenty-five minutes had elapsed. I was disappointed. First, because I thought Southern hospitality moved a little slower and second, my hand was cramped from writing so fast.

Click the meal to read all about it

Dan – Burnt Ends and the Pulled Pork Platter

Lis – Charbroiled Butter Burger

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