A Tri-Tip Sandwich, with a “side” of fries, at Firestone Grill, in San Luis Obispo, CA. Don’t know what Tri-Tip is? Go here. For those of us who have any exposure at all to California’s Central Coast, we’ve long known about the ecstasy of Santa Maria Tri-Tip. Seasoned with only garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then cooked slowly (~ 1 1/2 hours typically) over oak embers, it is sliced cross-grain, and sometimes mixed with a sweet-tangy barbecue sauce, and served on a slightly toasted french roll. As you can see, at Firestone’s, the serving size assumes you’re a linebacker. Similarly, the “side” of fries is monstrous, and sprinkled with a paprika-laced seasoning.

Enjoy!

– image © 2011 A R Lopez