T e h Danny’s BBQ t of TASTE own Head Quarters Head Over to the Head Quarters Story & Photos by Nancy Laffey/Contributing Writer If you were to ask the Internet where the BBQ capital of the world is, it will tell you it’s Kansas City. But I must respectfully disagree. Due to my own personal bias, I know that in my heart Ponca City and Kay County will always be the BBQ Head Quarters of the world. That’s why during National BBQ Month, I made the short trip to our local BBQ capital: Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters. The restaurant has had a name change and a nice remodel, but you can still find that same nostalgic ambiance, coupled with the friendliest and most hardworking championship BBQ’ers behind the counter ready to serve. I can never decide on just one of the meat selections, but thanks to my dinner date, we were able to sample all of them! Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters has a semi cafeteriastyle layout. When you approach the counter, a large menu on the wall lists all the combinations and meaty selections your carnivorous heart could desire. We ordered a combination that allowed us to sample ribs, ham, hot links, chicken breast and brisket. The kind man behind the counter meticulously cuts your meat choices with his skillful knife moving effortlessly like a hot knife through butter. Each portion is weighed, tenderly adjusted and placed on your plate. I respect that kind of order and regularity; that kind of attention to detail must go into the seasoning and smoking of each dish. I like that the hot links are split down the middle
lengthwise and how the whole chicken breast is sliced right in front of you. Everything was cooked right, but the best meat that evening was the chicken. I’m not normally a chicken eater. I go for more interesting meats and flavors. Chicken breasts can easily be overcooked and dry, so I usually don’t order them at restaurants. I knew, however, that I could trust Danny’s staff to cook chicken right. This chicken breast was so very tender and smoky. I was a little sad that we weren’t there on a Thursday to order the half chicken on the bone. If you have not been to Danny’s on a Thursday, you need to mark your calendar and get there next week for this special! The main show is the BBQ and all the different meats. They are the reason to show up; however, I am all about the sides too. The new-to-me side I tried this time was the fried okra, and I have to say all these years I have been missing out. They were perfectly crispy and deep-fried to perfection! My go-to, must-have side at Danny’s are the hot and fresh French fries. They have a great crispy texture and flavored with the perfect seasoning. I must assume that they are seasoned with Head Country Original Championship™ Seasoning. To my delight, you can buy bottles of this amazing stuff right inside the restaurant, along with the Head Country™ BBQ sauces and marinade. Just like the bottle of seasoning says, “apply liberally and win the day.” I love how you can pick up all the favorite Head Country products at Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters. I love the marinade and all the Head Country sauces. In my mind there isn’t a reason to ever buy anything else. If you are new to Ponca City, traveling through or have been here since 1986 or earlier, you know you can satisfy your craving for excellent BBQ right here by going straight to Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters!
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