Mr. Cecil's California Ribs

Through my powers of persuasion I was easily able to convince some co-workers to join me in the 7in7 and participate in an evaluation of Mr. Cecil's California Ribs. We had two criteria to meet: it had to be near our job in Santa Monica, and it had to have good BBQ. Having previously visited Mr. Cecil's, I knew it would meet both criteria without a problem. I called ahead to see if they offered any vegetarian dishes. You can stop laughing anytime. It wasn't for me, but for my carpool partner who is a recovering meat eater. I was told they have a couple of vegetarian items, kabobs and such, but to avoid the fries because they were cooked in lard. I give them props for that alone. So on we went.

First, let me start by saying that the restaurant is going through a remodel. Although I don't believe it affected the quality of our food, it did detract from the ambiance. I was pleased to see that they offered BBQ spare ribs on the menu, but disappointed to see that they weren't available on any kind of lunch special. They did offer a third of a rack of ribs for $7.95, but no sides came with it, so I had to order a serving of fries. The third of a rack did just fine for lunch — I didn't want the 7in7 BBQ restaurant review to turn into a "Super Size Me" documentary. The BBQ ribs were pretty good. They serve them up without BBQ sauce, the way good BBQ should be served. I take this as a sign of pride when a BBQ restaurant does this.

Most of my posse ordered the BBQ brisket sandwich, probably the best lunch deal on the menu. I've had this sandwich combo before and would say it's extremely messy and tasty. One of our cohorts ordered a burger and would have done anything to re-order after seeing the ribs. Regrettably, I only ordered a third of a rack and was in no position to share. Sorry Pete.

After leaving the restaurant, no one was cheering or slamming the meal. We were all a little indifferent — perhaps it was the food coma taking hold. I'm always left feeling a little disappointed in a sit-down restaurant where my iced tea is never refilled and I'm not offered a dessert menu at the end of my meal. Not that I want or have to have dessert. I'd just like to know if they're trying to meet the customer's needs.

All in all, it was an okay BBQ restaurant. Hopefully things will improve after the remodel. In regards to their BBQ, give them a try. If you have the money, splurge on the spare ribs. Otherwise order the brisket sandwich combo. Try the French fries if you dare — they are just plain old-school deep-fat-fried-in-pig-lard good.

**Mr. Cecil's California Ribs**
12244 W. Pico Blvd, West L.A. — 310-442-1550
13625 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks — 818-905-8400