*THIS* is what barbecue is all about. Follow your nose (and ears!) to the back corner of the strip shopping mall on Highway 60 near Brandon to the finest barbecue you've ever tasted. Well before noon, those who are "in the know" are lined up to partake of the incredible offerings therein. The line frequently extends outside the door, but don't let that stop you - the line moves pretty quickly.

The persistent rhythmic beat of the choppers through the meat is the sort of noise that creeps into the base of your spine and almost makes you want to start dancing...especially if you know what's coming! You'll hear this long before you get to the cashier to place your order. My favorite is the barbecue pork plate, and my favorite side dish is the cajun macaroni salad. Note, though - this macaroni salad is not for the faint of heart. It has a definite kick from the jalapenos in it....but I have never tasted anything like it anywhere else, and I crave it when I haven't been there in a while.

First Choice catered my brother's wedding rehearsal dinner more than 10 years ago, and did a fantastic job. We've continued eating there when we're close, or when the craving hits, and they have consistently been of high quality, great taste, and a terrific value. I can also highly recommend the barbecue chicken - it's smoky, delicious, and still moist on the inside. The place doesn't win any awards for its ambiance - it's in a strip mall, for crying out loud, but there are ample tables for those who want to eat in, and they seem to do a lot of take-out business. The people who work there are friendly, and knowledgeable, and have always been great about answering questions...or giving a sample of a side dish if you're not sure what you want. They may be a little hard to find, but the effort is well worth the journey. Enjoy!