Wednesday, March 8, 2006

BRAISED BEEF BBQ RIBS

The b raised beef BBQ ribs with slow-cooked collard greens and baked mac-n-cheese at Del Merei Grille in Alexandria could serve as a definition of winter comfort food. The ribs ($19) are slathered with a sauce that chef Eric Reid makes from a base of onions, jalapeño chili peppers and Budweiser. The collards start out with sauteed bacon and cook for four hours, and the mac and cheese is a little crunchy on the outside and creamy in the middle.

While you're there, sample the frickles ($4) -- lightly battered, deep-fried butter pickles served with a spicy remoulade.

Del Merei Grille, 3106 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, 703-739-4335.

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