Fire-N-Smoke offers unique menu, exceptional service

AUDREY O’RENIC sports editor

Using fresh and local ingredients, Fire-N-Smoke Wood Fired Kitchen in Troy offers a unique and tasty menu that puts a spin on traditional barbecue.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the staff who warmly welcomed me into the cabin styled restaurant. It took me a while to decide what I wanted, as they offered a diverse menu of salads, wings, platters, burgers, sandwiches and street tacos. I eventually settled on the Pig N Hen sandwich, which contained pulled pork, fried egg and bacon on two perfectly toasted buns. For $12, the meal also came with my choice of a side — for which I chose the green beans. Although I just ordered water, they also offer bottled craft beers and Fitz’s soda.

The meal came out quickly, and I was pleasantly surprised when the staff member gave me a free cookie. The sandwich itself was a pretty decent size, especially for lunch. The pulled pork was smoked with post oak wood and cooked to perfection. Although the meal came with barbecue sauce, I felt like the fried egg brought the perfect amount of moisture to the dryness of the pork. The side of green beans was delicious, I just wish they were a little more seasoned.

I haven’t yet given a perfect rating for MEE, however Fire-N-Smoke deserves it. Furthermore, a portion of sales is donated to Churches on the Streets and The Snyder Center in Alton.