Lightning Jack's BBQ

near Pacific Theatres
on Clairemont Mesa Blvd

People have naturally set up towns along the rivers, lakes, and seas. Fish and game could be hunted, crops could be grown and harvested. It was life-giving. As we have "evolved" into what we perceive to be a higher race, we now now gather along the edges of shopping malls to be entertained by movies, spend money on trinkets made in China, and consume average, poorly prepared food from the same restaurants we saw at the last mall ventured to. My how we've grown.

Situated on Clairemont Mesa Blvd along the banks of the Pacific Theatres, a name other than Daphne's and Rubio's stands proud, emblazoned with a flash of lightning. Enter Lightning Jack's! As I walked towards bright neon lights I heard cries of hormonal teenagers, outraged by the unfair grounding of innocent friends and the hope of liberation on Monday.

This was a solo mission, so the kind, smiling people behind the counter were a welcome sight. Low on flow I thought I would just get to business: smoked brisket sandwich and water. As I waited I looked upon a charcoal drawing that I liked could be none other than Jack himself. A somber man. His place was modestly decorated, well-lit and unoffensive. "Turn your face away and walk backwards towards me! Keep going, keep going, keep going.. down one knee, face on the floor" the TV balked.

"Brisket, boss" he said as he handed me a tray. "Thanks." Well, no surprises here. An upgraded BK bun slightly toasted with corn meal sprinkles, filled with tender, sometimes fatty meat with no bark or smoke ring, slathered too generously with KC Masterpiece.

Mediocrity at it's best - we've perfected it.

C