By Kathy Chouteau
Pickles N’ Smoke arose from an idea that first simmered in founder Dave Friedrich’s East Richmond Heights’ backyard, and was basted by BBQ competition shows on TV, until he arrived at the ultimate deduction: I can do that.
In 2017, he founded the BBQ catering and pop-up business in his backyard, with its name derived from his wife’s deep devotion to pickles and his own love of BBQ. Pickles N’ Smoke can be found regularly in Richmond at Windchaser Wine Company, 1352 S. 49th St., on Fridays from 4-8 p.m. (or until sold out) and The Factory Bar, 12517 San Pablo Ave., on the first Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for “Boozy Brunch”—and at numerous bookings in between.
When it comes to what BBQ enthusiasts love most on the company’s menu, Friedrich said it’s definitely the brisket, especially when served as a plate with two sides, such as macaroni & cheese, pit beans and vinegar-style coleslaw. Along with brisket, Pickles N’ Smoke also serves a choice of meats—pork back ribs, pulled pork (sometimes) and chicken included—to serve up on a plate or as a “sammich.”
For brunch, the BBQ chef offers up the same meats and bakes croissants from scratch that can be ordered with egg for a breakfast sando. He also offers a croissket—his brisket with cheese folded into a croissant—and makes his own homemade bacon.
Aside from the tasty menu items, Friedrich also sells BBQ sauce at his engagements, including one that’s a traditional ketchup-based, sweet & spicy option, and another that’s a mustard-vinegar sauce that he serves with his brisket. This reporter sampled Pickles N’ Smoke’s traditional sauce and found it to be flavorful with just the right amount of kick.
The Minnesota native—who moved to Richmond in 2012 when his wife landed a job in San Francisco—said his ultimate goal is to find a brick & mortar for Pickles N’ Smoke in Richmond or El Cerrito. For now, he’s been serving up his BBQ at the pop-ups and catering gigs via a tent.
Friedrich said that Pickles N’ Smoke always gets “great compliments” on the food, but added that its “biggest struggle is just getting people to know that we’re there.”
Check out @picklesnsmoke on Instagram, its website or here to see the current menus. Those interested in catering or pop-ups can email [email protected].
