I figured Southeast Michigan had delivered its one barbecue surprise of the day—until I got to Dearborn Heights.
A.B.'s Amazing Ribs is a halal barbecue joint, serving only smoked beef, that opened in March. That means sausage, brisket, beef back ribs (which were sold out), and the best value of a beef short rib I've ever seen. For just $23, a smoked short rib weighing in at more than a pound is served with fries, mac & cheese, and cornbread.
The cutting is all done in the back, and the rib was boxed up in an aluminum foil tray when I paid for it. In my car, I took off the lid and found a beautifully smoked rib glistening with a thin glaze. The texture on it was perfect. I pulled chunks of meat and nicely rendered fat away from the bone and feasted on half a rib before bothering to try anything else. I don't know how they stay in business with these prices, but folks should be be beating down their door.