Santa Brunch at Smoqued BBQ

Enjoying food and family at Smoqued BBQ

We ventured out as a family to Old Town Orange to celebrate my cousin's recent engagement and enjoy some holiday fun at the new Smoqued BBQ.  Smoqued BBQ is getting in a festive mood this year with their special Santa Brunch.  It includes free pics with Santa Claus for bringing in canned food for their drive.

Love the hip atmosphere

No skimpy ham here!

This place carries a really fun and relaxed vibe.  The walls are entirely exposed brick from the original building and it adds a lot of character to the experience.  There is a really well planned kids menu that includes choices of waffles, cinnamon french toast and scrambled eggs.  Fresh juice is available too.  For the grown ups, the choices are plentiful and mouth watering.  I went with my favorite breakfast choice of Eggs Benedict.  The usual skimpy Canadian bacon found elsewhere is replace with a nice portion of smoked ham and topped with plenty of hollandaise sauce.  The fresh tomatoes added a nice juicy touch to the breakfast.  The fried chicken with waffles and gravy was a big hit too.  My son stole some from my future cousin-in-law and loved it.  The gravy is thick and delicious and the waffles are fresh.  Don't forget to try some of their fantastic homemade bacon.  Sprinkled with brown sugar and then smoked, it is real "meat candy".

Did I mention the beer?  Smoqued BBQ has cornered the market in Old Town Orange with their microbrew selection.  Dad had a wonderful coffee stout that was perfect with his breakfast plate.  My husband was thrilled that they have the latest (and last) Stone Vertical Epic Ale 12.12.12 and the bartender talked me into trying the Lost Coast Winter Braun.  The Winter Braun is a seasonal selection that I really enjoyed.  Just enough holiday spice to make it interesting, but still smooth and delicious.  The beer menu changes often, so check in frequently to find out what is the latest on tap.

To top off our brunch, we went and visited Santa Claus.  Santa is such a nice guy!  All three of my kids were able to take their time and really talk with Santa about their lists this year.  No big mall lines here!  Free photos are included when you donate to the canned food drive.

Jolly Santa Claus!

If all of this sounds too good for you to miss, they will be doing this all again next Sunday the 16th.  Call and make reservations now at http://www.smoquedbbq.com/