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Just before the end of 2010 I was lucky to receive a sampling of the Susie Q’s Brand product line including the Santa Maria Valley Style Seasoning, Pinquito Beans and Red Oak barbecue chips – everything needed for a traditional Santa Maria feast. Santa Maria California is well know for its BBQ. I’ve been to Santa Maria once and the only thing people said I had to have was the BBQ, and of course due to circumstances out of my control I was unable, so I was excited to finally try the famed offerings.
The suggested cut of meat for an authentic Santa Maria BBQ is Tri-Tip so that’s what we made. First step was to get the oak chips prepped. I was unsure about using them with our gas grill but the instructions said any grill will do.
Mike then liberally seasoned the beef with the provided mixture and tossed everything on the grill. On to the beans…
The packaging on the Pinquito beans did not mention soaking the beans before preparing – so I didn’t. They bubbled away on the stove top for about 3.5 hours before they were soft and to my liking. The directions said they should be done within 2 so I think I may have done something wrong.
The results: the meat was fantastic. The simple mixture of garlic, salt, pepper and parsley was surprisingly flavorful. No A.1. sauce needed. The oak flavor was mild… I have a feeling the chips would work much better using a proper smoker. This was the first time I’d ever made beans that were not out of a can so I expected them to be like sweet Boston baked beans but they were more like a Texas chili flavor – a little smokey & spicy. Tasty and worth the long wait. Oh, and I stirred in some bacon in the end…why not?
Thank you Susie Q’s Brand for providing us with a genuine Santa Maria meal at home.
the beef
the beans
For more information about this family run Santa Maria Valley business or to get your hands on some of their products visit: http://www.susieqbrand.com/
Filed under: REVIEWS OF PRODUCTS | Tagged: barbecue, bbq, Pinquito Beans, Red Oak barbecue chips, Santa Maria Style Barbeque, Santa Maria Valley Style Seasoning, Susie Q’s Brand |
Bay Area Foodie 
I was fortunate enough to receive the same products to try, and I loved them too. I don’t think you did anything wrong, as I had to cook my beans longer.
We love Santa Maria style tri-tip, and when the rain clears, the Weber is coming out to make this again.
The Santa Maria seasoning mix is so good on vegetables, garlic bread…. I absolutely love it! You certainly did Susie-Q proud!
Glad to hear I didn’t botch the beans but next time I think I’ll soak them first. I’m gonna try the seasoning on garlic bread…that sounds delish!