The Smoking Joint, a casual dining place specializing in barbecued beef ribs, brisket and pulled pork, has moved from its original site in BF Homes Parañaque to Green Sun in Makati. That’s good news to folks too lazy to drive to the south just to eat spare ribs and drink beer.

But Smoking Joint’s ribs are truly tasty—what the place’s owner, Tony Fernando, describes as “bagay sa panlasang Pinoy.” He’s not out to compete with other restos that critics judge as having “the best ribs in town.” Rather, Fernando is confident of the quality of his food and the “low and slow” method of smoking the ribs he offers.

On a recent visit to its new location at Green Sun hotel on Chino Roces Avenue Extension, we found Smoking Joint bigger in size—well, not humongous big, but roomy enough to accommodate close to 150 people spread out in its two-story space plus an al fresco area.

The Jerks: Chickoy Pura, Paolo Manuel, Edwin Aguilar. Right: The Smoking Joint’s bar —Photos by Pocholo Concepcion — The Smoking Joint’s bar —Photos by Pocholo Concepcion

The Smoking Joint owners Tony and Reza Fernando

CSA, La Salle crowd

Outdoor is where Fernando holds monthly live gigs—the first of which, featuring The Jerks, we were glad to have caught. Now a trio composed of its longtime frontman Chickoy Pura, who also plays guitar, bassist Edwin Aguilar, and, on that night, noted drummer Paolo Manuel, the band played a heady set of Steely Dan, Joe Jackson, Police, Doors and other classics.

A number of Fernando’s Colegio San Agustin and La Salle buddies turned up, including Carlo Portillo, Wacky Garcia and Sonny Orallo. Orallo was at a table with other La Salle Taft boys and Tau Gamma Phi frat brods Carlos Castaños, Jeff Ejercito and Alvin Aguilar, as well as Tau Gamma Sigma sisters Kitty Garganera and Liza Anza.

Carlos Castaños, Jeff Ejercito , Alvin Aguilar, Sonny Orallo, Kitty Garganera and Liza Anza

Many in the crowd that night were from Dasma and nearby villages, said Fernando, who added that he gets surprised when scions of politicians and prominent business folks show up to have lunch.

As we sipped our second Brew Kettle beer, Fernando informed us that the next gig will be on May 6 with Electric Tuesday: Mon Espia on vocals and guitar; Bobby Taylo, bass; Janno Queyquep, guitar; Wowee Posadas, keyboards; and Fernando himself on drums.
The Smoking Joint, 2285 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City; open Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-12 mn; Fridays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; tel. 4235514; follow on www.facebook.com/thesmokingjointbbq