Linda Falkenstein
Chef DJ's version of Blair Street BBQ will feature Memphis-style barbecue.
The former Blair Street Brew & BBQ is slated to reopen as Chef DJ's Blair Street BBQ & Catering. Daryl Jones, who's been catering barbecue in Madison for six years, is the new chef. His style of barbecue is Memphis-based. Jones was born and raised there, though he's called Madison home for two decades. Sides will include macaroni and cheese, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw and corn bread, all from scratch.
Jones says he's not sure what happened with the previous incarnation of the business, which closed in late October before the brewing operation ever kicked in. Jones will be using the pink, pig-decorated VW Bug for delivery; it came with the restaurant.
Nick Sierzant, who opened Blair Street Brew & BBQ earlier this year, writes in an email that he was evicted by landlord Cliff Fisher and is considering taking legal action against the continued use of the name Blair Street BBQ. He did not return requests for further comment.
Fisher says that the reason for the eviction was simple -- "He [Sierzant] couldn't pay the rent. I had to watch my interests." The smokers and the brewery equipment belong to Fisher, as does the VW. In the new version of the restaurant, Fisher says, "We're going to stick to what Daryl does best, barbecue and catering."
The resurrection of Blair Street comes on the heels of the opening of That BBQ Joint, 1511 Williamson St., this fall, and the recent expansion of Double S BBQ on Hwy. 18 in Cambridge.
Speaking of That BBQ Joint, don't be alarmed -- although it will be closed Dec. 23-31, it will return New Year's Day and be open Wednesday through Sunday noon-8 p.m. in the new year.
