By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Contributor 

When I first moved to Bossier City, from Boston, I took a job at one of the local food distributors, selling food directly to restaurants. I had the pleasure of selling food to Bodacious Bra-B-Q, 4706 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City, as a newly-opened restaurant.

What I remember about that experience was that the owners were very picky about the food that they purchased. They had standards, and they would not compromise for any reason — it was the quality food or nothing. It is this standard that helps Bodacious BBQ keep its high level of food quality that has kept them in business for almost 30 years.

Earlier this week I was driving down Barksdale when I came upon Bodacious. I decided to see how their food was now. It has been more than a few years since I’ve been there, so I pulled in.

I ordered for myself, my daughter and my mother. I got the BoBurger, as I remember it was so good in years past. The burger was as good as I remembered, juicy and messy to eat, just the way I like my burgers. That’s why we have napkins! This is a half-pound burger patty that comes dressed with your choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. It also comes with fries. It’s been a while since I had a burger that big. I can see that being something to split for lunch one day.

My daughter went with a special that they had posted on a white board, a ¼ quarter chicken and ribs, that came with two sides and Texas toast. I was happy — I wanted to try the ribs anyway. The ribs were so tender and had such a nice barbeque dry rub, I could eat a couple of racks of them at any moment. The chicken was equally flavorful and very juicy.

The barbeque beans were well prepared and a nice complement to the chicken and ribs. My daughter said she liked the potato salad.

I got my mother a Sliced Brisket Po Boy. It came dressed in the same way the burger was;  she chose provolone cheese and kept the lettuce, tomato and mayo on the Po Boy. I, of course, had to taste-test it. I was skeptical of brisket in a Po Boy, even though many places offer it.

The brisket worked so well with the fresh French bread and cheese, with the lettuce, tomato and mayo keeping every bite juicy and flavorful. It’s also big, so even with my small share, there was enough left for lunch another day.

I regret not ordering the Authentic New Orleans Bread Pudding, but now I have something to look forward to when I stop by again.

Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net