BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
Nothing says summer like barbecue food and
soft serve ice cream, with no fuss in a family
friendly atmosphere.
For those in the North Country who love the
What’s Cookin’ Restaurant, there is good news:
There is now a BBQ stand version.
Owner Debbie White and her son Jeremy
Miller have taken the family restaurant and
extended it to another location, focusing on
bringing patrons the best of summer favorites.
What’s Cookin’ and What’s Cookin’ BBQ are
both located in Hartford in eastern Washington
County. The restaurant is at 7952 Route 40 and
What’s Cookin’ BBQ on Route 196, not far from
Route 40.
With over 20 years of experience running
What’s Cookin’, they thought bringing a BBQ pit
for the summer seemed like a natural transition,
especially with so many who visit the area during
warm weather.
Miller said they are open daily, including
rainy days, although they do close during heavy
storms.
“Our outdoor seating can comfortably seat up
to 40 people and it’s just a great atmosphere,”
said Miller.
An outdoor pavilion for seating is equipped
with umbrellas for both sunny and rainy days.
Miller said people can come right up to the
window for lunch, dinner and soft serve orders.
The menu is what Miller said sets them apart
from other ice cream shop and food places. He
said the food stand is more than a typical burger
and hot dog place. The BBQ food is authentic
and cooked on outdoor fires and grills, including
slow-cooked briskets and Philly cheesesteak
sandwiches.
Menu items include not only BBQ meats, but
potato and macaroni salads, fries, baked beans,
corn on the cob, sundaes, and soft serve ice
cream in vanilla and chocolate flavors.
What’s Cookin’ restaurant and What’s Cookin’
BBQ will be open throughout the summer. Miller
said right now the plan is to have the BBQ restaurant
only be a seasonal business.
“Right now we are thinking that we will have
some type of Oktoberfest to conclude the season,
but that is still in the works,” said Miller. “It’s
the perfect place to stop when you want home
cooked BBQ food without doing any of the work.”
The business is currently updating its website
www.whatscookin.com, to include summer
specials.