SAN ANTONIO — It’s a new concept gaining popularity: Cloud kitchens.
They are food service businesses that utilize commercial kitchens for the purpose of preparing food for delivery or takeout only. It’s a concept that one local pitmaster is running with in his latest quest to bring customers fast and convenient gourmet barbeque.
This week, Neighborhood Eats is checking out Smoke Ring King.
“Well I’ve always loved to cook barbeque to bring family together for years, and my family always pushed me to get started. I started smoking briskets for another business that used to serve southern rolls to-go. I started smoking briskets for them and it just kind of picked up from there,” said Anthony Cubit, owner.
Since then, Cubit has created a name for himself in the culinary scene. The award-winning executive chef describes himself as a passionate and experienced barbeque pitmaster who blends traditional techniques with a modern twist. He credits his grandmother for instilling within him a deep love for culinary artistry.
His menu consists of dishes such as brisket smash burgers, baby back ribs, boudin, burnt ends and more.
Recently, Smoke Ring King caught the attention of In-N-Out fans with his take on the Flying Double Dutchman. The viral burger consists of two prime beef patties sandwiched between caramelized onions, American cheese and saucey marinade goodness.
“It was a craze on the internet. Everybody was talking about it from In-N-Out Burger, and everybody was posting these Flying Double Dutchmans so I said we can do that and better,” said Cubit.
The chef described it as a “messy eater” and it is. Our reporter committed but had an easier time eating it with a fork and knife!
Another tasty menu item is the brisket, which is used as an ingredient in many of his other dishes like the boudin. This Cajun sausage is also made with rice and the holy trinity that is bell pepper, celery and onions.
And what’s a dish without its sides?! There are seven different options to choose from. Our reporter’s favorite was the brisket macaroni and cheese, which is topped with even more cheese sauce once the noodles are inside the cup.
Smoke Ring King is located at Lombrano Food Hall on 427 Lombrano Street. They are also accessible online through their website, Door Dash and Uber Eats.