SHARE

BBQ Lovers Enjoy Northern Smoke, Owned By Ex-Bedford Resident Chris DeRuzza

CARMEL, N.Y. - Near the end of Stoneleigh Avenue in Carmel, just a stone's throw from the Westchester County border, sits Northern Smoke - the BBQ joint that has earned a reputation as being among the best in the area.

Daily Voice talks to Northern Smoke owner Chris DeRuzza, as well as several customers, about his BBQ.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Northern Smoke owner Chris DeRuzza shows off a sampler plate of his smoked BBQ goodies - including brisket, pulled pork and chicken, keilbasa, ribs, brussel sprouts with bacon and onions, cole slaw and corn bread.

Northern Smoke owner Chris DeRuzza shows off a sampler plate of his smoked BBQ goodies - including brisket, pulled pork and chicken, keilbasa, ribs, brussel sprouts with bacon and onions, cole slaw and corn bread.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Hand-runned ribs, pulled pork and chicken, smoked brisket and keilbasa from Northern Smoke.

Hand-runned ribs, pulled pork and chicken, smoked brisket and keilbasa from Northern Smoke.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Some of the friendly staff at Northern Smoke.

Some of the friendly staff at Northern Smoke.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Northern Smoke BBQ in Carmel features southern regional BBQ, with a northern twist.

Northern Smoke BBQ in Carmel features southern regional BBQ, with a northern twist.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
A few of the choices at Northern Smoke.

A few of the choices at Northern Smoke.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Some of the choices at Northern Smoke.

Some of the choices at Northern Smoke.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Northern Smoke sells a few of its most popular BBQ sauces.

Northern Smoke sells a few of its most popular BBQ sauces.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman

If you're not looking for it, you might drive right past this almost hidden gem, set back off the road in what looks like a small house.

But make no mistake - for the last three years owner Chris DeRuzza (originally from Bedford Village, now resides in Somers) has been serving up some of the best, prime-time BBQ offerings in the area - as his large and loyal group of customers is the proof.

DeRuzza says he does 'southern regional barbecue, with a northern twist.'

"We take a lot of influences from the south, and put a northern twist on them," DeRuzza told Daily Voice during a recent visit.

On most nights you'll find the small restaurant's dozen or so indoor tables filled, and an outdoor seating area is also usually packed. A line that stretches toward the door, waiting to take food out, isn't unusual.

There's a reason: "I do pork well," DeRuzza said, with a sly smile. "I like to put a little different spin on your usual barbecue. People like our brisket, but my No. 1 thing is my ribs - spare ribs and baby back ribs. People seem to love it."

Other big sellers include pulled pork and chicken, kielbasa, Reuben sandwiches, Cubans and quesadillas.

And sides? - DeRuzza's sweet potato tots have been described by more than one customer as little drops of heaven. Brussel sprouts with bacon and onions, mac and cheese, and many more leave diners with lots of choices.

DeRuzza's homemade BBQ sauces are the perfect complement to his seasoned, smoked meats - Apple Bourbon BBQ, Rasberry Chipotle and smokey or sweet Texas are most popular among many.

Check out the video to see Daily Voice talk to DeRuzza, as well as several customers, about his BBQ.

to follow Daily Voice Bedford and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE