If you love Carlito's and you love BBQ then you will love Live Fire Q. Of course I've had previews of how good this would be from the Saturday night specials at the old Carlito's location.
Tonight I was finally able to try items from the Live Fire Q menu. I had the Prime Rib with cheddar green chile mashed potatoes, calabacitas, a sausage stuffed mushroom, and red chile grilled shrimp. Yes, read that again and drool. It was even more amazing than it sounds. The prime rib was probably the best I've ever had. I loved the smokiness cooked into the prime rib. The sides were all delicious and I loved the spicy sausage in the mushroom. The red chile on the grilled shrimp was the perfect flavor.
My husband had a Tri-Tip Sandwich which was smothered in melted cheddar and green chiles on a delicious baguette type of bread. I stole a lot more than one bite of this. All of the flavors worked so well together. I really liked the slaw on the side that had a nice cilantro and vinaigrette flavor. The baked beans were not very tender or well flavored, but I didn't even care because everything else was amazing.
The bar menu is now both extensive and unique. I had a red sangria that was a nice sweet sangria. The menu also features mules made with green chile vodka and margaritas made with chiles. Yum! I love that they don't shy away from their chile passion with any of the menu items.
Live Fire Q is describing themselves as Santa Monica style BBQ. I wasn't sure what that was going to mean. To me it seems like a new version of BBQ with some green chile influence. This isn't going to be anything like Texas BBQ or anything similar to that. This is a whole new style.
Great food and unique style!