<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

Larry Plank and his family are still fixin it up low and slow at their popular restaurant in Port Royal, Smokin’ Planks. It’s all about homemade cooking and keeping the menu filled with options based on what customers like best. For example, the smoked meatloaf started out as a special but got such rave reviews that it will now be a main feature.

[caption id="attachment_12096" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/DSC_0055.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-12096" alt="Brisket with collards and mac n’ cheese." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/DSC_0055-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Brisket with collards and mac n’ cheese.[/caption]

Also new to the menu is the Gatordog. The sausage is a unique blend of pork and alligator, and Larry described using a citrus brine then smoking the dog to give it it’s flavor. Topped with sauce and grilled onions, the Gatordog is awesome, certainly something you won’t find any other place in town.

Kim ordered the smoked half chicken platter with a side of mac n’ cheese and Brunswick stew. The smoky, juicy meat provided an opportunity for Kim to sample the variety of homemade sauces: Original, Golden, Spicy Vinegar and Chipolte Citrus BBQ.

Elizabeth was the envy of all with her choice of brisket. It was so tender and amazing, the secret was the beef had been smoked for 24 hours. We all declared it a definite must-have.

I decided to try the BBQ Spaghetti, because I was pretty sure I had never had it before and it piqued my culinary curiosity. Instead of spaghetti sauce, the thick noodles are covered with homemade barbecue sauce and topped with pulled pork. It was certainly a hearty portion, and it was paired with a side of Lowcountry potato salad and a bowl of succotash. Served warm, the succotash was fresh and sweet, and Elizabeth and I deemed it a must-have.

Smokin’ Planks is located at 914 Paris Ave., Port Royal, SC, and is open from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Dine in or take out. To order out or for catering, call 843-522-0322.