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The Range: The Tucson Weekly's Daily Dispatch

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Chow The Best Barbecue Secret I've Heard All Year

Posted by Adam Borowitz on Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 11:15 AM

Sources say some of the best barbecue in Tucson can be found as a secret menu item at a nondescript sandwich shop on Broadway Boulevard, at least for the time being.

I spoke with the man behind this amazing barbecue this morning and he confirmed the rumors. Mike O'Toole says his barbecued pulled-pork sandwiches, which he's currently selling as a sort of secret menu item at his Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs at 4726 E. Broadway Blvd., have become a phenomenon. So much so that he's launching a whole business based on the Kansas City-style, slow-cooked meats.

Why exactly are people lining up for these sandwiches? O'Toole says it's because he uses pecan wood, which imparts a gentler flavor than the mesquite wood many places in this area use. He also says Kansas City folks use a dry rub instead of bathing the meat in sauce, which means the meat must taste good without condiments or any other assistance.

"We put so much time and energy into the rubs and the smoking process," O'Toole said this morning. "Our meat stands alone. We’ve got an award-winning sauce, but we put that on the side for you."

O'Toole wants to start a mobile food operation - he mentioned the possibility of starting a food truck this morning - but is currently running a catering business out of a commercial kitchen. If you need some tender, slow-cooked meat for an upcoming event, he might just be the man you've been looking for.

Call 247-5810, or drop him an e-mail at otoolesbbq@gmail.com for more information.

Tags: barbecue, goodcents deli fresh subs, mike o'toole, pulled pork sandwiches