Being away from the city is no excuse to ignore what is going on there. Usually, when I return, I have a list of places I want to explore that I have read or heard about while away.

Here’s an early tip, part of which I gleaned from the NY Times: Donnell Rogers’ Smack Grill in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Take A or C train to Kingston Throops station in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, walk to 104 Albany Avenue – – – one block east, then three blocks south to the corner of Albany Avenue and Pacific Street.

There, on the northwest corner at street level is an apartment with a red awning behind a head-high, wrought-iron fence and behind that fence are two black barrel smokers. Easy to find.

Only on Saturday, a hand written cardboard sign strapped to the fence reads “Smack Grill; Slab — Pork Ribs, $7; 2 – Leg Quarter $5; Famous BBQ Sauce.”

From the NYTimes, “Influenced by the sauces and pork-based barbecue found in eastern North Carolina, Mr. Rogers’s Smack Grill sauce is a no-frills condiment that he describes as “mild, hot, vinegar and spice.”

“It’s the sauce and the pecan wood that makes it delicious,” said… a Smack Grill regular. The smoke, it really sticks to it. It’s awesome.”

“They’re juicy. Juicy, juicy…” said another.

We’re at Donnell’s mercy: cold, hot, windy, no guarantee he’ll be there. I don’t care, I just go, with a Plan B in my back pocket.

Consider walking west along Fulton Street afterward, for sightseeing.