All Neighbors in Bethalto, IL
Top Neighbors: The magic behind the mirrors
You will never have to pay to be listed as a top neighbor. Period. That important detail clarified, let's discuss how we arrive at two "top neighbors" for a given region:
Localism is a bustling collection of hyper-local communities, and the top neighbors should reflect those members who are most active. When ranking users in a given region, several factors are considered. To get your foot in the proverbial door, you need to have posted at least one "Localism" article or photo for the region.
The very best way to quickly rise to #1 is to post high-quality local content. Keeping a steady strem of incoming posts and photos will massively tilt the scales in your favor.
What doesn't count toward the top neighbor ranking? ActiveRain points and community sponsorships. The top neighbor spots will always go to the most active members in a region. We want to create a level playing field that encourages the growth of communities — talent and dedication are required to win the day.
Sometimes it pays to park a big, yellow Hummer outside your place of business. That's what stopped us in our tracks tonight as we cruised along Illinois Route 140 in Bethalto, Illinois in search of dinner.
When you visit, just grab a menu and order at the counter outside the kitchen in the back of the restaurant. Some of the top offerings are detailed on a white dry erase board on the wall. While we pondered what to try first, a steady stream of carryout orders was being pickup up. Country Barbecue has only been open since March, but it seems to have collected a loyal following from Bethalto and surrounding communities.
We waited a short time for the order to arrive at the table, spending time enjoying the vintage Mountain Dew signs (what else would one drink with Country Barbecue after all?) on the walls. A Razorbacks flag that we'll just have to forgive also adorned part of the wall space.
The owner brought a monster-sized Pork Steak to the table for my guest, side by side with Potato Salad, Baked Beans and Garlic Toast. My plate was piled high with Beef Brisket, Chicken and Burnt Ends. The Pork Steak came naked (no barbecue sauce). Sauce can be found in tall squeeze bottles on each table. The house sauce is a St. Louis-style sweet and smokey base dressed up with hints of black pepper and possibly a dash of cayenne. Because of its thickness, the Pork Steak takes on the quality of roast pork, extremely tender.
I have to confess that half of my Sampler Plate is in the refrigerator now. It will make a fine lunch tomorrow. I chose Beef Brisket, Chicken and Burnt Ends for my three meats. (Burnt Ends are the tasty pieces of meat cut from the end of a smoked brisket.) The chicken was hickory smoked, chunked and very moist. It was mild enough for the pickiest spice-avoiding diner if you're enjoying a meal with less adventurous friends. The brisket was finely chopped and would have been perfect on a sandwich. It can be ordered that way on the menu and I'd suggest that. The Burnt Ends also were finely chopped and glazed with a seductively sweet sauce. (I prefer Burnt Ends left in larger pieces, which is a common practice in Kansas City-style Q, but don't let that stop you from trying these.)
We didn't have room to sample the Barbecued Spaghetti or the Baby Back Ribs this visit, but we are looking forward to diving in next time we pass by. Spicy Cole Slaw and Mild Jalapeno Cornbread were also left untried.
As a bonus for the sweet tooth, the owners will sell you an Ice Cream Sandwich for just 25 cents with any order.
Not only will they review the contract and disclosures with you, they will also inform you about the contingency period, your rights and obligations, the escrow process, etc.
