The Market at Liberty Place—within the thriving heart of historic Kennett Square—continues to grow and evolve with the introduction of the newest culinary experience in a list of mouth-watering food destinations. Located next to fusion eatery Kaboburritos and local favorite ice cream shop Punk’d Pineapple sits some of the most succulent Southern-inspired cooking that includes a free helping of that legendary charm.
M n M Catering BBQ & Smoked Meats may have opened at the beginning of October, but Melissa Dea and husband Joe have been smokin’ their tender eats for three years. With over 25 years of food service experience as well as certification in dietary management and food safety handling, Melissa also holds tight to the vision of eventually owning her own restaurant.
Growing up in the Pocono Mountains, her husband’s job relocated them to the southern Chester County area 10 years ago where Melissa worked for Kendal’s, Genesis and ManorCare. Melissa says she “always had friends who loved what I cooked. Joe and I decided to cook for parties and events and thus began the catering business.”
“The storefront at Marketplace for M n M presented the perfect opportunity for us to expand and allow us to get our version of great-tasting comfort food into the community’s mouths,” Melissa adds. Running a business like this requires dedication, passion and of course exemplary grub. The duo smokes all their meats in custom-built smokers (one of the more massive trailer-mounted beasts is affectionately named Bertha) and burn seasoned local cherry and apple wood for their signature flavor.
The menu reads like a who’s who of meats as pulled pork, beef and chicken dishes share the smoky spotlight with St. Louis dry rub ribs. Platters come in two ($8.95) or three ($9.95) meat variations and include a side dish as well as a nice sized chunk of sweet skillet-style cornbread. The ribs (¼ rack at $4.95, ½ rack at $8.95 and a full rack at $16.95) promise to “fall off the bone” after being smoked for six to eight hours.
Heaping sandwiches—using Martin Potato Rolls—run the gamut and vary in size depending on your pangs-o’-hunger meter. Thin slices of rib-eye loin known as Pit Beef make a great gobble at $7.95, while the big brother version Pit Master XL rings out at $9.95. Be sure to give the single and trio sliders (a sort of meat sampler) a try.
What ties all this deliciousness together yet gives it your own personal touch are the three proprietary sauces created by the Deas. Traditional (sweet and spicy), Carolina (tangy and vinegary) and Texas Heat (hot and spicy) make each meal a true one-of-a-kind deal. Want to take the great flavor home? Melissa sells the sauces in reusable jars.
Side dishes are authentic crowd pleasers and include potato, macaroni and pasta salads; cole slaw; mac n’ cheese; baked beans; and Southern-style collard greens.
Catering and takeout are available, as are smoked meats by the pound. Follow along on Facebook for all the latest news. The shop is closed Mondays.
M n M Catering BBQ & Smoked Meats is located inside Market at Liberty Place at 148 W. State St. (610) 235-6375.
Market at Liberty Place is a year-round upscale farmers’ market that is also home to Buddy’s Burgers, Yo’R So Sweet, State Street Pizza & Grill, Terra Foods, Paradocx Vineyard and the soon-to-open Sugar Daddy’s Bake Shoppe.
- Photos: Ed Williams
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