The buzz on Beans

Good news and bad news.
The good: If you got into Judge Bean's Bar-B-Que's special Thursday night "soft opening" you enjoyed brisket wraps, Diablos (jalapenos stuffed with smoked shrimp or chicken and chicken, then wrapped in bacon), cowboy beans, barbecue beans, all the beer you could drink and music by Trent Wilmon and Wade Hayes.
The bad: If you didn't go or didn't get in, you'll have to wait until the official grand opening on Monday. There's no time for another "softie." There's an outdoor patio to be built and last minute renovation's to be finished.
All this came not from the man himself, but his longtime catering director Mary Louise Haley. I met Mary when I stopped by today to get the scoop.
I also picked up a menu. Looks good. But I don't think Corky's or Stroud's need to worry. Judge Bean's specializes in Texas-style beef barbecue. There's hardly any pork on the menu. And as Southerners, there is always room in our lives for all kinds of barbecue.
And I love this, the "Skinny Jenny": "We even added salad for the Brentwood people. Leaf lettuce, diced tomato, cucumber, bacon bis, sprinkle of cheese w/ blue cheese, balsamic or ranch on the side. $5. Add buzzard or armadillo and the price goes up to $8.50. You figure it out.
OK, enough free advertising. Check it out yourself starting Monday and let me know what you think.
Judge Bean's is located at 7022 Church St. E.