Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, October 22, 2022

Mountain View News Saturday, September 10, 202210 Mountain View News Saturday, September 10, 202210 
The Chef Knows By Peter Dills 
CRAFT BY SMOKE AND FIRE 

Long before the internet my father, Elmer Dills, would go into a restaurant 
and steal a copy of the menu for the restaurant he was reviewing. Why? Simply 
so he could remember all the dishes that were offered and their prices so 
he could ensure that his article was correct. 
Speaking of past critiques, the LA Times had a review called “First Impression” 
which is, as it sounds, a review that spotlighted a restaurant on its 
first visit by the reviewer. I think a restaurant should at least be given the 
opportunity for its paint to dry before any review or post is made. Another 
reviewer, Merrill Shindler, who I respect and admire for his 40 years of reviewing, 
restaurant feels if they are charging full price then they are ready 
for a full review. 

So, here goes! I went to the new Craft by Smoke and Fire restaurant at the 
newly renamed “Shops at Santa Anita” in Arcadia for lunch, and here is my 
first impression: Located in the space last occupied by Wood Ranch BBQ, Craft has continued the BBQ 
theme and my first impression is A-OK!! It wasn’t perfect – maybe because it was lunchtime and had 
only one server and one busboy to take care of all the tables, but our server Mariah sure gave it an all 
American try, no excuses. Menus were on time and water arrived quickly. If she had time perhaps a 
few suggestions would have been helpful, but this isn’t my first BBQ joint, so I went right for the Beef 
Brisket ($26) with a side of chili a la Du Monde beer. My table mates opted for sandwiches including 
Brisket Grilled Cheese and the Southern Fried Steak that the menu describes as legendary ($18). My 
quick poll got thumbs up from all -was everyone just hungry? No, they seemed sincere. My only other 
thought (besides Mariah not having help) was the proverbial manager coming by to ask how everything 
was, or in my mind, I just didn’t feel a sense of urgency for me to come back tomorrow. Maybe 
with a full staff I would or might. Friends have raved and I see potential. Is it the post-COVID syndrome 
of lean and mean? My days of eating at Robins Wood Fire BBQ were not matched, but the prices 
were very reasonable. As Napoleon said, “I will return”… or was that George C. Scott? 

All things considered, my first impression is a thumbs up! 

Full bar with many TV’s 

Craft by Smoke and Fire 400 S. Baldwin Ave Arcadia (626) 461-5023 


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