Grab-N-Go wrap at Goochy Goo Barbecue

304 N. 71 Highway, Savannah, Mo., (816) 294-1882 goochygoobbq@gmail.com

There are many combinations of meat and sides you can have in your wrap. My favorite is the pulled pork and coleslaw.

- Kevin Phillippe, Savannah, Mo.

You won't have trouble finding Goochy Goo Barbecue if you follow your nose. Owner Michael Ventucci has his smoker fired up right in front of the restaurant with wafts of barbecue aroma beckoning you inside. Ventucci and his wife, Dee, opened Goochy Goo part time last summer, and the business has boomed into a full-time gig this year, expanding into catering and office deliveries at lunch. They also have a new red trolley/trailer custom painted by Gary Poling. They keep it out front with their two smokers but also can pull it to events such as May Fest and the Apple Blossom Parade.

They still offer the basics: brisket, pulled pork, turkey, ribs and a three-meat trio, along with four different sides, pop and tea. And recently, they added a Grab-N-Go wrap for the lighter appetites. It's your choice of a meat and side wrapped up in a tortilla.

If you are familiar with Savannah, Goochy Goo is located in the former Co-op gas station restaurant, across the street from Sonic and Conoco on U.S. Highway 71. It's casually decorated with a family-friendly flair with chalk boards on the walls for kids to draw on, picnic tables to sit on and bright red-and-white-checked tablecloths. They also sell the meats alone and ribs by the whole or half slab.

And the name Goochy Goo? Gooch was Michael's nickname in high school. Adding "goo" just seemed to work, especially when it comes to sauces. He makes three kinds: basic goo, sweet goo and spicy goo. They are all goochy good.

Goochy Goo is open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Monday, and credit cards are accepted.

Sylvia anderson | Stjoelive staff