Loven Fresh Baking Company

In terms of BBQ, you may think that this Yankee probably doesn't have much authority regarding it.  Let me briefly describe my experience with BBQ.  I have eaten at some of the premiere BBQ capitals in the US.  I have been to NC and had the deliciously tangy mustard sauces; I have lived in Texas and sampled their bold, black-peppery flavors; I have traveled to KC and consumed their paprika-heavy sauces, and in-your-face dry rubs; lastly, I have lived in Memphis for over 8 months now and have eaten at many of this city's best BBQ locations.  Does this make me an expert?  Maybe...and maybe not?  Regardless, I have experience with the whole spectrum of BBQ, and will detail my findings regarding Loven Fresh Baking Company below.

Food: The food ranged from surprising, to pleasantly delicious.  Let's start with the surprising: The Potato Salad.  Wow.  I was not expecting that combination of flavors in my mouth.  I have had so many potato salads, and this was by far the most unique.  It tasted like a sour cream dressing, with chives (or scallions), and bacon.  Almost more like a 'Loaded Baked Potato' Salad, then a traditional potato salad.  I really, really liked it!  Awesome, unique flavors I have not had anywhere else.  Also surprising were the Baked Beans.  I liked these a lot too.  They had a great combination and balance of heat and sweet.  I prefer the sauce of my baked beans to be a little thicker...that is my only complaint.  I was very fond of these as well.

When it comes to BBQ, I am literally crazy for Pulled Pork.  I mean, if pulled pork is on the menu, I am ordering it in a mass amount.  This is what we did on this occasion as well.  So in terms of the meat, I have only eaten their pulled pork.  This was underwhelming.  It was the dry-est pulled pork I have had in Memphis thus far...and that saddens me.  It wasn't offensively dry; but dry enough where it REQUIRED BBQ sauce.  I find that great pulled pork sometimes is great with minimal BBQ sauce; like I said, BBQ was required with this pork.  Despite the prevalent dry-ness though, the flavor was really nice.  It had a great smoke flavor that finished cleanly...no bitterness.

The least successful thing we ate was the coleslaw.  It lacked flavor in my opinion, and had a little too much vinegar bite for my liking.  

The BBQ Sauce was good, but it was also the least successful BBQ sauce I have had in Memphis so far.  Central BBQ is by far my favorite, and I also have a fondness for Jim and Nick's unique BBQ as well.  Loven Fresh's was a little bit forgettable, with very basic flavors.  There was no depth to the flavor.

Food: Sides (5,5,2 = 4) Pork (3) BBQ (3) = 3 / 5

Atmosphere: N/A.  It is a take-out location only

Service: The service was friendly, and was exactly what was expected.

Service: 3 / 5

Price: The price was actually very reasonable.  I think it was about $20 for all three of us.  We got the second smallest size of sides (pints I think?), and one large container of the Pulled Pork with a side of BBQ.  That really isn't bad for three people.  For pretty decent quality BBQ, it was cheaper than three meals at McDonalds, and one million times better.

Price: 4 / 5

Final Thoughts: There are VERY FEW dining options in Oakland, TN.  In fact, given my 10 years of restaurant experience, I have seriously considered opening one.  I think it would make a killing in profit.  Anyway, regarding Loven Fresh, I think it benefits from not having any direct competition in the area.  Brad's BBQ is down the street, but I haven't tried it yet so I can't really comment on it.  I would be willing to bet though, that in the coming years, more and more restaurants will start popping-up, and this may be problematic for Loven Fresh.  It is middle-of-the-road BBQ, with some deliciously surprising offerings; but its only purpose for my family would be grabbing something quick, easy, and right down the street if I was in the mood for BBQ and didn't feel like traveling far.  I would really like to try some of their sandwiches though, and when I do, I will update this review.

Good BBQ. You order inside in a tiny room, then you can get it to go or sit on the small patio next to the smokers. We sat outside and I smelled like smoke the rest of the day (this is a good thing). Lots of choices on the menu. I got a half rack of ribs with beans and slaw. The sides were really good; some of the best beans I've had. Ribs were served wet. I prefer dry, but didn't mind. They were really good. The meat easily slid off the bone. The sauce wasn't my favorite, but it was still very good. Go visit If you're out in Oakland or if you've got time for a drive on a Saturday.

The folks have no inside seating, though they have their BBQ cooking equipment and seating outdoors. They are also a bakery.

Overall, everything is okay (the bread, the flavors, the meat, the slaw), but the meat is slightly on the dry side for the BBQ sandwich.