Cathleen Allison/Nevada AppealMustang Sallie and Greg "Smack Dog" Hendricks joke Wednesday about their upcoming Biscuits and Gravy Throwdown. The challenge, being held at Crossroads Bar, will benefit the Carson City Raiders Booster Club, which gives gifts to seniors during the holidays.
It's going to get pretty hot in the kitchen Sunday as Mustang Sallie has issued a throw-down challenge to Greg "Smack Dog" Hendricks as to who has the best biscuits and gravy in Carson City.
Mustang Sallie, owner of Deuce's Grill, made the challenge just days ago, but word has spread from Carson City to Reno and several outlying areas that the two are going head-to-head for bragging rights.
"I'm going to win," declared Mustang Sallie, whose recipe came from her great-grandmother, Nevada, from Colorado.
"I am," Smack Dog answered back, who got his recipe from friend "Chef Tiny" in Reno 25 years ago.
"I'm excited. I don't think I've ever kicked a dog before," Mustang Sallie said.
Each recipe will be made from scratch.
"My recipe was known as the best biscuits and gravy recipe in Reno 25 years ago," Smack Dog said. "It will be known as the best in Carson City after Sunday."
After reading an article about a nonprofit group in Carson City holding a fundraiser to adopt homebound seniors in Carson City, Mustang Sallie decided to issue the challenge to Smack Dog and raise funds to help ensure the group " the Carson City Raiders Booster Club " had enough money to buy gifts for the seniors.
"It ought to be a lot of fun," Hendricks said. "I've not every done anything like this before. I haven't cooked for the public in more than 20 years. I've been tending bar since 1984."
"I've sampled Greg's biscuits and gravy," said Mustang Sallie. "They're excellent. I challenged him and he graciously accepted. Then he started talking smack."
"She should be shaking in her boots," Hendricks said.
"I'm not scared," Mustang Sallie retorted.
The throwdown is open to the public, who can vote in a blind taste test to determine the winner. It will be 9 a.m.-noon Sunday at The Crossroads Lounge, 300 E. Winnie Lane.
A donation will be accepted for the tastings.
The votes will be counted at noon by "Honest Abe."
"If he wins, I might have to give him a part-time job at the grille," Mustang Sallie said.
"I'd like to hit him with a rolling pin, but he's my bartender."
- Contact Rhonda Costa at rcosta@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.