Sweet potato pies, corn on the cob and barbecued ribs — these items and more are offered by Island Bar B-Q, a new Island business that opened in June. Many of its recipes, from barbecue sauce to pound cake, were created by owner N.L. [Northa] Turner, 62, an Island resident of 15 years.

“I love to cook and I’ve catered before, so I decided that I wanted to do something else,” Turner said of starting Island Bar B-Q with the aid of her mother, Lizzie, and friends. Her son, Keith, also helps with the business in the areas of graphic design and computer work.

Turner wanted to fill the absence of any barbecue business on the Island, so she set up a commercial smoker at her North-end home and created a menu, which includes barbecued chicken, pork, shredded beef, hot links, potato salad, baked beans and coleslaw, to name a few. Turner plans to add mustard greens and ham hock, and other items can be special-ordered. All items are personally delivered, whether on Mercer Island or the Eastside.

For more information or to place an order, call Island Bar B-Q at (206) 931-4635.

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