Smokin' With Chris restaurant may have gotten a nod for best barbecue in Hartford County recently, but owner Chris Conlon said his greatest reward has been meeting new people since he opened five years ago.

"It's half the fun of owning the place," Conlon said. "We like to know our customers, so most of the time I'm walking around the restaurant talking to people."

Although Conlon enjoys making new friendships and sharing stories with those frequenting his 59 West Center Street eatery, he said awards don't hurt.

He his recent honor by Connecticut Magazine tied Smokin' With Chris with Black-Eyed Sally's for best barbecue in Hartford County. Conlon said he was not even aware he was in the running, since normally eateries are alerted ahead of time so patrons can cast votes.

"It was a total surprise, I had no idea until they called me," Conlon said. "We really don't advertise, so it's all word of mouth for us, which is really great."

Conlon's place combines good food and music, featuring live jazz, folk and other genres on the weekends and a Tuesday night "back room blues" night.

Also receiving the best chili award at the United Way Chili contest last year, Conlon's bragging rights stem from an outdoor smoker that uses wood-fire and 75 - 100 gallons of water at any given time. That gives his pork, steaks and ribs a moist, smoked taste he says his customers love. And all his menu items are also made from scratch.

Conlon admits he's a perfectionist of sorts, but he's still a relative rookie in the restaurant business. The 54-year old father of four retired from the West Hartford Fire Department, bought a rig to transport his smoker, and began cooking at different events and venues.

In February 2006 he bought Smokin' with Chris, and he hasn't stopped working...until now.

"I'm finally taking my first vacation in five years," Conlon said. "It's been fun, but it's tiring, I've been going full force since we started."

Being so committed and consumed with work makes it hard to let go of the reigns and let his staff take over at times, he said, but he's learning.

"Oh yeah, I've learned a lot in five years, between becoming a chef, teaching, and everything else that's involved," Conlon said. "I'm proud of what we've done so far."

Conlon's next challenge will be the United Way Chili Contest taking place at Hawk's Landing January 29th from Noon to 3 p.m. All are welcome to attend, with a $10 donation.

He said his long-term goal is to simply keep improving his restaurant, and providing a family friendly, and female-friendly atmosphere.

"I like that this is a place where ladies can come and not be bothered, and just enjoy themselves," Conlon said. "There aren't many places in town where they can do that."