Have you decided on your summer reading? For me a good summer read is interesting and multifaceted for those long days of summer, with a bit of humor – like Oscar Wilde’s play, “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

When I opened the new, yet ever developing menu at T.G.I. Friday’s, I felt as if I were actually opening a production, rather than a menu. It literally has 16 complex acts that revolve around two main characters – Jack Daniels, and his newly introduced cousin “The Jack,” who is apparently a real “winner.”

Ironically, the very idea of two dueling characters is at the core of the “Importance of Being Earnest,” a complex and comical tale of two “earnest” friends, one of whom is also known as Jack – under certain circumstances.

On the Friday’s menu, the twists are not so complicated. You can get many items with either the original Jack Daniels glaze or the new Jack Championship barbecue sauce that is endearingly referred to as: “The Jack.” So once you choose the “Jack” that most appeals to you, you can go back time and time again … all summer long.

To get a feel for “The Jack,” I ordered a full order of baby back ribs with this new Jack Championship BBQ sauce. The ribs were dusted with seasoning, the sauce served on the side. The meat was so tender the ribs fell apart when I picked them up (word is they are slow cooked at low heat almost as long as a summer day). The award-winning sauce is definitely worth trying.

For a taste of the tried and true, it was two generously portioned, grilled, fork-tender chicken breasts from the original Jack Daniel’s grill with the glaze on the side.

As I tasted the two sauces for differences to report here, I realized how hard it must be for people who judge food. I know that the taste of wine holds and reflects layers of flavors from the soil, climate and essence of the grape, and the ingredients in sauces do the same.

For “The Jack” barbecue sauce, I first tasted tomato, then the smoky flavor and then a definite, spicy kick of the chili pepper flakes that were visible in the reddish sauce.

The Jack Daniels glaze, on the other hand, was deep brown with a bolt of sweetness first, that moved to the variety of foundational spices and finally the taste of the onion flakes swimming about. Both had the essence of the whiskey after which they are named. Both a good choice depending on your mood and taste.

The supporting characters, too, were well developed and added enjoyable edges to the story. The seasoned fries with the ribs were especially appetizing – crispy, with an all-spice type seasoning. For potatoes with a different upbringing, thick whipped potatoes with cheese and chives were abundant and delicious with the chicken, as well as veggies with a bit of a spicy seasoning.

I agree with Wilde, a little of both works well, and T.G.I. Friday’s offers all this and more.

— Our anonymous food reviewer gives new restaurants a six-week grace period before reviewing. To comment, contact Managing Editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235 or via e-mail to malexieff@bgdailynews.com.

T.G.I. FRIDAY’S

2019 Scottsville Road

780-9919

Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday

Cuisine: American

Price range: $9.99 to $21.99

Specialties: Grill

Libation situation: Full bar

Smoking: Yes