Babetoo, I cracked up. About a dozen years ago, on a road trip, I revisited the Vandenberg AFB area where I went to high school. People kept talking about Santa Maria BBQ. I finally asked, what in the aitch-ee-double-hockey-sticks are you talking about? "Oh, tri-trips and pinquito beans." I cracked up, it was something we had often, maybe monthly, when we lived in the area! Hubby and i had it many times when we were on the road in that area, renewing old family & acquaintances. I've often been told what cut the tri-tips are, but around here it isn't called that (I still don't remember, a part of the sirloin, I think?). But my soy sauce-based marinade was a big hit with all of my California buddies. I still maintain that if you won't eat it rare, then braise or stew it because it gets really tough!