I wanted to pass on a couple of interesting BBQ related items that have come to my attention:
- Butches BBQ in Hickory-Butches bbq hickory nc – Google Maps, has changed its name to Judges BBQ. Still under the same ownership and serving the same Q.
- Lazy Dog Smokehouse and Saloon is now open in Hickory! The joint is hopping every night and look for a review of the Q coming soon. Directions: 2710 N CENTER ST HICKORY NC – Google Maps (The location was formerly the site of the much loved BT’s Burgers.)
- From the founder of the North Carolina BBQ Society comes a new book that I absolutely must have!
Will McKinney has written a new guidebook to North Carolina BBQ called Holy Smoke, Will McKinney, Book – Barnes & Noble. As soon as next payday rolls around and I can pick this bad boy up from the local bookstore, I’ll get a quick synopsis up with a review to follow. I am really looking forward to this book!
- A brand new blog has appeared on the NC BBQ scene. With great reviews, a good sense of humor, and some pretty cool recipes. BBQ Jew is one of my new must reads with lines like: “Shalom!This site shows what happens when the “Chosen People” choose pork. North Carolina pork barbecue to be specific. Restaurant reviews and other posts are added to the main page. The tabs at the top of the page link to more BBQ content. L’Chaim!” And this “Kosher BBQ Recipe”:
Kosher Barbecue
1 small scoop chopped pork BBQ
1 large scoop denial
*Close your eyes, mix ingredients together, take a bite and tell yourself, “I am eating brisket, I am eating brisket.” Please check out and subscribe to this wonderful blog.
North Carolina BBQ Happenings
Eating my way through “Tar Heel Barbecue”: Wilber’s Barbecue
As I stepped out of the car in the parking lot of Wilber’s Barbecue in Goldsboro NC, I was immediately greeted by the wonderful smell of oak and hickory smoke coming from the pits where they cook the whole hogs. A crackling neon sign announced “BBQ.” What a great roadside BBQ stop!
Inside a veritable army of friendly waitresses stood waiting to help arriving customers, a testament to just how popular Wilber’s Barbeuce is. I sat down at a table and admired the history on the walls as my drink and a basket of hushpuppies was delivered along with a menu. The menu gives a nice history of the restaurant, along with providing a list of notables who have visited to dine on BBQ, like former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
The food arrived, (I had ordered fries instead of the standard potato salad,) and it looked great! The pulled pork was in large chunks and was lightly sauced, the cole slaw was fresh and crisp, and the fries were right out of the fryer. The BBQ was a classic example of Eastern North Carolina Style BBQ- vinegar and crushed red pepper flakes. Jim Early says that, “For many people the name Wilber’s and Eastern North Carolina barbecue are synonymous.”
With good food and friendly people, I can see why the North Carolina BBQ Society included Wilber’s on it’s list as part of the NC BBQ Trail. My personal dislike of vinegar means that while it was good, the Eastern Style of NC BBQ isn’t exactly my cup of tea. I think I’m going to spend some time in the mountains and the piedmont checking out the BBQ that is close to home and since it’s made up of more the Western North Carolina BBQ Style, I’m thinking that it will be more to my liking.
4172 U.S. Hwy 70 East
Goldsboro, NC 27534-9242
(919) 778-5218
Tar Heel Barbecue by Jim Early
Tar Heel Barbecue by Jim Early is a guidebook that takes you across the state of North Carolina from “Manteo to Murphy” and to 140 different restaurants that feature the best of North Carolina Barbecue. Proceeds from the purchase of this book benefit Special Olympics North Carolina.
