Q

It is my personal belief that most folks have an allegiance to the BBQ that they grew up with.  Some are pretty doggone and adamant about it too! Others have had the poor misfortune of growing up Q-less, but have adapted a particular variety.  They, too, seem quite parochial in their taste.

Now, I have come to appreciate good BBQ in almost every form and fashion. Most of what I have partaken has been in the following “general” Carolina varieties:

NC Piedmont/Lexington Style – cooked from pork shoulders with a thin ketchup/brown sugar/vinegar type of sauce.  The meat is chopped and moist. It comes by the sandwich, plate, or tray with varying accompaniments of hush puppies, slaw, or fries.

Eastern NC Style – is cooked from the whole hog with a peppery vinegar sauce.  The meat is chopped and dry.  It comes by plate featuring various items since buffets are the norm but not the rule.  Likely, sides will be boiled potatoes, yellow or regular slaw, Brunswick stew, beans, fried chicken, etc. Sandwiches are also available.

South Carolina Style – cooked from the whole hog with a varying mustard-based sauce (but sometimes pepper/vinegar).  The meat is pulled or chopped.  It comes mainly in buffet style featuring fried chicken, beans, okra, greens, slaw, etc.  Sandwiches are also available.

Now, I, to have a favorite, NC Piedmont Q.  Also, I have an age-old preference toward sandwich-style BBQ with red slaw, hush puppies, and sweet tea.  However, recently I have come to appreciate such sides as fried okra and greens along with my half and half tea. So, although I will try to denote my particular eatings while you shuffle through these lists and links, it would be best to keep this in mind as to my preferences.

The categories “Destination Q” and “Vicinity Q” barbecue is the distinguishing tool I will use for my favorites.  Destination Q is really GREAT barbecue. I would drive out of my way to partake and perhaps make it my ultimate destination. Vicinity Q is still real GOOD , way above the average que, and a favorite, but not one I would really drive far distances to eat.  I like it a lot, but it does not approach the golden fleece of Qdom for me as the Destination Q/Great provides.

Please be aware that those not listed in these categories should not be thought of as not being great Q joints.  Perhaps I have not eaten there yet!

Below are some further links that have aided in my targeting of good Q places or are just plain interesting:

* North Carolina Barbecue Society:
NC BBQ Society

*  South Carolina Barbecue Association:
SCBA

*  A Guide to Georgia Barbecue:
Georgia Blogspot

*  The Barbecue Song.  I love this one!  Also, nice guide to the different Q States:
BBQ Song

Also, speaking of help, I got lots of it from the ole Que/lunch Posse that have traveled far and wide to try out succulent barbecue with me.  So special thanks to of course Annabelle, Chickidee, BennyB, Bobby, DandyDoug, Darla, Don Juan, Hurricane, Ironman, LeCue,  Messy, MiaMyra, Penguin, TGB, Weave, and Wing.