I'll start by telling you that I am pretty biased. The best barbecue in the world comes from a place called Stamey's in Greensboro, NC.
This is the barbecue I grew up with. I can remember one summer I spent with my grandparents. My grandfather would take me to Stamey's almost daily. We'd either get our barbecue to go or we'd just belly up to the counter and eat it right there. It was the best. And still is.
I know, them's fight'n words. But, before you get all bent out of shape, I also believe in having an open mind.
For me, barbecue isn't all about taste. It's also about the memories and I'll never forget those days with my grandfather.
Now, back to being open-minded.
I have had the good fortune to travel a little in the great state of North Carolina here of late. And some of those travels have taken me down barbecue road a little ways. This is a road I love to travel and hope it has no end.
About a month ago, I was in Roanoke Rapids working on a magazine for Journal Communications called Images of the Roanoke Valley.
The story took my on a miniature barbecue tour of the area. I got to visit Ralph's Barbecue in Weldon, NC, Lynch's Barbecue and Grill in Hollister, NC, and Whitaker's Barbecue in Scotland Neck, NC.
But my most interesting barbecue trip thus far was a few months ago when I had the good fortune of spending some time in Kinston, NC, home of King's barbecue. (This is one of those times when being open-minded is key.) King's is home of the "Pig in a Pup." It's barbecue served inside an enormous hushpuppy, the size of a small hoagie roll.
This is by far the most peculiar barbecue creation I have come across to date. And, to be honest, it's not half bad.
As I crisscross the state over the next few months, I plan on getting my fill of barbecue. But, no matter whose barbecue it is, it will always remind me of the times spent with my grandfather on a stool at Stamey's.
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