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Barbeque,
one of the most recognizable words in American cuisine, is a source of
argument across the country. Depending on where in the nation you may
be, barbeque can mean something completely different than what your
neighbor would describe. In Texas it’s beef, in St. Louis it’s ribs, and
in North Carolina it’s all about the pork. Even in North Carolina, the
debates have gotten so heated between fans of Eastern Carolina and
Western Carolina style barbeque that the State government was involved
to declare the “official” BBQ style of North Carolina. Being raised in
eastern North Carolina, I have to side with the east. As time has
marched on, the days of the Pig Pickin' have begun to fade away.
However, several legendary restaurants in eastern North Carolina keep
the tradition of ENC barbeque alive. One of the most celebrated of these
is B’s Barbeque, right here in Greenville. Opened in the 1970s by
William “B” McLawhorn, B’s is still a family owned and operated.
For those unfamiliar with eastern North Carolina barbeque, it is method
of cooking older than the United States itself. The method, originally
created in the Caribbean islands was imported to North Carolina in the
early days of the colonies making it one of the oldest styles (if not
the original) of cooking BBQ. ENC style is a whole hog, slow cooked,
most times with hickory or apple wood smoked, then doused in a tangy
apple cider vinegar sauce, and chopped fine.
Though the atmosphere may not be what many people think of when they
imagine a dealer of truly great food, B’s atmosphere gives its patron’s
a feel of the “Old South.” Your meal is served cafeteria style, and your
seating choices are either picnic tables inside or outside under the
shade of the trees that surround the establishment, or inside at tables
lined with. Unlike many other barbeque establishments, B’s never freezes
any of their pigs, so that every time you eat, you are getting the
freshest product possible. The rustic feel, southern manners, and
amazing pork have led B’s to be considered one of the best barbeque
stops in the country, as well as being on the North Carolina Barbeque
Society’s “Historic Barbeque Trail.”
B’s is one of those places that, in the opinion of this foodie, proves
that roadside dives can offer food as delicious if not more than the
most extravagant 4 star restaurant. Situated just passed the ECU Medical
campus, at the corner of West 5th street and B’s Barbeque Road, B’s is a
culinary Mecca that any barbeque lover would gladly make a pilgrimage
to. If you get lost, just follow the smoke and the alluring smell of
truly great barbeque. Make sure to arrive early. B’s opens for lunch at
11am, Tuesday through Saturday, and closes whenever the food runs out.
Location: C | Atmosphere: A | Service: A+
| Food Quality: A+
Price Range: Lunch: $6 - $10 per meal
Overall Grade: A+
Want to see your favorite restaurant in G-Vegas Magazine? Email your
suggestions to thebigus@yahoo.com.. |
