BBQ WARS

Today was an epiphany. A Bar B Q epiphany, but an epiphany none the less.

I guess a little back story is in order. I live in a town at war. Not the kind that continues in the Middle East, but one that is no less bloody and much much longer. Churches, friendships and families have been torn apart over this war. The lines have been drawn and the people have chosen sides.

For those of you familiar with BBQ and it’s history, I live in western North Carolina. home of PULLED PORK BBQ ( the one true BBQ in my opinion ). North Carolina BBQ is pork shoulder slow smoked over hardwood (sometimes Hickory, sometimes Oak) served with a thin sauce, that usually contains vinegar and other spices, and accompanied by BBQ Slaw ( a finely chopped slaw that is colored red due to the inclusion of either BBQ sauce or ketchup).

Back to the story already in progress…..

The war in Shelby (the name of my town) is waged by two main players. Bridges BBQ Lodge on the left

and Alston Bridges Barbecue to the right. (no relation, by the way).

Now in fairness I had never been to Alston Bridges until today. I had been a Bridges BBQ Lodge man through and through. Bridges BBQ Lodge is a 50’s style building that oozes with southern kitsch and charm. I normally order a Jumbo BBQ Plate. which includes approximately 12 oz. of chopped(pulled) BBQ a side of baked beans, BBQ slaw and home cut french fries (buns are free if you ask). You also get a basket of hush puppies that is refilled so quickly that you would think that it was magic. I usually order a glass of sweet tea with lemon to drink, as I find the sweetness of the tea cuts through the fat of the pork. This tea is so sweet that it could put you into a diabetic coma. But I digress, the BBQ at “the Lodge” is good, not great but very good, slightly smoky and fairly wet. The french fries are excellent as is the slaw. Definitely a good restaurant and I would recommend it to anyone.

Today, however, I decided to try someplace different for lunch. I arrived at Alston Bridges shortly after one. The parking lot was still packed from the lunch rush as I pulled in. A good sign by all accounts. I ordered my usual test order: A BBQ sandwich with the slaw on the side, an order of french fries and a glass of sweet tea. Immediately, I was struck by the fact that you can order your BBQ “Large Chopped Brown.” Which means that it is not chopped as finely and they leave bits of the browned edges of the shoulder in it. This adds flavor and texture. I decided to get my order to go so that I could eat outside at the park. I received my order promptly and the cashier was very friendly for a busy lunch rush. I ate my fries first, because I did not want them to get cold as I drove to the park. The fries are not home made, but they were hot and crisp. They reminded me of the thick chips from a good “fish and chip” stall in London. The tea was fair, nothing to write home about. The slaw was OK. It was when I tasted the sandwich that I had my epiphany. The BBQ was smoky and just dry enough to give it texture. The sauce was present but as a flavor enhancer to the meat, not as a flavor itself. This is what a BBQ sandwich should be. Pure, smoky goodness. This will definitely be a taste memory that I will hold on to.

I believe that I have a new favorite BBQ restaurant in Shelby. There, I said it I switched sides. Now I am not going to forsake “the Lodge “, I still enjoy their atmosphere and sides. But for great BBQ itself I will choose Alston Bridges.