NC

Linkdown: 5/8/24 – The Tar Heel Traveler Edition

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Monk: The Tar Heel Traveler is the “nom de vlogger” of Scott Mason, long time contributor to WRAL in Raleigh. He joined the station in 1997 and recently hit the milestone of 2500 segments.

In his own words, “I love traveling the back roads of North Carolina,” said Mason. “What an amazing state to explore, full of so many fascinating sights and colorful people. I also love to eat! Hot dogs, hamburgers, biscuits, barbecue, donuts, and ice cream – nothing’s better than enjoying a scrumptious treat and warm fellowship in old-timey landmarks with faded awnings and creaky floors.”

While he doesn’t do barbecue restaurants exclusively, here are four of the more recent ones he’s done that has focused on our favorite cuisine.

And while you’re at it, read our review of his book, “Tar Heel Traveler Eats.”

Skylight Inn in Ayden (doesn’t seem to be on YouTube yet)

Lexington Barbecue in Lexington

Description: Lexington is often thought to be the barbecue capital of the world, and the restaurant that bears the town’s name has a long, loyal following.

Grady’s BBQ in Dudley

Lawrence and Perry BBQ from last year’s NC State Fair

Description: The two 36-year-old friends met in kindergarten in Warren County. Today, they operate a barbeque food truck. Tar Heel Traveler Scott Mason caught with the duo, who came to the state fair to sell barbeque for the first time.

Linkdown: 5/1/24 – The It’s Gonna be May Edition

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Monk: April was a busy month for ol’ Monk here, but we’re back with the first linkdown in a while. Hoping to get back to a more regular schedule now.

Native News

John Tanner on Bum’s in Ayden

The 40th Lexington Barbecue Festival will be on October 26

ICYMI

Non-Native News

John Tanner has started a “survey of SC barbecue and hash” if you want to follow along on his blog; here are the first entries

Damien Brockway of Distant Relatives and Deepa Shridhar are teaming up for a barbecue-Indian lunch service this week

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ‘s Buda restaurant is temporarily closed while they sell to new management

The Pit Room‘s second location is now open in Memorial, TX

On a recent trip to NYC, Daniel Vaughn finds some promise in Bark Barbecue, located in a stall in the Time Out Market food hall, but also finds that the city’s best barbecue days may be behind it

Congrats to Meat Church on 10 Years!

Ron Simmons Breaks Down the Carolina BBQ Festival

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Monk: Ron Simmons of Master Blend Family Farms recaps his time at the Caroline BBQ Festival earlier this month, with some sound bites from satisfied patrons of the festival.

Description: The Master Blend Gang would like to thank the city of Charlotte again for the opportunity to enjoy making new friends, sharing great laughs, and celebrating the culinary experience of barbecue. You guys made this year a treat, and it did not go unnoticed. Be sure to take care of yourselves and each other. All Gas No Brakes 365!!

The Smoke Sheet and friends meet for Barbecue Saturday

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Monk: Earlier this month, Ryan (aka BBQ Tourist) and Sean (aka NYC BBQ) of The Smoke Sheet invited myself, Ronald Simmons of Master Blend Family Farms, Michael “Chigger” Willard of the Low and Slow Barbecue Show, and Paige Hogan of Barbecued_ to meet up at Jon G’s Barbecue for a Barbecue Saturday while they were in town from Omaha and New Jersey, respectively.

Not to be outdone, Ronald invited his friend and videographer Paul to video the experience, and this is how it turned out. Enjoy!

Description: The floodgates have opened in Peachland, NC. The Master Blend Gang, The Smoke Sheet, Barbecue Bros, Big Chigger, and Barbecued’s Paige all at Jon G’s, maxing out on a barbecue kick. Sean & Ryan, thank you so much for the honor! Tommy, Paige, and Will, it was incredible meeting you guys! Chigger, you are the man!! Thank you to the Jon G Pit crew for showing us such warm hospitality! Let’s get ready to bring the house down at 2024’s Carolina BBQ Festival. All Gas No Brakes 365!!