Those of us who are staying in town for the weekend are likely planning a picnic with barbecue. The above photo features a makeshift barbecue pit near Lewiston Road in Northeast Greensboro. The hardwood had burned to coals, perfect for cooking which will likely take up to 12 hours. The smell of smoldering hardwood is distinctive and to us, evokes memories of fall. We were struck by the simplicity of this pit, the use of cinder blocks and bricks assembled in a U shape to contain the heat. Smoking meat this way in North Carolina dates back to before Europeans arrived. You don't need a fancy grill to prepare great meat.
In Greensboro, once a person decides what method they will use to cook Labor Day barbecue, a decision needs to be made about what kind of sauce to use. There is the "down east" vinegar barbecue and the "out west" Lexington style where ketchup is mixed in with vinegar. Do you have a preference. While they will be closed today, if you are looking for barbecue in a restaurant in Greensboro, Stamey's Barbecue, Country Barbecue, and Bernie's Bar-B-Que are great local options. Smithfield's Chicken 'N-Bar-B-Q, Mac's Speed Shop, and Hickory Tree Turkey BBQ are also great options. If you are local, likely, your decision is already made about who serves the best barbecue. We hope you have a great Labor Day, regardless of what you end up eating. In preparing this post, we found a couple of good sites, if case you are interested and have a little extra time today: North Carolina Barbecue: East vs West and Labor Day in North Carolina. Did you know Labor Day wasn't broadly adopted in North Carolina until it became a federal holiday? Also, there used to be Labor Day Parades, even fireworks!
Happy Monday!
UPDATE: We just drove by Stamey's and they are open!!!
(Should we swing back around when the barbecue is ready? This has got to be the best slow-cooked meat in town!).
Not as big a tradition in Canada.
Posted by: William Kendall | Saturday, September 09, 2023 at 04:57 PM