Several weeks ago we saw add in Ruby Theatre program for Carolina Barbecue and Chicken. Finally saw the restaurant last night right off US70 Bypass and I-95 in Selma. Any opinions of this restaurant compared to McCalls, Smithfield, White Swan, etc? Quality of food and service?
I've seen ads for it, haven't been to it yet.. but they are a sponsor for Reins From Above, the therapeutic handicapped childrens riding program and are providing food for a fundraiser on February 16th. http://www.reinsfromabove.org/events.html
Generally the BBQ I've eaten in Johnston Country reminds me of those served as "eastern NC barbecue" in both Raleigh/Garner area and Rocky Mount...soaked in vinegar, masking what little flavor resides in the pork. I prefer Goldsboro (Wilburs), Wilson (Parkers & Bills), and Kinston (Kings) barbecue with Wilburs being tops with me. Stop by there any afternoon and you can smell it cooking in those wood-fired pits behind the restaurant. Whew...in the best way possible! Hmmm. Even the wood smells good enough to eat. I won't critique this new place too quickly. I'll try it before I give an opinion. Where is it now? Is it on the old 70 business that goes toward Pine Level?
I gotta agree. Love Wilburs. If you go there, ask for the ribs, it's not on the menu, you have to ask for it.
Barbecue, and its varieties, fascinate me. For years, my work has taken me to these different towns so I've had the chance to sample. You can go one town over and get a different perspective on how they like to cook it and how their patrons like to eat it. So, all of eastern NC barbecue is definitely not created equal. Take for instance in Wilson, NC, which is also well noted for BBQ courtesy of Bill Ellis and Parkers on 301. In Wilson, the locals tend to like corn sticks rather than hushpuppies. Corn sticks are long and squared on the end and are generally harder than a typical hushpuppy. I myself don't like them, but they do offer both over there. Wilson has good Brunswick Stew and above average barbecue.
Carolina BBQ I have been there several times. Was told that the owner worked for Parkers BBQ for over 20 years. The BBQ is typical Eastern BBQ, no better than Wilburs but just as good as. Chicken is about the same as Parkers or Bill Ellis in Wilson, Brunswick stew is the best, although I am partial to Parkers, it shows that obviously this guy must of worked at Parkers. They have a variety on their menu and the pricing is reasonable. The best BBQ in Johnston County to me is Stephensons BBQ on 50 Highway at McGhees Xrds.......Hands down. Overall I would rate this as a good place to eat.
