@huskiesNhoos @Waquoit
My wife grew up in western NC and went to school at UNC--eastern nc sauce territory. Western sauce is the way to go in her opinion, and I've gotta agree. There's so little sweetness to the eastern style and the vinegar is overpowering to me. I'm sensitive to acidity I guess. I've probably been to 50 bbq places in NC from Asheville to Wilmington.
Common misconception is that western style doesn't have vinegar. They all have vinegar, it's just got that sweetness and red color from the ketchup. Some are closer to 50/50 ketchup and vinegar, others probably closer to 90/10, it just depends on the spot.
Only thing I don't really like about western is some people chop it up so much it has the consistency of applesauce. I'll often ask for a light chop. Lexington is famous for their western style bbq, but I can't stand it because of the texture. Makes me feel like I'm in an old folks home.
My wife's been a vegetarian for 17 years and still gets fighting mad if folks say beef is bbq. The only thing that should be bbq is pork shoulder (whole hog is acceptable).
Anyone in NC--especially anywhere west of Hickory--hit me up. I've got recs.
