Running a Bit Behind on #Beersaturday

Last week, I was out of town in the "Big City" of Charlotte, North Carolina helping my son get into his new digs. Funny, you launch them one week and the next week you right there helping them settle in.

Moving to a new city and starting your first "real job" can be one of those life challenges. And while I let him be for the first few weeks, I called to see if he could use a little company for a few days.

He of course said that would be great! So spent a few days with him in Charlotte. And if truth be told I was missing the boy probably more than he was missing home, or I should say his old home.
Besides, he and I actually enjoy each others company!

The @handofzara has two culinary passions, BEER and PIG!

Now I have a weakness for a pulled pork sandwich. In the Carolinas, there exists an unsettled feud on how best to prepare, The true reigning Champion is Eastern North Carolina BBQ that consisting of a whole hog, slow roasted in a vinegar sauce. The other contender is the Lexington BBQ, which is pork butt slow roasted with Hickory Wood and slathered in a tomato base sauce. And then down in South Carolina they go plumb crazy and use a Mustard Sauce.

Fortunately, the the Midwood Smokehouse cooks the pig Eastern North Carolina style in a vinegar based sauced. Although, they do use Hickory Wood, and yes you can taste the hickory which is not something done in Eastern North Carolina, since there are no hickory trees down east. Exclusive inside information is hereby provided, that only an aficionado such as your very own @handofzara would notice.

I ordered a pulled pork sandwich, with coleslaw on top with a side of sweet potato fries.

God Bless the South!

When it comes to ordering beer in a new place, I have one rule that I never break unless the option is unavailable. When in doubt order a helles or a kolsch or a lager and in that order.

The Creature of Habit helles by Lenny Boy Brewing of Charlotte, North Carolina. And in accordance with the @handofzara rules perfect with a pulled pork sandwich.

Now a time for a slight confession! If you had not guessed, the @handofzara prefers Eastern North Carolina BBQ, and while I will tolerate Lexington BBQ, several years ago I learned to appreciate what the folks in South Carolina got going on with that mustard sauce.

Now don't tell any of my neighbors, as things can get a little heated over BBQ in these parts, but I did order a side of the mustard sauce for occasional dipping purposes only.

Have a great week and hopefully I will see y'all next #beersaturday on time and well rested.