This year we’re studying North Carolina, and it’s impossible to study the culture of this Southern state without looking at the tradition of barbeque. Smoking meat is a big deal here, but it’s changing with the convenience of gas heat for cooking – and that’s why we went old school and visited The Hillsborough BBQ Company to get the real thing.
The Hillsborough BBQ Company has a hole-in-the-wall appearance and is set off the main streets of town, but don’t let it’s facade fool you. Their food is worth driving a bit farther for – and it’s no secret. Everything in the restaurant except two items are made completely on site – from the salad dressings to the desserts. It’s not just the meat that they take seriously – it’s every part of their menu.
The owner gave us a tour. After admiring the huge pile of hickory piled out back, we headed to the pit. The wood burned on the right, and the coals were spread under the meat – turkey breasts, ribs, brisket, chicken, and pork. The meat is smoked until it’s 75% cooked, and then it’s double-wrapped in foil to be finished in the oven when you order. This way your food is always freshly finished prepared just for you.
When you place an order, a ‘que call goes out. Here the pitmaster removes the fat from the pork and chops it.
Does that look good or what?
We couldn’t decide what to order, so we ordered a multi-meat plate and a sandwich and shared the whole thing. We were so excited that I forgot to take a picture when our food first arrived, but here’s how our food looked after we split it up. Awesome, isn’t it?
The food at The Hillsborough BBQ Company is amazing. The aroma alone will grab you from the parking lot and draw you in, and you’ll definitely want to come back for more. We couldn’t wait – we headed back the following week for a family dinner.
Hillsborough BBQ is a new family favorite. If you’re looking for some traditional Southern barbecue, this is the place to go.
How do you like your ‘que?
