Barbeque

What would be Thoughts from the Southland without a few words about one of the South's finest forms of food. I'm not talking about Crawfish, Oysters, Shrimp, Fried Chicken, Okra, or anything else. No, as if you didn't already know from the title of this post, I am talking about the Swine of the South, Barbeque.

There are many forms of Barbeque. Many people, or states, claim that there's is best or there's is the original Barbeque. However, each would be wrong, in my opinion, unless they are a state with two words with the second being Carolina.

Barbeque is an old time tradition, and given that North and South Carolina are part of the original 13 Colonies it's safe to say that we've been doing it a lot longer than the rest of you. No offense. You're stuff's great. I am an equal opportunity Barbeque eater, but Carolina 'que is by far and away the pick of the litter.

There are varying styles of Carolina 'que to choose from. In Eastern NC it's Vinegar, in the West it's tomato. In Eastern SC it's Vinegar with Black Pepper and a touch of ketchup. In Columbia, it's Mustard. However, the best by far is Eastern South Carolina. The meat is full of flavor and is never dry. (Sorry, but while Lexington, NC and Eastern NC 'que is excellent, it usually requires some add-ons because it is either over cooked, or not seasoned enough to avoid the dried out taste.)

Here's what I believe. I believe that the best barbeque in the area is bought at Cooper's Country Store in Salters, SC. It's in the middle of nowhere, and it's not a restuarant, as much as it is what the name says, a Country Store. They don't make stores like this anymore, and they certainly don't make barbeque this good anywhere else. That being said, a close second is Schoolhouse Barbeque in Scranton, SC.

At Cooper's you walk into an old store on the side of the highway, past the usual trinkets, the coolers with glass bottled Coca-Cola, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, etc. To the back where the Pig's feet are sold along with Fried Pork Skins. There's a cooler with barbeque sandwiches await your demise. The first time I ever went into Cooper's I bought one sandwich. Just one. It wasn't until I was about 15 miles down the road, getting closer and closer to Georgetown when I finally bit into that sandwich. It wasn't long after that first bite that I began plotting ways to break into Cooper's that night to get at more of the 'que. Fortunately, I decided against common breaking and entering and resigned myself to wait until my next trip that way. However, I wouldn't make the same mistake that I did my first time to Cooper's. My second trip to Cooper's I walked out of there with 4 pints of 'que and never looked back. It's damn good and if you know what's good for you, you'll stop there everytime you have the chance. I sure as hell will.