Chapel Hill favorite...

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 12:12:24 GMT

Sarah- if you had to choose ONE dish from ONE restaurant within walking distance of the Mid-Year, what would it be? I told the photographer who asked me what my choice was...I want to see what you say.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 14:39:16 GMT

Mike,

I don't mean to hijack your thread, but any recommendations on where to get the best "Q" in the area? I'd walk a very LONG way for some good barbeque. Actually I'll have a car, so I won't mind driving to get it either.

Last time I was down that way, I got a recommendation for one of the famous local joints in Durham it was nothing special (They weren't even using a wood smoker). I'm looking for the "real deal".

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 15:02:35 GMT

I go to "The Original Q-Shack" in Durham...but I am by no means a connoisseur. One of our Durham-born-and-raised employees here just told me that the "real deal" can be found at Byrd's BBQ on Cheek Road in Durham...We also plan to have NC BBQ for everyone at the Mid-year meeting and the fight goes on still as to which local joint we will be using!

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 15:21:24 GMT

Mike- Without question... Shrimp and Grits at Crook's Corner. Rumor has it their chef started the whole shrimp and grits thing. For others reading this thread, you can check out a list of local restaurants along the main strip of Franklin Street on the About the Area page under Midyear Program.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 15:31:05 GMT

HA! -thats EXACTLY what I told him! -I was never a fan of Shrimp & Grits, but theirs is out-of-this-world....and, as you say, Famous. I also like "Mama Dips" (classic Southern fare) on the next street over from Franklin St., which I think is Rosemary Street (??) -thanks.

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:12:00 GMT

Oh my goodness, you guys!

I'm sitting here facing my typical ho-hum plain yogurt for breakfast, while reading about mouthwatering shrimp and grits! Not fair! I have to wait until June to check this place out!

I have been reading the mid-year meeting section on our website and thanks so much to whoever has provided such great information about Chapel Hill and surrounding areas!

My husband will be accompanying me to the meeting, and while he has learned alot about ophthalmology through years by osmosis/exposure (ha), he is happy for us to enjoy the great lectures in the educational program while he checks out the lay of the land, so to speak.

Can you direct us to a website with information about bike rentals/trails? Fishing/hiking opportunities?

The morning's torture started with Tim's inquiry about Q. We are headed to Tuscaloosa, AL, this weekend, and I know we will be enjoying Q at my daughter's favorite place, Mike and Ed's The original M&E's was annihilated in the terrible tornado in April last year that destroyed a major section of Tuscaloosa. Happily, they have opened a new location and are back in business. It will be great to have a nice frame of reference, taste testing Q in No Carolina vs Alabama.

Okay - back to my plain yogurt... and I have an inspiring baked chicken breast and sliced tomatoes to look forward to at lunch. Sigh

Can't wait for June,

RE:

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:22:12 GMT

T. Bennett said:

Mike,

Last time I was down that way, I got a recommendation for one of the famous local joints in Durham it was nothing special (They weren't even using a wood smoker). I'm looking for the "real deal".

Tim,

I am all over this! I have been to NC at least 3-4 times and have yet to find outstanding "Q"! Hell, I've had better NC Q up her ein Boston.

Still waiting to be WOWED!!!

bob

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:31:15 GMT

This is a tough crowd when it comes to 'Q'. Wish I was going to be there to sample some.

Barb

RE:

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 16:57:32 GMT

B. McCalley said:

This is a tough crowd when it comes to 'Q'. Wish I was going to be there to sample some.

Barb

Barb,

I take my smoked meats and Q VERY seriously!

bob

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 17:09:22 GMT

Mike, thanks for the tips. Both of those joints were on my list last time through, but didn't try them. I had a recommendation from a local for another place and it was jammed with locals, so I had high expectations. Wish I had tried one of these instead. Glad to be headed to NC to check these out!