Eat My Charlotte
Third generation pitmaster Samuel Jones of The Skylight Inn is headed west next week to cook some of his legendary Eastern Carolina barbecue for a special dinner at Midwood Smokehouse alongside Midwood's pit master, Matthew Barry.
Jones captains the acclaimed Ayden, N.C., barbecue joint, started by his granddaddy Pete Jones, whom many consider the "King of Barbecue." Jones comes from a long line of smoke aficionados, seven to be exact, and cooks whole hogs the same way his family did - slow over wood charcoals. The sign on the front of the theatrical capitol dome in Ayden says, "Barbecue Capitol of the World" and many who've made the pilgrimage, including me, genuflect there for the whole hog, hand-chopped with bits of crispy skin doused with vinegar sauce.
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Midwood Smokehouse is hosting a throwback three-course meal featuring Southern hors d'oeuvres of smoked pimiento cheese and jalapeño dip, whole hog prepared by Sam Jones and warm apple cobbler for dessert. NoDa Brewing Company will provide beer pairings. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit The Southern Foodways Alliance
Tickets are $35 (plus tax and gratuity) and guests can reserve seats by calling 704-295-4BBQ. Midwood Smokehouse is located at 1401 Central Ave.
