Get Yourself a Brief Bit of Carolina BBQ Education While we Visit Deano's BBQ in Mocksville, NC

I would consider myself a Barbecue transplant here in North Carolina. My first taste of BBQ was in Oklahoma. Naturally I have a deep love for the sweet-smoky (among other) tastes of Oklahoma Style BBQ and the traditional thick sauce. Probably ketchup based, but I honestly don't know what those folks in OK put in their sauce.. Interesting note, Oklahoma BBQ "combines elements of Texas, Kansas City, and Memphis barbecue adds its own unique elements, such as smoked bologna sausage." From Wikipedia

Near my Grandma's house (doesn't most good food happen at or near your Grandma's house?) is a great example of North Carolina Style BBQ at a comforting place called Deano's (after the Owner, Deano). Now, I'm sure there will be some who disagree with me, but I believe that the BBQ at Deano's is Eastern Style, as opposed to Western/Lexington Style. Deano's is in Mocksville, NC which is in Western NC and indeed is in close proximity to Lexington, NC. However, the use of a vinegar based sauce leads me to my Eastern style in the West conclusion. Another consideration is the meat but I can't research that one as easily. For more info check out what Wikipedia has to say on Carolina BBQ
I hadn't seen hush puppies in this shape before coming to NC

Meanwhile, at my table, I've scarfed down most of my food.. Another staple of Carolina BBQ (In general, I think) is the red slaw, made from vinegar and ketchup (mainly) and can be seen at the bottom of the photo above. I love a good variation myself and especially when it's a bit tangy! Being used to OK BBQ I ordered up the sliced BBQ not think of the biggest difference. (OK BBQ usually Beef Brisket, NC ALWAYS pork) A bit harder to eat than I anticipated but with large containers of the house sauce at the table, I made quick work of it.

If there is ever any Banana Pudding around I will be having some. Always. I LOVE Banana pudding.. I FINALLY got the recipe and technique from my Grandma (I'll post about it later). I know that Noy will love to get at the recipe. She had some Banana Pudding before I left Laos but it was box made (taste was great, but NOTHING beats from scratch) She wanted to make it but I didn't know the from-scratch recipe and the boxes of Jell-o brand Pudding were unavailable in Laos at the time.

Classic accessories really help me to feel more at home in this place. For me, retro is a sign of quality not just coolness for hipsters..

How about that for some advertisement! And if you look at the photo on the right it would seem that Obama has eaten some of Deano's BBQ. That's kinda cool.

Here I am with the man himself, Deano! I was very honored to shake his hand and let him know the BBQ there is great (as if he didn't already know..)
By the way, Deano's has the best sweet potato fries I have ever eaten in my entire life. Didn't know about them until I somehow coaxed the waitress into telling me everything.. They weren't on the menu when I looked. I swear!
Tell me about your favorite BBQ places/experiences in the comments below.
Thanks!