In an e-mail announcing the choice of Charlotte, N.C., as the host city for the 2012 Democratic National Convention, First Lady Michelle Obama noted that the choice means everyone will have good BBQ. Thus, did the First Lady plunge herself into the BBQ wars.
East of Raleigh, BBQ sauce is vinegar-based. West of Raleigh, BBQ sauce is ketchup-based. The two sides of the state have been fighting for years over which is better. Me? I am not a big fan of sauce and prefer to BBQ spareribs and brisket with a dry rub. Pork butt, for pulled-pork sandwiches, does require a BBQ sauce unless, as I have been doing recently, you cook the pork butt Puerto Rican style, as a pernil, with lots of oregano and garlic. No BBQ sauce needed.
We all have our BBQ preferences but the most important thing to remember about BBQ is this. There is no BBQ more delicious than the BBQ on the plate in front of you!
