138717 Thu Apr 28 12:56:48 -0700 2005 10 11 South 0 742866 As some of you may know, Oxford American is a magazine about the South. Their current edition interviews several of the renouned chefs in the South, two of whom interviewed were Ben and Karen Barker. When asked what restaurants they thought were underrated, Karen replied Allen & Sons in Chapel Hill and Parker's in Wilson. Of all the places to name...I thought that was very interesting. Thu Apr 28 12:56:48 -0700 2005 0 Sant 1 742879 Considering your recent comments about NC barbeque, your reaction to their comments isn't suprising. Goes to show that it is not so bad that everyone not have the same tastes... Thu Apr 28 17:05:03 -0700 2005 742866 0 raleighfoodlover 2 742887 I like Allen and Son's. But my guess is choosing the Q joints as underrated picks was a cynical marketing move on behalf of the Barkers. They were savvy enough not to pick any restaurants that would carve into their market. Thu Apr 28 22:14:15 -0700 2005 742879 0 Kevin N. 3 742893 First, I have never implied that my opinion is truth, they are just my humble, unadulterated opinion. If you disagree with any of my opinions, feel free to state why. That's the purpose of message boards. Second, if one thought their own opinion was so important would they go out of their way to start a thread that rebutted their own opinion with the thoughts of a renowned chef? I don't think so. Third, I have always extolled the virtues of A&S. I think their NC 'que is a cut above the other NC 'que I've tried (Lexington #1, Stamey's, Ole Time, Don Murray, Cooper's, Tony's, Lewis'). Haven't tried Parker's. My point was, as a whole, I don't like NC 'cue as much as other 'cue styles. Doesn't mean I don't think it's good, just not as good. Fri Apr 29 10:05:12 -0700 2005 742887 0 Sant 4 742901 Hi Sant, I take it you're referring to "raleighfoodlover", not me? Is that correct? Kevin N. Fri Apr 29 11:13:31 -0700 2005 742893 0 Kevin N. 5 742903 Let's face it: BBQ is very politically correct. It's all-American and down-home, and yet it requires a degree of connoisseurship. The Barker's may love Allen and Sons, despite the pathetic, flaccid, oversalted fries, or, like George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, they may realize that it never hurts to mention one's love of BBQ. Having eaten cue at Allen & Sons and pastor at Miranda's within the last few days...well, let's just say that I will be brushing up on my Spanish. David A. Fri Apr 29 12:41:40 -0700 2005 742901 0 David A. 5 742909 Yes. Sorry for the confusion. Fri Apr 29 14:32:47 -0700 2005 742901 0 Sant 4 742931 And for such a heinious view your time in the infernal regions shall be without an electric fan. :-) Sat Apr 30 16:40:29 -0700 2005 742893 0 michael b 3 742946 Well, either that or maybe she just likes the place. In all my years in the biz., I've typically found chefs of her status above playing petty BS games like that you've implied. I would find it highly unlikely that Karen would be the exception. That said, "underrated" is one of the last ways I'd descripe A&S. They've got an enormous cult following and, while tasty enough, are certainly no better than they seem to get credit for. Sun May 01 06:57:49 -0700 2005 742887 0 detlefchef 4 742952 "That said, "underrated" is one of the last ways I'd descripe A&S. They've got an enormous cult following and, while tasty enough, are certainly no better than they seem to get credit for." That's why I ventured the guess that I did. It seemed so odd to think of A & S as underrated. Also, my "guess" wasn't a serious musing meant to attack the Barker's. Sun May 01 21:22:23 -0700 2005 742946 0 Kevin N. 2 743050 In my opinion, Bullock's in Durham is far, far, far better. Thu May 05 16:35:51 -0700 2005 742879 0 Ed