Durham Becoming a BBQ Mecca

Durham, NC's oldest restaurant is a BBQ spot called Bullock's, and up until a few years ago, the second oldest was, too. BBQ runs deep in Durham.


Today it was announced via Twitter that Durham is one step closer to welcoming another BBQ restaurant - this one owned and operated by world-famous pitmaster, Ed Mitchell.

Named Ed Mitchell's Que, this spot is tucked into the Diamond View Three building in the shadow of the Durham Bulls Athletic Park across the street from the American Tobacco Campus on Blackwell Street. It will join 11 other dedicated BBQ restaurants in Durham, and dozens of others in town that offer up 'cue on their menus alongside other dishes. Durham is a town serious about its food and was named the Tastiest Town in the South by Southern Living magazine last year.

The NC barbecue landscape has been earning significantly increased attention in the last few years as diners nation- and world-wide have come to love an respect the dish. Now Durham is going to be a more direct focal point with this new restaurant. "Mitchell is a titan in the field of BBQ. That he is bringing his talent to Durham is a great commentary on the overall dining scene," said Sam Poley, Director of Public Relations for the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB). "And it's especially good news for those who like to eat great food," Poley added.

Mitchell attends BBQ competitions around the world, and is a widely considered one of the very best in the business. Director of the Southern Foodways Alliance John T. Edge, a well-respected authority on food authenticity, named Mitchell the #1 Pitmaster in NC back in 2002. Mitchell has gained additional notoriety by appearances on the Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay where he was victorious in the competition with the renowned NY chef, and on CNN's Eatocracy.

Known for his talent for flavors, textures, and technique. Mitchell is also known for his big personality and story telling.  He's an engaging character who has already made an impact on Durham.  Mitchell was the culinary driving force behind The Pit, a Raleigh restaurant that opened a second location in Durham in November last year. Mitchell is now focusing on his own project that is due to open very soon.

Find Mitchell's restaurant on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter. See a list of Durham restaurants that either specialize in, or highlight BBQ, on their menus online.

Memphis vs. Durham Barbecue Taste-off at DPAC

It only seems right that DPAC, Durham's celebrated performing arts center, and the area's renowned BBQ community would team up for a perfect pairing of local flavor. With the opening of Memphis the Musical, Winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best Musical,  DPAC is hosting a barbecue event prior to Thursday’s show to give Triangle residents and show attendees the fun opportunity to taste test local barbecue in a friendly competition between our familiar NC barbecue and the more western Memphis style.

Three local Triangle establishments, Old North State BBQ, Melvin Backyard BBQ Pit, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, will offer $10 plates that feature both styles of BBQ. Food will be sold on the sidewalk of Vivian Street, directly in front of DPAC. This event will be open to the public and attendees of the show are encouraged to partake of this special dinner prior to the show. Guests with tickets to the show will be able to enter the main lobby beginning at 5:30 p.m. with their food, before the show starts at 7:30 p.m. All three restaurants will offer regular menu options in addition to the special plates.

A percentage of all proceeds from the special event will benefit the Durham-based nonprofit KidZNotes. KidZNotes is an El Sistema-inspired nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that fights poverty and encourages positive decision making by instructing and engaging children in classical orchestral music. KidZNotes aims to improve children’s musical performance, to develop values that contribute to success at school and in society, and to promote children’s and families’ engagement in program and community activities.

Tickets for Memphis the Musical are still available and can be purchased online.