R & R BBQ

During our drive from Lexington to Charlotte at exit 52 on I-85, like a sign from heaven, we saw R& R BBQ. During the research for the BBQ Across America trip, many BBQ connoisseurs raved about the ribs at R& R. It was initially left off the itinerary because it didn't fit in the schedule, however, like moths to a flame, the thought of more BBQ sucked us in.

Although, we had just ate an hour earlier, we heeded the advice of those culinary explorers before us to try the ribs.

R&R was the first place on our tour that does not use a wood-fired smokehouse or smoke pit. We ordered a rack of the ribs, which were covered in their homemade sweet BBQ sauce, baked and then finished on the grill to give them a nice caramelized glaze. Along with our over-sized plate came hush puppies, red coleslaw and fried okra - we needed to throw some vegetables in there somewhere.

Also, we tasted a North Carolina tradition, Cheerwine. A cherry flavored soda only available in this region and tastes really good.

Ratings:

Ribs - 7 - sweet sauce was good but lacked the smokiness we had come to expect
Coleslaw -7.5- simple recipe of cabbage, carrots, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper and sugar - one of the best we tasted
Fried okra - 7.5 - Shingai wanted an 8, but Anthony didn't like that is was frozen not fresh
Hush puppies - a big ball of goodness, crunchy with onion flavor
Cheerwine - awesome

Ambiance - 5- looked like any family friendly suburban restaurant chain, staff was great

Overall Rating -6.5

Memorable Quote:
Anthony - "What are your two best side items"
Waitress - "I love anything fried"