BBQ is an intensly local speciality, be it four generall accepted definitions: the vinegar based or mustard sauce found in the Carolinas, sweet and thick sauce up in Kansas City, beef and sausage in Texas or the Mempihs dry-rub ribs. If you hear someone say, “Texas/Memphis/Carolina/Kansas City is the best,” well, them’s fightin’ words!
Blue Ridge Pig
You can consider my suprise to find something relatively unique at Blue Ridge Pig near Wintergreen Resort, just southwest of Charlottesville, Virginia. Not your average restaurant, BRP is simple a wooden shack tacked onto a gas station with little-to-no parking. Worth the detour off I-64, you can call ahead for takeout or find a stiff seat in one of the handful of tables tucked into the corners and sides of this hidden gem. Now, I generally prefer a smooth, sweet sauce, but this pulled pork was doused in vinegar sauce that seeped into the bun of my “sandwich.” You better plan on using a fork though, because this meat was so well prepared, you could smell and taste the smokiness from a mile away and easily fell apart. Oh, and did I mention they topped it off with some colesalw?
Pork sandwich with dill potato salad and beans
What helped this lunchtime plate stand out from the crowd was not only the smokiness, but the distinctive sides. I ordered the baked beans, which really were almost more of a paste, but still tasty. The thick dill potato salad really brought my tastebuds to attention.
So, next time you find yourself in Nelson County, plan to make a stop at the Blue Ridge Pig, especially if you are a fan of vinegar Carolina style bbq. Might I also suggest filling up a growler at Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company (just a few minutes away). This may not be the best bbq I’ve ever tasted, but certainly stands out in the commonwealth. The character of the place and quality of the food makes it worth a visit!
Blue Ridge Pig
Side note: Check out this review from a couple of years back; good to know this place has been making quality bbq for quite some time.
