Dampf Good BBQ - Cary, NC

 I was lucky to find Dampf Good BBQ only a few months after my wife and I moved to Durham, NC.  I didn't know what to expect.  Labeled as Texas Craft BBQ with a 2025 Michelin Star...now THAT got my attention.  Often times a Michelin star restaurant will be about the experience more than the food.  However after trying the products of Nick Dampf - Owner and Head Pit Master - I was completely blown away.

At first, you think it's akin to a food truck and it does function much line one. However on the side is a smoker shed that is immense.  It also had a large shed with picnic tables for guests and it's on a fairly large plot of land.  It's really setup to be able to process a lot of food for a lot of people.

On today's tray was sliced brisket, pulled pork, mac and cheese and jalapeño creamed corn.  That brisket is on par with any of the top 5 that I've had in Texas.  Yes...it is that good.  The pulled pork was also on that same level.  I just can't get over how an embellished food truck in Raleigh/Durham, NC has Texas barbecue on an equal level with the best in the Hill Country.  

My recommendation, if in the RDU area, is to run - don't walk - and get there early as they do sell out.  Nick also has almost daily FB posts about the status of the day so find them on social and get there as quick as you can.

Maybe next time, I'll splurge and try the beef rib.  They looked amazing.

Bear's Smokehouse BBQ - Asheville, NC

Asheville, NC is a picture perfect mountain area town in western North Carolina.  They have beautiful vistas, great cycling/hiking and great barbecue.

I had lunch at Bears Smokehouse and did a sample of their burnt ends and smoked turkey.  For sides, I had the beans and greens.

The beans were definitely a NC sweet baked beans.  Very good with a thick molasses-like sauce.  The greens were smothers in pulled pork.  These are recommended.

The burnt ends were moist and tender with a good smoke and some bark.  The smoked turkey was very fresh and clean.  The cornbread had a bit of sweetness to it - in the range of a Jiffy cornbread.

Sauces were on point although I imagine some might find they want an option with less spice.

Overall, a very good barbecue experience.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.