Finding "Carolina" Barbecue In Georgia

By: Casey Childers

In my 27 years, I had never lived outside of Western North Carolina until last July when I hit the road to Athens. Although Georgia is not really all that different from North Carolina in many things, there is one thing I miss about home: barbecue.
So, when I heard that Five Star Day Café in Athens advertised “Carolina” barbecue, I was skeptical. I am not picky about food, but I am a snob when it comes to barbecue.
In North Carolina, there are two types of barbecue, Eastern style, with a vinegar base and Western style, with a tomato base. Barbecue can be chicken, beef or pork, sliced, chopped or whole. There’s a whole history about political and economic disparages between Eastern and Western North Carolina that briefly raised its head during the governor’s race last year, but usually the regional tension is restricted to barbecue. There are two things you must pledge an allegiance to in North Carolina: barbecue type and basketball team, Duke or Carolina.
The Western style barbecue was thickly chopped tomato-based pork barbecue on a sesame seed bun. The sauce was thick and the pork was juicy. The sauce was heavy on pepper and a little spicier than what I’m used to. The barbecue, overall, was close enough that if I’m feeling a little homesick with a craving, I’ll make sure I get there.
With no one in the place, I received my food in less than 10 minutes and the service was excellent. The plate was huge covered with portions that would make a trained dietitian cringe. Meals with a drink are about $10.
Overall, Five Star Day Café lives up to the boast of serving “gourmet soul” food as stated in their menus. Although the “Carolina” barbecue is not exactly what I would get at home, it quells my craving until my next trip North on Interstate 85.

Want to learn more? Check out http://www.fivestardaycafe.com/