Riding high on our surging international prominence, Shinola did what Shinola does: we went for barbecue. This time it was Red, Hot and Blue, a jernt that owes more to Memphis than to this great state of ours. But because it's located right here in Chapel Hill, it deserves at least some sort of scrutiny. Besides, it ain't such a bad place to eat.
Although you probably won't have a pork epiphany at Red, Hot and Blue, you will have a very tasty meal. The sides are quite good, and two very different sauces are available at the table. It was fun watching Adam Walker's face turn beet red after he had the hot sauce. The barbecue itself is okay, but nothing you'd want to send home to your momma.
Matter-o-fact, Red, Hot and Blue does much better when it sticks to the stuff that gives Memphis it's very own porcine reputation: ribs. (You know what I mean if you've been to the Rendezvous.) These naturaally formed meatsickles are served either wet or dry, and they will put a big smile on your face.
Red, Hot and Blue also has a liquor license, which makes my bourbon bone very happy, and they do a fine job with their deserts. They also pipe some pretty good blues through the stereo. On the down side, their wait staff is a bit too perky and collegiate for my taste, and the Bennigan's-meets-Beale-Street decor has got to go.
One more thing: after you eat at Red, Hot,
and Blue, you can go across
the parking lot to Wellspring Grocery and give our very own Anthony
Alvarez the secret handshake. He is working undercover there by as
a committed healthfoodatarian. We know better. --The Mayor
