Went to the BBQ hall,
It was lackluster,
Improvements over last year?
They had 2 guest vendors, and I am sorry to say I do not remember their restaurant names but they were set up just like the regular SDC booths.
I ate the vendors insted of SDC BBQ. I am wondering if it was all cooked the same with different sauce poured on top. I tried the group that were from Aurora , I enjoyed the brisket. It was without a smoky crust that I enjoy but I didn't regret buying it. They served it with a crap roll that seemed like something you buy at Thanksgiving from wal mart in a pack of 12 for 1.00. They used to have several sauces to choose from with your BBQ, this year is was 3, Honey Blackberry ( too sweet for me) and SDC original, ( OK ) and Sweet Hickory I think ( not memorable), they did not have the Carolina mustard base sauce I used to enjoy. The meals were all the same price regardless what vendor you bought from so it was a even playing field. AS I said I was fine with it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/78984378@N05/7238867054/They had a band of young guys from Stone County and they were enjoyable to listen to while I ate.
I didn't find the Apple dumpling, they did have apple pie it was huge just didn't look tempting enough for me to indulge.
My thoughts were they should have more open pits with the good old lump charcoal going for the smoke and the feel of a BBQ. Just having trays of foil that could have just as easily held stoffers lasagna was not impressive. They sure could cook some corn on the cob over the flames live, make it look and SMELL good while they were making some money. They did have corn on the cob but it may as well have been boiled, it showed no signs of being on a grill. I skipped the $5 they were asking for an ear.
I will go next year, I would love for them to have sampler side plates for $3 so you could try each vendors BBQ and sauce, it could end up taking on a competition flair. Love the music the BBQ is OK.
My verdict is go, the music is great fun and makes it all worth it, like a trip down memory lane at SDC.