http://charlotte.com/263/story/43808.html
after the story ran, they got swamped and ran out of food!!

"AWARD WINNING BARBECUE

If you are looking for a truly great barbecue place, then check out EB’s (pronounced Ebb’s) in Indian Trail in the Food Lion shopping center, across from Bruster’s.

I’m a Texas girl originally and though I have tried Carolina barbecue at a few fundraisers and other restaurants, I have been mostly avoiding it for several reasons. First, in Texas, if it’s not beef, it’s not barbecue. Second, most Texans believe that if you need to add sauce, you’ve done something wrong. Third, so far, it just hasn’t done it for me.

Well, special thanks to reader Kimberly Malik, who wrote to tell me how good the barbecue at EB’s was. Based on her glowing recommendation, I thought, why not give it a try?

EB’s has perfected its recipes after 10 years on the competition barbecue circuit. They have won awards for almost everything they serve and have several state and grand championships under their belt. You can see why their restaurant, which opened about a year and half ago, is filled with trophies. The barbecue was good enough to change my way of thinking towards the Carolina style. Just don’t let my relatives back in Texas know I said that.

MONUMENTAL SANDWICH

EB’s serves barbecue pork, chicken and beef (when available) in sandwiches and plates as well as barbecue potatoes, which are baked potatoes with barbecue on top. They also do a buffet that includes barbecue pork and chicken and all their delicious sides.

If you order the barbecue pork sandwich, prepare yourself: It’s an architectural construct of meaty goodness. By that, I mean it’s about 8 inches tall and covered in coleslaw.

SECRET SAUCES AND INTRIGUING DESSERTS

Since embarking on my Carolina barbecue education, I have discovered that the sauce is important. EB’s signature sauce is a bold, sharp sauce that is not too spicy.

The sweet sauce is more tang that sweet and has just enough of a spicy kick to keep things interesting.

The barbecue is the centerpiece at this place, but the sides are equally delicious and include some great beans, ranch slaw, potato salad and even some veggies.

I haven’t even gotten to the desserts yet. When Kimberly wrote to tell me about EB’s, she mentioned an intriguing concoction called peaches and grits.

I tried a slice of the peaches and grits pie, which placed second in the grits category at a competition in Georgia, and I loved it. The Dreamcicle pie is great, too, and tastes just like the ice cream.

EB’s sells its barbecue and sides in bulk and caters. So the next time you have to organize an office lunch, skip the tired sandwich tray and give EB’s a call.

MORE INFORMATION

EB’s is open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Starting in April, they will serve baby back ribs on the first and third Saturday of the month.

To see all of their awards and get directions to the restaurant, which can be tricky to spot, visit http://www.ebsbbq.com. For more information, call 704-821-6958.

IN MY OPINION

Drop Me A Line

If you know of a place in Union County that I should check out, let me know.

E-mail: erobards @charlotteobserver.com

Please include your name, daytime telephone number and why you think it’s a great place. I can be reached by telephone at 704-289-6576. Esther Robards- Forbes"