FreeMore Projects (West Morehead, Freedom Drive, Bryant Park)

[SgtCampsalot]

19 hours ago, jednc said:

I too have been and I was disappointed. Way more attention was paid to the sizzle than the steak. Any one of you go to Lexington and eat at Lexington BBQ (The Monk) and then eat at Noble Smoke and then tell me you think they are even in the same universe. It's a shame that with Charlotte the size that it is, in a state famous for its BBQ, that no one can come up with a decent place to serve real, Lexington style BBQ. There are a couple of "decent" eastern NC BBQ restaurants, but nothing to rave about.

 

18 hours ago, Madison Parkitect said:

But Noble Smoke isn't the same kind of bbq as Lexington, right? From what I understand Lexington is a very specific way of preparing pork shoulder only and Noble Smoke is more about southern bbq as a whole.

 

1 hour ago, t_money said:

Let's just all agree that Red Bridges is the best.  Also, why do people think Macs has good BBQ? I personally think it is terrible.

There was also a place I stopped at once near I-81 in Blacksburg, VA called Due South that had some really really good BBQ. If you're ever driving that way I highly recommend a stop. Only about 5 minutes from the highway!

 

59 minutes ago, tozmervo said:

Perhaps not surprisingly, it's all location dependent. I've been really happy with Macs up in Cornelius, for example, but the one on South Blvd hasn't been good for a long time. 

Y'all... I just ate at Midwood Smokehouse for the first time yesterday: I had their pork shoulder. It tasted like it was out of the hot bar at Harris Teeter. What's up with that? And what style are they going for?

Also Sweet Lew's pork shoulder is killer; seems to be very simple and straightforward style... what style is Lew's?

[jednc]

18 hours ago, Madison Parkitect said:

But Noble Smoke isn't the same kind of bbq as Lexington, right? From what I understand Lexington is a very specific way of preparing pork shoulder only and Noble Smoke is more about southern bbq as a whole.

Yes. You are correct. I didn't do a very good job articulating my point. I guess Noble Smoke is eastern NC style. I think there are a couple of places in town that do an ok job at that. Noble Smoke is just ok in that category in my opinion. But, the BEST NC style is Lexington and I wish Charlotte had at least one good offering of that. For me, that blows all other BBQ out of the water.

I have only tried the pork at NS, so everything else might be fantastic. I didn't like the coleslaw at all. The mac and cheese was pretty good...but not the style of mac and cheese for a BBC joint. Therein lies the problem I guess. I'm more of a BBQ joint type than a BBQ Restaurant type.

To each his own though. I really hope the place is successful because it's nice to see some life down Freedom Dr. I'm old enough to remember when that was an economically healthy part of Charlotte.

1 hour ago, t_money said:

Let's just all agree that Red Bridges is the best.  Also, why do people think Macs has good BBQ? I personally think it is terrible.

There was also a place I stopped at once near I-81 in Blacksburg, VA called Due South that had some really really good BBQ. If you're ever driving that way I highly recommend a stop. Only about 5 minutes from the highway!

I always get the two Bridges in Shelby confused. I like the one on Hwy 74 (I think that's Alston Bridges) while everyone else in my entire family prefers Red's. I like Red's too, just not as much. Still, I'd take either over anything I've ever tried in Charlotte.

I'll have to put Due South on my todo list!

[jednc]

18 minutes ago, SgtCampsalot said:

 

 

 

Y'all... I just ate at Midwood Smokehouse for the first time yesterday: I had their pork shoulder. It tasted like it was out of the hot bar at Harris Teeter. What's up with that? And what style are they going for?

Also Sweet Lew's pork shoulder is killer; seems to be very simple and straightforward style... what style is Lew's?

I couldn't agree more about Midwood. I just don't understand what there is to like. I went to the one in Midwood, and it was ok a long time ago. The one in Birkdale had gotten progressively worse up to the last time I went. Maybe it's better now...I doubt I'll ever know.

 

I'm sorry I have hijacked the thread.

Edited September 24, 2019 by jednc
apology

[t_money]

9 hours ago, SgtCampsalot said:

 

 

 

Y'all... I just ate at Midwood Smokehouse for the first time yesterday: I had their pork shoulder. It tasted like it was out of the hot bar at Harris Teeter. What's up with that? And what style are they going for?

Also Sweet Lew's pork shoulder is killer; seems to be very simple and straightforward style... what style is Lew's?

 

9 hours ago, jednc said:

I couldn't agree more about Midwood. I just don't understand what there is to like. I went to the one in Midwood, and it was ok a long time ago. The one in Birkdale had gotten progressively worse up to the last time I went. Maybe it's better now...I doubt I'll ever know.

 

I'm sorry I have hijacked the thread.

I need to try Sweet Lews. Have heard good things!

OK. Back to FreeMore West...

[kermit]

10 hours ago, jednc said:

But, the BEST NC style is Lexington

Delete your account!

[reasonable people can disagree reasonably about everything but this]

[JorgiPorgi]

17 hours ago, jednc said:

Yes. You are correct. I didn't do a very good job articulating my point. I guess Noble Smoke is eastern NC style. I think there are a couple of places in town that do an ok job at that. Noble Smoke is just ok in that category in my opinion. But, the BEST NC style is Lexington and I wish Charlotte had at least one good offering of that. For me, that blows all other BBQ out of the water.

I have only tried the pork at NS, so everything else might be fantastic. I didn't like the coleslaw at all. The mac and cheese was pretty good...but not the style of mac and cheese for a BBC joint. Therein lies the problem I guess. I'm more of a BBQ joint type than a BBQ Restaurant type.

To each his own though. I really hope the place is successful because it's nice to see some life down Freedom Dr. I'm old enough to remember when that was an economically healthy part of Charlotte.

I always get the two Bridges in Shelby confused. I like the one on Hwy 74 (I think that's Alston Bridges) while everyone else in my entire family prefers Red's. I like Red's too, just not as much. Still, I'd take either over anything I've ever tried in Charlotte.

I'll have to put Due South on my todo list!

Red bridges is on 74- Alston Bridges is off 18 and it’s the best! 
 

SHELBY/LEXINGTON BBQ are the BEST bbq. Fight me. 

[Urban Cowboy]

Noble smoke's BBQ was bland and dry. I see no reason to return. I wouldn't describe it as Eastern, either.

Based on what the bartender shared, they're not adding any sauce or liquids during the smoking process - they're only adding salt and pepper. Not sure if that's accurate or not, but the BBQ I had reflected that method - and it was dry/bland and I needed to add sauce for it to be considered decent. I had the brisket, pork, and wings. Each wing still had  the little chicken hairs poking through - which should have been removed during prep.

Beautiful space and Jim Noble obviously sunk a bunch of time and money into up fitting it (and driving around the state "learning"). But the BBQ just sucked. I've heard transplants (not from NC) rave about it though, but they're the same people who think Midwood is the cat's meow. I encourage everyone to go try it and make up your own minds.  I was hoping it would be incredible because it could have been a go-to for out of town guests. I'll go back in another month or so to see if things have improved.

[KJHburg]

to get this back on track and possibility we need a thread "The Great Charlotte Barbecue Debate" in the coffeehouse.  Concerning Nobles I have not tried anything but the smoked turkey and Texas style brisket and that is wonderful and I think the best in town. 

Here is the Refinery one of the best midsized buildings built in the last few years in Charlotte. The gateway to FreeMore.  Today. 

 

[Bruco72]

2 minutes ago, Urban Cowboy said:

they're not adding any sauce or liquids during the smoking process

I would certainly hope they aren't adding sauces or liquids to the smoking process for pork or brisket 

[Guest]

9 minutes ago, Urban Cowboy said:

Noble smoke's BBQ was bland and dry. I see no reason to return. I wouldn't describe it as Eastern, either.

Based on what the bartender shared, they're not adding any sauce or liquids during the smoking process - they're only adding salt and pepper. Not sure if that's accurate or not, but the BBQ I had reflected that method - and it was dry/bland and I needed to add sauce for it to be considered decent. I had the brisket, pork, and wings. Each wing still had  the little chicken hairs poking through - which should have been removed during prep.

Beautiful space and Jim Noble obviously sunk a bunch of time and money into up fitting it (and driving around the state "learning"). But the BBQ just sucked. I've heard transplants (not from NC) rave about it though, but they're the same people who think Midwood is the cat's meow. I encourage everyone to go try it and make up your own minds.  I was hoping it would be incredible because it could have been a go-to for out of town guests. I'll go back in another month or so to see if things have improved.

When did you go, this is the opposite experience I had two weeks ago, and I understand they changed pork providers to Cheshire Pork, within the last month.  Jim is a family friend, and he was there, so our food was pretty much hand picked by him and the general manager. Was some of the best bbq I've had outside of Lexington and Austin.

Edited September 25, 2019 by Guest

[Urban Cowboy]

I went during their soft opening. I’m going to give it another go, but I was definitely disappointed during my visit.

@Bruco72 I have never smoked so I don’t know what the accurate method is. The bartender indicated they weren’t using rubs or anything - which seems odd to me. But I’m certainly no expert so fairly ignorant on the subject. Just sharing my experience and encouraging others to give it a try for themselves.

Edited September 25, 2019 by Urban Cowboy

[Guest]

8 minutes ago, Urban Cowboy said:

I went during their soft opening. I’m going to give it another go, but I was definitely disappointed during my visit.

@Bruco72 I have never smoked so I don’t know what the accurate method is. The bartender indicated they weren’t using rubs or anything - which seems odd to me. But I’m certainly no expert so fairly ignorant on the subject. Just sharing my experience and encouraging others to give it a try for themselves.

Okay, so they have changed to Cheshire pork since then, which is way way way way way way way superior. 

[Bruco72]

41 minutes ago, Urban Cowboy said:

I went during their soft opening. I’m going to give it another go, but I was definitely disappointed during my visit.

@Bruco72 I have never smoked so I don’t know what the accurate method is. The bartender indicated they weren’t using rubs or anything - which seems odd to me. But I’m certainly no expert so fairly ignorant on the subject. Just sharing my experience and encouraging others to give it a try for themselves.

Decided I needed to get over there and just got back

Brisket: melt in your mouth awesome. Best brisket I've ever had not in the state of Texas. 

Pork: very good, but I've had better

To your point @Urban Cowboy, they aren't using spice rubs (just salt and pepper). I think that works perfect for brisket but less perfect for pork. I'd like a more pronounced spice rub on the pork. But the moisture was good and I liked all 3 of their BBQ sauces.  

I got the corn on the side. Its basically the same as the corn at Rooster's, which is fine by me as its great. 

[Guest]

2 hours ago, Bruco72 said:

Decided I needed to get over there and just got back

Brisket: melt in your mouth awesome. Best brisket I've ever had not in the state of Texas. 

Pork: very good, but I've had better

To your point @Urban Cowboy, they aren't using spice rubs (just salt and pepper). I think that works perfect for brisket but less perfect for pork. I'd like a more pronounced spice rub on the pork. But the moisture was good and I liked all 3 of their BBQ sauces.  

I got the corn on the side. Its basically the same as the corn at Rooster's, which is fine by me as its great. 

The tellicherry pepper they use is really smokey, sweet and peppery 

[Urban Cowboy]

Our next meetup should be Noble Smoke so we can discuss development and BBQ!

[KJHburg]

7 minutes ago, Urban Cowboy said:

Our next meetup should be Noble Smoke so we can discuss development and BBQ!

I agree! and I will bring a dozen doughnuts for all in attendance or more if need be. 

[jtmonk]

For a pork shoulder you should only rub salt on it before smoking it, nothing else.  That's how it is done in most places in NC, or at least that is what I have been taught.

Source - My granddad started and owns Lexington BBQ and I work there on the weekends.  Mr. Noble has met with my dad and granddad a few times to talk about smoking bbq, etc.   I've been meaning to go try his place out but haven't had the time yet, looking forward to trying it.  

[KJHburg]

1 hour ago, jtmonk said:

For a pork shoulder you should only rub salt on it before smoking it, nothing else.  That's how it is done in most places in NC, or at least that is what I have been taught.

Source - My granddad started and owns Lexington BBQ and I work there on the weekends.  Mr. Noble has met with my dad and granddad a few times to talk about smoking bbq, etc.   I've been meaning to go try his place out but haven't had the time yet, looking forward to trying it.  

I mean Mr Monk's photo is hanging in Noble Smoke and his photo is right on the menu.  I will be coming up to Lexington soon to check things out and of course eat lunch.   all I can say is that Noble Smoke is packing them in and bringing people to area that is often overlooked in this town and employing lots of people.  It is obvious we are going to have to have a BBQ throwdown competition here in Charlotte and I volunteer my time as an official judge. 

http://www.lexbbq.com/   detour off I-85 and pop in. 

Edited September 25, 2019 by KJHburg

[KJHburg]

FreeMore shots today and the newly named Freight District which is off Thrift Road.   Stratifyd is moving their soon to be 300 employee operation to there.  All these 1 story warehouse and light industrial buildings being converted to creative office or retail space.  It is truly incredible if you have not been in that area.   Went to Noble Smoke today and found out their sales are booming they served 1000 guests yesterday a Friday. (their okra is fantastic lightly fried and lightly fried)  Last shot is new apartments along Wilkinson.  

 

[A2.]

^^^I have high hopes for this area. And to be honest the western edge has some of the most amazing views of Uptown, so I don’t see how it can’t keep rolling with more apartments, restaurants, and office.  I mean can you imagine the views from a mid rise residential project where that suburban propane building  is!? Amazing view! 

Edited November 3, 2019 by A2.

[Cassman]

On 11/2/2019 at 3:19 PM, KJHburg said:

FreeMore shots today and the newly named Freight District which is off Thrift Road.

Who names these districts and how?   Where did the "Freight District" name just come from?

[KJHburg]

I just heard of freight district myself.  Usually these names come from real estate people and or developers.  I came up with LoSe lower south end but it never took off.  Also nicknamed west Morehead after Pinkys the upper west side due to its elevation change.  Only my client and I call it that.  Lol

[Guest]

Never heard of it, but here's a silly awful logo

[videtur quam contuor]

Thrift Road is a fine name and historic as cotton lint and copper pennies on a steel rail

 

Thrift Road is textile related, based, I presume, on the Thrift Mill complex

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Former_Thrift_Mill

http://landmarkscommission.org/2016/12/21/thrift-mill/

The Thrift Depot was on the Piedmont and Northern RR on Mount Holly Road

http://landmarkscommission.org/2016/12/21/thrift-depot-of-the-piedmont-and-northern-railroad-company/

Moved a few hundred yards in 2016

https://www.wolfehousebuildingmovers.com/project/pn-thrift-depot-relocation/

The mill was served by the P&N and was just west on the line from Hoskins Mill

Drive out to the west county and learn from our forebears.

Edited November 5, 2019 by tarhoosier

[KJHburg]

the Thrift road corridor right off Freedom close to W Morehead is dominated by one storage warehouse buildings.  Over time these have become obsolete.  Check out my photos above to see what I am talking about.  Some firms needed some storage and warehousing were left in this area however all the freight is handled by big box warehouses with 30-36 foot ceilings in the suburbs like the Amazon warehouses or even closer to this area the new warehouse put up at Tuckaseegee and I-85 near Freedom drive exit.   These one story buildings were very similar to those in Southend that are now breweries or plowed over.  Hence that is possibly why the name Freight District came up and remember Southend is a made up name.  I knew it as north end of South Blvd. and nobody called it Southend 25 years ago.  

all this talk of the Freight district makes me want to the go to the neighborhood's best restaurant Noble Smoke.