What is North Carolina’s best diner? Ponder that culinary question as we continue our Best of Carolina series. Randy Cotten of Cary suggested this topic. Here’s what he had to say:

“I am drawn to the historic diners of the Northeast. Many of these great eating places are being featured in the current series on the Food Network, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives". Unfortunately, N.C. is not a diner mecca. However, many great cafes do exist here. You know, the type where you can get breakfast 24/7, homemade desserts, great vegetables and wonderful, sincere service. Yes, I know the Triangle has places labeled as diners, but they have a menu that is very basic, almost fast-foodish and with no real love applied or selection that makes them stand out.   While I love cuisine from speciality restaurants, I can always count on the family atmosphere and comfort food awaiting in a "how are you today honey" diner. And, don't we all need a

What are your favorite things to do in Asheville? As you ponder that pleasant question let me tell you about my getaway to the Land of the Sky over the weekend.

With a very busy schedule on the horizon, Cindy and I decided a relaxing weekend was in order. We checked into the Grove Park Inn Friday evening. If you’ve never been there it really is quite special with its granite exterior and fairytale land look. It’s such a friendly and accommodating place and steeped in history. The Great Hall was alive with beautiful music from Maddy Winer and her band including the incomparable pianist Bill Covington. As the sun began to set we soaked up a spectacular view of the mountains and called it a day.

On Saturday we checked out the new Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center with the cool plants growing on the roof. The only disappointment there was the movie projector was not working and I really wanted to see the video about the history of the Parkway

Pure heaven. The Nirvana of pigmeat. The apotheosis of pork. That's how one critic, Shinola, describes the food at Lexington Barbecue. Apparently, our readers agree. Lexington, known locally in Davidson County as Honeymonks, scored a landslide victory in our barbecue poll for the best restaurant serving western flavored pork.

Stamey's, the consistently popular spot in Greensboro, finished second in the Best of the West poll. Woodland's in the High Country at Blowing Rock finished third. Earlier, our blog readers chose Hog Heaven of Durham as the top spot for Down East Barbecue. Hog Heaven also has a strong reputation for chicken and dumplings.

Some of you complained that a lot of good restaurants were left out of the poll. You're right but we had to limit the restaurants to the ones that were nominated in our

Congratulations to Hog Heaven of Durham for winning the WRAL poll for King of the Cue Down East Barbecue. Hog Heaven edged Parker’s for the title. Chapel Hill’s Barbecue Joint came in third in a robust round of balloting. The official voting ended Friday. Thanks to all of you for participating and expressing your passion for barbecue.

Now it is time to turn our attention to barbecue restaurants that add a touch of tomato to their sauces. It’s called Lexington-style or Western Barbecue. Who is the Best of the West? Lexington is well represented in this poll and could very well produce the winner. Please vote for the Best of the West BBQ. We will keep this survey going until

The voting ends at 6:00P.M. in our King of the Cue – Eastern Style Barbecue Poll. Thanks for the bounty of ballots. Monday we’ll switch gears and vote for the Best of the West - Lexington style barbecue. Then we’ll move on to another topic.

One thing I’ve noticed about barbecue restaurants is that many of the good ones are less than fancy on the outside. B’s in Greenville is a good example. Patrons absolutely love this place even though the exterior looks more like a barber shop out of Mayberry. Kent Craig wrote a fine review about B’s noting that it doesn’t have a business phone number and when the barbecue runs out for the day the restaurant closes. Valonda Calloway found out the hard way several years ago arriving a little late for lunch.

B’s also has the distinction of being located on B’s Barbecue Road. That’s pretty cool.

How many of you have been to B’s and what were your experiences?