I received a text from my pilot buddy this morning asking if I would fly air gunner to a new bbq joint in JoCo. I knew it would be some good hand raisin’ holy hog as he has yet to point his pit cooked aircraft in the wrong direction. So I did, and like other swine hunts we’ve endeavored upon, this new restaraunt, which sits high atop the Johnston Regional Airport, as if it were the culinary penthouse of all things good, did not disappoint.

Philip Bailey, the proprietor and pit master who toils over the cookers to create the delectable bbq found at his “Low and Slow Smokehouse” restaurant, is a true entrepreneur of the other white meat. He’s thirty days into a culinary adventure which should prove to be a thirty year business plan as his bbq plates, with fixins, are spot on. The service was excellent, the sweet tea thick and the sauce was devine. It’s a place where, eventually, everyone will know your name.

Low and Slow is a point of destination for cars, SUVs, trucks and especially those who choose to drop-in from four thousand feet. Just be sure to let the tower know you’re coming lest they scramble the jets from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base to intercept your wayward bbq sky wagon.
Once we taxied from our lift off point we were on target within twelve minutes. A drive which would’ve taken me, assuming no interruptions from the state highway patrol, fifteen minutes shy of an hour. It was the best touch and go one could hope for. And, if you choose to dine on the terrace overlooking the concrete vein of flight inspiration, as I did as a kid, it’s worth the time to watch the planes taxi and go. BBQ, mac-n-cheese, baked beans, coleslaw and cornbread were my garnish of a perfect, blue bird sky, day.

Come on down to Smithfield, North Carolina’s newest hog joint. No pilot’s license needed. Just bring a big appetite and an aptitude for fun. Bring your kids, too! They’ll love the planes as they buzz hither and tither. I have a hunch they’ll also love the ‘nanner puddin’. Thanks, Philip, for the great Q and wonderful southern hospitality! I’m sure I’ll sneak back down soon, even if my wing man is unavailable. Me and my steel stead will travel about anywhere to pray over Heavenly hog.
https://www.lowandslowsmokehouse.com