🧵 In Today’s Edition

1.  The Communal Experience of Japanese Barbecue at Gyukaku
2. The Weekender
3. What We’re Reading

Proper yakiniku—“grilled meat” in Japanese— at Gyukaku. (Sayaka Matsuoka for The Thread)

When Barbecue is
More Than Barbecue


In the South, the word “barbecue” conjures up images of smoked pork or beef that falls off the bone, savory racks of ribs, and sauce with a vinegary or tomato-y tang. But in many East Asian cultures, BBQ means something wholly different.

In Japanese and Korean cultures, barbecue means small cuts of meat—usually beef or pork, sometimes chicken—often marinated for hours in a sweet or spicy soy sauce, cooked on a small grill. Like American cookouts, the act of grilling the meat can be communal. Family and friends gather, taking turns flipping slices of kalbi or pork belly, careful not to get the smoke in their eyes.

In recent years, Asian BBQ joints have become more common in the U.S. Korean versions, often offering all-you-can-eat (AYCE) options, come with banchan, or sides consisting of pickled veggies and the popular cheese corn. My favorite of these recent offerings is Gyukaku, a Japanese BBQ chain. It has two locations in North Carolina, with one right here in Greensboro.

Read the full story here.

— Sayaka Matsuoka

Thanks for reading The Thread, a 3x week newsletter written by Greensboro editor Joe Killian and reporters Sayaka Matsuoka and Gale Melcher. Reach us with tips or ideas at greensboro@theassemblync.com.

Summer isn’t over yet! We’ve got lots of ways to get outside this weekend—a dance session, lots of live music, two cultural festivals, a thrift market, and a sing-along for KPop stans. Hydrate and get out there!

FRIDAY, AUG. 22

Gate City Latin Dance Summer Latin Social @ Hidden Gate Brewing
8 p.m.-12 a.m.

Show off your moves at this Latin dance social downtown. Basic lessons start at 8 p.m. and the party goes until midnight. Attend Cuban Salsa, Kizomba, Semba, Bachata, and more Latin styles. No experience or partner required. Learn more here.

Carri Smithey Band @ Natty Greene’s Brewing Co.
8 p.m.

Dancing not your thing? How about some live music? Settle in at Natty Greene’s beer garden for an evening of live tunes by the Carri Smithey Band. They’re known for fun country flair akin to old school Dolly. Admission is free. 

SATURDAY, AUG. 23

Huge Carnivorous Plant Sale @ Piedmont Triad Farmer’s Market
9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ever wanted a real-life Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors? You can pick out your own at this weekend’s carnivorous plant sale! Other varieties are also available, including Mexican butterworts, pitcher plants, and sundews. Cash only. 

Sensory Friendly Cosmic Playtime @ 2101 N. Church Street
10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bring your kids to this free, sensory-friendly playtime featuring face painting, arts & crafts, funnel cakes, a petting zoo, and more.

Afronova Festival @ Center City Park
10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Celebrate African culture through food and performances throughout the day. In addition to multiple food vendors, there will be a market with local vendors, musicians playing traditional rhythms and Afrobeats, and cultural talks. 

KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Events @ Local theaters

Ready to help seal the Honmoon? If you and your kids have been singing the soundtrack from KPop Demon Hunters all summer (like I have), join others this weekend for this special sing-along event! Multiple theaters across the country are hosting events, including several in Greensboro. Get your costumes ready, warm up your vocal cords, and get your tickets here.

SUNDAY, AUG. 24

India Fest @ Center City Park
11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Once you’ve had your fill of African fun, revisit downtown on Sunday for a trip to India. This annual festival boasts savory Indian eats, live music performances, multiple vendors, and more. Learn more about the festival here.

Thrifty Fitz Vintage Market @ Steel Hands Brewing
12-5 p.m.

Find your next unique outfit at this monthly thrift market held at Steel Hands Brewing. Everything from vintage looks to handmade goods and upcycled clothes will be available. Learn more here.

Bitters Social House Turns 2! @ Bitters Social House
2-5 p.m.

Everyone’s favorite State Street cocktail bar is celebrating its second birthday, and they want you to join in the fun. Local vendors and live jazz will be on-site. That includes sweet treats like cheesecake and locally made flower bouquets. The shop is also hosting a cocktail-making class on Saturday for those looking to take their at-home drinks to the next level.

Back to School Bash @ Craft Recreational Center
3-6 p.m.

Get your kids ready for school at this free back-to-school fair. There will be free haircuts, school supplies, and food to be given out during the event. Learn more here.

MUSEP Concert – The Phoebes and Nu-Blu @ Keeley Park
6-8 p.m.

Finish out your weekend with a free concert. This week, The Phoebes will bring their rock and blues jams while Nu-Blu will offer up bluegrass stomps. Guests can bring their own picnic blankets and lawn chairs. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the Van Dyke Performance Space downtown. 



— Sayaka Matsuoka

What We’re Reading

Smile, You’re On Camera: Twenty years after they disappeared from Greensboro, red light cameras are coming back. The Greensboro City Council voted to restore the cameras, citing safety concerns. The city originally did away with them after a 2005 court ruling that the city had to give 90 percent of the program’s proceeds to Guilford County Schools. Fox8 has the story.

A Growing Crisis: In 2023, there were 5,757 babies born in Guilford County. Fifty-three died before their first birthday. Of those deaths, 70 percent were Black infants. The Carolina Peacemaker has the story.

Paying Up: The N.C. Department of Labor has released a detailed breakdown of 1,683 unpaid wage complaints investigated by its Wage and Hour Bureau during the state’s 2024-25 fiscal year, which ended June 30. Guilford ranked fifth in the state in terms of wages recovered, with 101 complaints and $98,483 in unpaid wages recovered. The News & Record has the story.

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