This Saturday will be a perfect day for grillin'...or at least for watching how it's done.
The first annual Grillin Fools Backyard BBQ Bash takes place this weekend at the Ordinance Pavilion at Sylvan Park. As event coordinator (and head Fool) Scott Thomas puts it : "Now Joe Backyard BBQer has a place to compete."
I encourage anyone with even a passing interest in BBQ to check out the Grillin Fools website. Scott bores down and communicates passionately and effectively, aided by step-by-step pictures. It makes a difference...you almost taste what's on the grill. And he's made all the mistakes (he documents those, too), so you won't have to. From ribs to rubs to the proper woods to use, to smoked Fatties and Moink Balls, you'll soon learn why he truly is the city's quintessential 'que geek. So who better to organize such an event?
Twenty teams will compete in any or all of three categories--appetizers, pork steaks, and ribs--but must use "mass market grills costing less than $500." No big, hulking, pig-snouted smoking rigs here, folks. Awards will be presented in each category--fancy ones at that-- plus a "Best in Smoke" trophy for the team with the most points.
Be advised that Health Dept regulations complicate such competitions, so there will be no 'que for sale...but there will be free samples. Grilling demos will include crostini, flat iron steak, grilled romaine, bacon-wrapped peppers, and pizzas. Sodas and bottled water will be available for sale at the pavilion.
The event begins at 8 AM, with demos starting 10-ish, with judging as follows: appetizers at 3 PM, pork steaks at 4 PM, ribs at 5 PM. Oh yes, the judging, and an esteemed panel it is: Jennie and Joe Bonwich, KMOX's John Carney, and somehow I weaseled a seat at that table as well. And I'm damned glad to be a part of it.
