3 replies to this topic

[Mike in STL]

I wanted to ask about this after having some BBQ at the fairgrounds today. 

 

I must say that I was not impressed. Every vendor was "award winning". Or "as seen on food network, etc...".  It's a festival, so put out your best. I get that maybe when these places have to cater to the masses, instead of make one plate for a judge, the food being held on a steam table for a couple hours, it loses something. It over cooks. It sits in it's own fat. The dry rub comes off. I get it. But I couldn't have been more disappointed with the BBQ.

 

Makes me weary about going to a BBQ festival. There is a huge one in Memphis that my wife and I want to go to one day. Supposedly the Super Bowl for BBQ gurus. But It's as if if you don't get it fresh out of the smoker, why bother? 

 

Anyone here been to a big time BBQ festival? Competition like so you get "award winning" grub? Is it worth it? Like worth the trip and admission to eat the best BBQ? Or is it the same experience I just had where you wait in long lines to get three hour old ribs? 

 

[SportsGuy]

I haven't been to one but my brother in law judges them for fun down South. 

[Mike in STL]

I haven't been to one but my brother in law judges them for fun down South. 

That sounds like an awesome job.

[Mackus]

http://amazingribs.c...y_do_on_tv.html

 

I think a lot of the competition stuff is sort of like a movie that is obviously Oscar bait.  It may sacrifice some authenticity in order to get all of the little boxes checked that must be checked to win.  At a big festival like Mike is talking about, I bet the issue is much more the things that he mentioned.  Restaurants or food truck types need to really step up their quantity and it can lead to some decline in quality. 

 

Side note: if you are learning how to smoke your own BBQ at home, that website is amazing.  He has recipes, techniques, and equipment advice as well as a good description of why you are doing (or not doing) every step so you really can get an understanding of what's going on and why certain things are vital and others are places you can cheat so you don't have to babysit a smoker for 16 hours.