Chicken: I know the box may not have been the right size but be careful of having the pieces so close to the edge, you never know if when opening it might tear off the skin or a chunk of meat, that would lower your scores. The piece in the center top looks off, either the left piece is much bigger or the center is smaller, also it looks like it is turned the other direction from left and right pieces. Having the grill marks oriented so they all go the same direction may be more pleasing to the eye. I would probably score a 6-7 based on a quick view at the table.
Ribs: Picture may make the ribs look a little dark, otherwise they look fairly meaty. The cut looks like they may be wider at the top than the bottom, but that could be the angle of the picture. The right front rib looks smaller, or is not lined up at the front edge, that may be more appealing to the eye, although that could be caused when handled at the turn in, I personally try not to judge based on perfect alignment. Also I try not to look at the garnish, but you may get some comments on the parsley around the edges of the box being uneven. Looks like the ribs set up high on the parsley, I think that is a good thing. I would score solid 7 maybe 8.
We also had a bit of an issue with the ribs because of the knife I guess it was alot more obvious than I thought.
Pork: Looks good, lots of bark showing (judges seem to like that). On pork I think the fuller the box the better it will appear, so maybe a little more meat and less green framing would show. I like this box, solid 8.
Thanks I'll be doing another one soon I'll try and fill out the box more. I was hesitant to put the bark on the top as I didn’t want to look like I was trying to hide anything but I guess it turned out.Bark showing I guess is good then huh.
Brisket: Nice fairly even width slices, picture is a little dark to see details. May look a little dry with sauce to cover? Front slice looks like a dark spot just left of center, (injection site?) and just right of center a cut from the bottom up? Second slice looks a little roughly cut, may just be the picture though. I would give 7.
We had a rough time with this brisket it came out very dry so I painted some sauce on the front to cover it but.... looks like I’m no the first person to do that as you caught it right away. and that dark spot is an injection sight I tried a new one and it left streaks through the whole thing, also I couldn’t find my knife to cut them so the sharpest one I could find did rip the brisket up. I just kept telling myself no one would notice. Lol
Sorry so long winded, but if these are your first boxes you did a pretty good job, I have only made a few parsley boxes (just because it is VERY difficult for me), I don't seem to have the patience, lol.
David Keyse
cbj #5112
