Finger-lickin' judges

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Chenernator

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As KCBS reminds judges, BBQ is finger food. Some reps do a good job of reminding people not to lick their fingers; others don't say a word. Personally, I find the idea of someone licking their fingers and then reaching into a box to grab a piece unsanitary. That being said, what's your take on judges who lick their fingers? And how could we handle this better at comps?
 
Every time I've judge there have have been sanitary wipes on each table and every judge has wiped down their hands between each box...
 
BBQ Grail said:
Every time I've judge there have have been sanitary wipes on each table and every judge has wiped down their hands between each box...
Click to expand...

Just what do you mean by "sanitary wipes"? Most that I've seen have a scent to them or leave something on your hands and we usually can't use them. Lots of times, tho, a contest will provide damp washcloths to be used between rounds, and those often work...some judges bring those with them as well.

I remember the first contest I ever judged, where one person "showing me the ropes" sneezed, wiped his hand on his pants, and then with that same hand, reached into a box of pulled pork to show me about how much to take! I tried to politely contain my revulsion at that and asked "don't they give you utensils to make it easier to get a taste of the food?" to which he replied, "Nah, BBQ is a finger food!". I've been kinda leery of that phrase ever since...

Lynn H.
 
How is me licking my fingers and picking up a piece of meat that only I am going to eat going to effect another judge?
 
Chenernator said:
As KCBS reminds judges, BBQ is finger food. Some reps do a good job of reminding people not to lick their fingers; others don't say a word. Personally, I find the idea of someone licking their fingers and then reaching into a box to grab a piece unsanitary. That being said, what's your take on judges who lick their fingers? And how could we handle this better at comps?
Click to expand...

your also putting a lot a faith in all the cooks regarding use of clean hands, knives etc. I'm sure most do a good job, or try to but I've seen some things in the past that would make more than a few cringe. I've seen prep tables and cutting boards that were practically black from built up dirt.

Lots of people out their taste testing their sauces with their finger or spoon and then keep on mixing.

How many cooks use the porta-potties where hand sanitizer is not available or the wash basin is out of water or soap and go back to their site and jump right into something..

etc... etc.. etc.

Scary stuff.
 
Chenernator said:
As KCBS reminds judges, BBQ is finger food. Some reps do a good job of reminding people not to lick their fingers; others don't say a word. Personally, I find the idea of someone licking their fingers and then reaching into a box to grab a piece unsanitary. That being said, what's your take on judges who lick their fingers? And how could we handle this better at comps?
Click to expand...

You got to be freakin kidding me!:shocked:
 
gmholler said:
Just what do you mean by "sanitary wipes"? Most that I've seen have a scent to them or leave something on your hands and we usually can't use them. Lots of times, tho, a contest will provide damp washcloths to be used between rounds, and those often work...some judges bring those with them as well.

I remember the first contest I ever judged, where one person "showing me the ropes" sneezed, wiped his hand on his pants, and then with that same hand, reached into a box of pulled pork to show me about how much to take! I tried to politely contain my revulsion at that and asked "don't they give you utensils to make it easier to get a taste of the food?" to which he replied, "Nah, BBQ is a finger food!". I've been kinda leery of that phrase ever since...

Lynn H.
Click to expand...

Unscented hand wipes are quite common...
 
Bentley said:
How is me licking my fingers and picking up a piece of meat that only I am going to eat going to effect another judge?
Click to expand...

In theory, not at all. But I've seen plenty of people who aren't judicious in only touching one piece of meat. Everything they touch with the same fingers they licked could communicate disease. The warmth and moisture of a box already makes it bacteria friendly.

Bunny said:
You got to be freakin kidding me!:shocked:
Click to expand...
Uh, no.

I'll readily admit that licking your fingers is the quickest and most efficient way to clean them off. It's not the best, however, in a group setting. I'm there to get good Q, not good and sick.
 
BBQ Grail said:
Unscented hand wipes are quite common...
Click to expand...

Have you ever had the misfortune of licking your fingers after wiping them with one of those? Yuck!

Usually, about all I have time to do between boxes is wipe my fingers on a paper towel or napkin - then once that round is over, I can hopefully find a sink with running water to get the sauce out from under my fingernails.

Lynn H.
 
Chenernator said:
In theory, not at all. But I've seen plenty of people who aren't judicious in only touching one piece of meat. Everything they touch with the same fingers they licked could communicate disease. The warmth and moisture of a box already makes it bacteria friendly.

Uh, no.

I'll readily admit that licking your fingers is the quickest and most efficient way to clean them off. It's not the best, however, in a group setting. I'm there to get good Q, not good and sick.
Click to expand...


You may want to consider an alternative hobby.
 
OK, this kinda hits a nerve with me.

Let me say something about antibodies.

You know the people the folks who are constantly sanitizing everything? I believe they're doing more harm than good. They're not giving the body what it needs to keep us healthy - the chance to get sick once in a while. If you have no antibodies you're going to get waylaid everytime you forget to wipe a doorknob before you open it, and a kid in today's world who can't fight infection is going to be in a world of hurt.

My advice? Quit worrying, take your lumps, and be healthier.

/RANT OFF


Arlin
 
Arlin_MacRae said:
OK, this kinda hits a nerve with me.

Let me say something about antibodies.

You know the people the folks who are constantly sanitizing everything? I believe they're doing more harm than good. They're not giving the body what it needs to keep us healthy - the chance to get sick once in a while. If you have no antibodies you're going to get waylaid everytime you forget to wipe a doorknob before you open it, and a kid in today's world who can't fight infection is going to be in a world of hurt.

My advice? Quit worrying, take your lumps, and be healthier.

/RANT OFF


Arlin
Click to expand...

Here, here.....I'm all for being as sanitary as possible, but there is only so much you can do. The human race as survived and thrived in much worse conditions and continues to expand in population. Just do what you can and politely refuse something you consider unsanitary. Good smokin' luck!
 
I do agree with what both Arlin and Vinny have said, I have seen some judges that might make me think twice about eating at their house and am glad I don't have to reach into a box after them. All the sanitzer wipes in the world wouldn't get the crud out from under some of their fingernails.......

I think it may just be an occupational hazard of judging.....

If that sceaves you out, by all means don't walk through the competitors area and take a hard look at some of the things going on there.
 
Don't ever go to a grocery store produce section and watch how many people lick their fingers to help open those flimsy plastic bags, then pick over the produce with those fingers.
 
I just took the table captain class, and this was brought up. It is suggested that we do it as a gentle reminder.

A judge that I know, takes her a few napkins, and then takes her water bottle at wets the napkins and uses that to wipe her fingers with after each "sample", then dries them with a dry napkin. I thought that was a great idea.....
 
In South Carolina SCBA events, we use a fork to get our sample from the box, then use our fingers to taste the Q
 
Once, on a dug out canoe going up the Caroni River to Angle Falls with my wife and daughter (she got attacted by a monkey on the way), the Russian, driving the boat pulled into the shore for lunch. Built a fire out of brush, took some chickens out of a bag (what cooler and what ice) tossed them on a stump and prepped them. Went into the forest and came back with some long branches and skewered the chicken. Placed these over the fire to cook. He then took a big bucket and dipped some river water and rinsed off the stump. He then chopped some lettuce and other vegs on the stump. Same bucket, new river water and some cool aid. Greatest lunch I have ever had.

Moral, if you really are that concerned, stay at home and vegetate (sp). I carry Lomotil and just don't really concern myself and have a great time and more stories like the above from around the world. These are memories that I, in my advanced years, cherish.
 
Sounds like eating from the food carts in the allys of Tijuana...Some of the best tacos I have ever had...Nothing like fresh grilled perro with lime juice...
 
WineMaster said:
You may want to consider an alternative hobby.
Click to expand...

Hel! no.

smoke-n-my-i's said:
I just took the table captain class, and this was brought up. It is suggested that we do it as a gentle reminder.

A judge that I know, takes her a few napkins, and then takes her water bottle at wets the napkins and uses that to wipe her fingers with after each "sample", then dries them with a dry napkin. I thought that was a great idea.....
Click to expand...

That's actually what I've seen most judges do. Maybe it was just the slurping of a judge that was more off-putting.

fishinchef said:
In South Carolina SCBA events, we use a fork to get our sample from the box, then use our fingers to taste the Q
Click to expand...

Which raises a question. If KCBS does it for the pork category, why not the rest?
 
Bentley said:
Sounds like eating from the food carts in the allys of Tijuana...Some of the best tacos I have ever had...Nothing like fresh grilled perro with lime juice...
Click to expand...
As long as you don't know. I developed that one in Karachi in the 60's regarding gato
 
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