Against The Grain
Full Fledged Farker
I was in the Dallas area today, and knew about a bbq cook-off in Colleyville TX from a friend from another forum, I had met him ( Redneck Cooker) at the Houston Rodeo cook-off. I said if I could get away from the Elks conference I would come see him. Well I did and we walked together to the turn in area, and was then asked to be a judge.
I have to tell you some of it was some of the worst bbq brisket I have ever had in my mouth.
I'm just saying this because some folks need to THINK what the judges have to smell, taste, and look at.
One team turned in their brisket fat side up. Several teams left all the fat on them (I’m not sure if there is a rule about trimming but it didn't look good, and taste like s&%). You have to think how good your Q looks and, it might be an hour before it get's tasted, by the first group in this case, then get's passed over to the next table.
So that fat is just fat by then.
We had plenty of water and crackers, and dills. I wish I had a spit bucket too. After we at the first table talked about it when we could talk, about the tasting we had the same options.
I'm only writing about this because I want you to think!
Some still had their sauce on it.
Some you couldn't cut and use a fork (because it fell apart).
Some still had jalapeños.
Some were very, very dry.
Some were no smoke ring at all. I had only one that was too smokey, but gave a better score compared to the other sorry entries we had.
I was real disappointed that more competerors don’t use the good tip’s that they can get here, and other bbq forums, and turn in a better product.
I don't compete and only cook for our charity team, our recipes have not changed in twenty-five years. That way we have the same product, and taste all the time. We never hear complaints about what we serve, and have a good following at the events we do.
I’m just giving you guy’s something to think about when you compete.
Someone has to be in charge!
Clean Clothes and aprons.
Be clean, in your area, and where gloves when handling food. ( Folks are watching)
Folks watch what you are doing. ( Don’t have a bunch of drunks(visitors), sitting around)
Watch your language! (A lot of folks bring children)
Keep your product in Ice Chest or a Frig. ( Who wants to see a bunch of chicken lying out in the sun.)
These are only my opinions shoot me if you can find me.
And always cut Against the Grain!
I have to tell you some of it was some of the worst bbq brisket I have ever had in my mouth.
I'm just saying this because some folks need to THINK what the judges have to smell, taste, and look at.
One team turned in their brisket fat side up. Several teams left all the fat on them (I’m not sure if there is a rule about trimming but it didn't look good, and taste like s&%). You have to think how good your Q looks and, it might be an hour before it get's tasted, by the first group in this case, then get's passed over to the next table.
So that fat is just fat by then.
We had plenty of water and crackers, and dills. I wish I had a spit bucket too. After we at the first table talked about it when we could talk, about the tasting we had the same options.
I'm only writing about this because I want you to think!
Some still had their sauce on it.
Some you couldn't cut and use a fork (because it fell apart).
Some still had jalapeños.
Some were very, very dry.
Some were no smoke ring at all. I had only one that was too smokey, but gave a better score compared to the other sorry entries we had.
I was real disappointed that more competerors don’t use the good tip’s that they can get here, and other bbq forums, and turn in a better product.
I don't compete and only cook for our charity team, our recipes have not changed in twenty-five years. That way we have the same product, and taste all the time. We never hear complaints about what we serve, and have a good following at the events we do.
I’m just giving you guy’s something to think about when you compete.
Someone has to be in charge!
Clean Clothes and aprons.
Be clean, in your area, and where gloves when handling food. ( Folks are watching)
Folks watch what you are doing. ( Don’t have a bunch of drunks(visitors), sitting around)
Watch your language! (A lot of folks bring children)
Keep your product in Ice Chest or a Frig. ( Who wants to see a bunch of chicken lying out in the sun.)
These are only my opinions shoot me if you can find me.
And always cut Against the Grain!
