Lake Dogs
Quintessential Chatty Farker
Not at a BBQ competition but at a chili competition I somehow managed to pack everything except a spoon...
I judged BBQ (Memphis in May, then Memphis BBQ Network) for many years at many competitions and as MIM/MBN have on-site judging I've been able to bare witness to many mistakes. Drinking too much is probably right at the top; particular for rookies, and unfortunately most of them never return. Not cooking enough meat and/or not understanding turn-in times (lack of practice) is probably a close second. Forgetting to pack something key is probably third. Then, getting hooked, or trying to change the world with your winning recipe is next (not understanding that while you may love your BBQ the rest of the world may not see it for the brilliance that you see it).
I judged BBQ (Memphis in May, then Memphis BBQ Network) for many years at many competitions and as MIM/MBN have on-site judging I've been able to bare witness to many mistakes. Drinking too much is probably right at the top; particular for rookies, and unfortunately most of them never return. Not cooking enough meat and/or not understanding turn-in times (lack of practice) is probably a close second. Forgetting to pack something key is probably third. Then, getting hooked, or trying to change the world with your winning recipe is next (not understanding that while you may love your BBQ the rest of the world may not see it for the brilliance that you see it).