memphis in may 7 best....

[jb3]

pretty cool article

http://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/05/21/ ... ngs-we-ate

 

[TAFKAP]

"The intention was to enter this lamb in Memphis in May�s �Exotic� category, which basically covers everything that isn�t pork or poultry. While this smoky lamb was some of the most amazing meat I�ve ever been lucky enough to eat, the category was won by another team who grilled what they called �Rat Bastards,� a stuffed jalape�o wrapped it in bacon. Go figure."

Exactly! But if they placed 65th, there was something about their entry that negated the flavor of the meat.

Poser, any word from your boys at the Crosstown team?

 

[TAFKAP]

Another thing:

The "Best 7 Things We Ate" should've read

"7 Things My Team Made That You'd Have to Watch Us Eat From the Sidewalk"

 

[jb3]

true dat

 

[jb3]

I follow most of the chefs that are members of the FatBack Collective team. Most of them are members of the Southern Foodway Alliance which does some pretty good things with food.

 

[BowGuy84]

Question, what does it take to do Memphis in May right? Thinking about a guys extended weekend next year to it. Or, is there another bbq event that would be better for novicees that love food and booze and don't have "connections"?

 

[TAFKAP]

Question, what does it take to do Memphis in May right? Thinking about a guys extended weekend next year to it. Or, is there another bbq event that would be better for novicees that love food and booze and don't have "connections"?

MiMWBBCC is not difficult to enter. It takes time & money.

If you've never competed before, try the "Patio Porkers" division....one recently created for novice grillers that want to break into competitive cooking. Otherwise, try the ribs division. It's the "easiest", and because of that, it's the most crowded field.

MiM is VERY accomodating to new teams, and will assign you a special ambassador that will walk you through the process from beginning to end, and teach you some of the less-than-well-known tips....such as to clean your fingernails prior to your presentation. Other teams, short of giving you secret recipes, will also help out new teams. Make friends with your neighbors.

You'll need a tent, a cooker, a fridge, a wash sink, and a food source. Everything else, it's all up to you. Make sure you have RELIABLE teammates that can help build your booth, store it, transport it in, install it, clean it, break it down, and transport it out. Dedicate a full week to the event, and don't bank on much sleeping. To start an effective team ready for next year's event, plan on spending somewhere in the range of $5K-$10K .

 

[TAFKAP]

Backwoods smokers are probably what a strong majority of the contestants use. It's a pricey cabinet-type smoker....

 

[Andy S.]

.......the category was won by another team who grilled what they called �Rat Bastards,� a stuffed jalape�o wrapped it in bacon. Go figure.

Pic of the rat bastards.
http://blogs.commercialappeal.com/whini ... nners.html

 

[TAFKAP]

You know, the more I look at that, the more it infuriates me. I'm sure they're delightfully delicious, and may have a place in a cooking competition. But knowing that entry won in a competition called "Anything But" really chaps my ass.

 

[TAFKAP]

And when we were out in the crowd waiting to hear what the winner cooked, everyone said, "Hell, I could've done that!"

 

[BowGuy84]

Sorry, I was unclear. I don't want to compete...just visit and see and taste some stuff. Don't even know if there is a way to do this but thought it would be a fun weekend.

 

[TAFKAP]

For some reason, the "People's Choice" thing was cancelled this year. It's nothing special, really. You pay extra to sample blind submissions from various different teams. It's reliant on enough teams entering the "People's Choice" award. You hang out in a big tent with a bunch of other people, eating God-knows-what.

Your best bet to be involved with a team is to simply reach out. Some teams (like mine) are pretty closed....ours is a college fraternity alumni association. Other teams, are just open-membership groups. You know someone who knows someone, etc., you pay your dues, and you're in. Just throw out some feelers and see if anyone knows of any teams that are open to new members.

Some teams are open, some teams are mini-fraternities, with new members being required to do most of the legwork.....

Go fetch ice
Go buy another keg
Help set up the tent
Help break down the tent
Mind the pig from 2am-8am
Stay sober
DO A SHOT!
Pour me a drink!
Hurry up, the park's almost closed and we're out of beer...GO BUY ANOTHER KEG.