"Steve Calvin" > wrote in message
...
> Well we just got back from the Rib Fest. There are about 50 competitors
> and the judging is tomorrow. Obviously food was the drawing card, actually
> the only drawing card, of the festival.
>
> Watched Jack McDavid's presentation on butts . . .

. . . . accurate & appreciated review snipped . . .

>
> Good time but definitely no place for anyone who was looking for something
> to do other than eat. ;-D
> --
> Steve

Drove down yesterday with the Wife and 10-month-old granddaughter & arrived
in time to see McDavid's presentation, which was interesting. I wasn't
aware that he did competitions as well as and open-to-the-public food
vending booth. As far as I knew he just had the restaurants in the
Philadelphia area.

I was interested to hear that he varies his rubs & sauces depend upon the
region he is competing in, to suit his perceptions of what the judges will
like best. Guess it makes sense if you're serious about winning!

We sampled his pulled pork (yeah SOME vinegar, but not as much as I've had
in N. Carolina) which was tender, tasty and also appreciated by Grand
Daughter (along with mashed beans). I also tried a half-slab of his ribs
which I thought were much better than mine have been in the past.

They had bouncety-bounce areas for the kids, a good selection of BBQ & junk
food offerings (& beer $3), some vendors booths (bought some 'Dirty Dick's
Hot Sauce') and that's about it.

Stayed to hear the second demo on ribs by the guy in the booth next to
Jack's ("Smokin Dudes", I think). Learned some stuff there as well. After
that, we took a seat in the "Main Tent" to hear a fairly good local band
called 'Off Our Rockers', then drove the 70 miles back to Albany.

I think we'll drive back down today with the (married) kids to sample some
other competitors offerings (admission is only $5 - under 12 free).

By the way -+food was expensive -- Ribs $12 a slab, Sandwiches $6 each
(pp, chicken). There was a roast corn booth charging $3.00 an ear!!! (I
remember 10 cents at fireman's carnivals in the 60's). Corn was crap. Much
better here now.

Maybe see some of ya there??

Van