North Carolina BBQ Q&A

My buddy just told me yesterday that the organizer of the pig cookoff said that they are only going to allow 20 entries in the comp.  Not sure why 20, but if you are interested, go ahead and contact them.  We were actually the first one that he recieved payment and entry from...

My partner just talked to the orgainizer the other day and he said there are a few spots left.  We are likely going to cook two hogs, just to try out two different styles at the same time...So come on out and give it a whirl!!!

Sounds great! What's the dates and contact info on the festival?

Here is a link for the contact info....http://www.ncfestivals.com/festivals/details.asp?memberid=104

The dates are 2-4 Nov w/ the cookoff starting Fri evening and judging on Sat am....It only costs $100 to enter...

OK, so the comp is over and we came in dead last!!!  We couldn't believe it, but that is what happened...We got there Fri evening and when the hogs were handed out, ours was only 65#.  On the entry form, they said the hogs would average 100#, and ours was one of the largest!!..  We did learn alot from those who have competed at this before.  It was sanctioned by the NC Pork Council and two of the three judges were PC judges.  I couldn't stay the whole time as I had reserve duty this weekend, so I left about 10:30ish.  My partner and his nephew stayed out there and handled everything.  They used a combination of hickory and cherry wood for smoke flavor.  Well, it turns out that the judges don't like that.  They want it cooked on gas alone and let the sauce to the talking...go figure...There were only 18 teams and we came in last....  Well, a good time was had by all and like I said, we did learn quite a bit, so we will be back cause we don't want to quit on the bottom! 

Look at the bright side...you can only place better next time :) Seriously though, next competition it may be the exact opposite - wood smoke rules and sauce only to compliment the meat.  Never know from judging to judging.

I was hoping to make it out there but got sidetracked.  Get in every competition you can and learn from the best.  I've found they're more than helpful.

- Donald