Competition #1

Shortly after the birth of this blog, the wheels were in motion to start a BBQ team. A few months of tireless work by myself, my brother Jeff, and my Dad, started a hobby that has since grown to something bigger than we had initially imagined. Today team "Rub Em' Raw" has gained sponsorship by Tim's Special Cut Meat, been featured in The Spokesman Review-Jeff even got interviewed on KVNI. If you know anything about Jeff, you know he could sell salt to a slug. So, as usual, he put in hours of research and networking time to get us an opportunity to rub elbows with Harry Soo at the Boise Music Festival July 24th. Contributing years of experience, two Weber Smoky Mountain Grills, and two Weber Performer Grills, Jeff is a huge asset to any team and we're lucky to have him.
My Dad, who will forever be prepared for any situation ever, has purchased a COM190, which he promptly modified to the envy of every Traeger owner that has laid eyes on it. A commercial smoker has to be towed and an equally modified motor home does just that as well as give us a kitchen and all the comforts of home for competition. Dad possesses the experience of Jeff and I combined and, needless to say, makes BBQing gourmet cuts look effortless.
Our first experience cooking together was at a Pacific Northwest BBQ Association class and competition. Some of the top competitors in the Northwest were kind enough to share some (very little) of their secrets to prepare us for competitions. After cooking all day, our products were judged by newly certified PNWBA judges. Jeff took grand champion and Dad took first in pork butt. We were hooked and optimistic.




Jeff on his Weber Smoky Mountain the day after the class . . .


Dad on the COM190 the day after the class . . .



The experience was great, but nothing like the competitions to come . . .