Mixed results from the Maine Grillin and Chillin Contest

Just got back from the Maine Grilling and Chillin Contest. We had a great time, but didn't do so well in the competition. We ended up finishing 20th overall out of 29 team, not our best showing by any means. We got 8th in chicken, 11 in brisket, the other two, ribs and pork didn't do so well. The ribs were over cooked and a little on the dry side, but they tasted good. The pork I think was a little under cooked(too tough) but also tasted good. We have been really struggling with our pork, and can't seem to get it consistent. We will have about three weeks before the next contest to try out a couple of new ideas, we'll see what happens. Overall it wasn't a bad event. Also Congratulations to the IQUE BBQ team for winning Grand Champion.

Competition Check list- a must have

When I first started competing, I didn't have a lot of equipment. All I had was a brinkman bullet, chimney starter and a cooler for beer. I didn't have to worry about bringing any of the supplies, becsause all the other guys on the team had everything we needed, it was kind of nice because I all I had to do was just show up. As time moved on, so did team members and I found myself buying more and more equipment, not just for the BBQ contest, but stuff I would need for tailgating at the Pats games as well(Tables, more coolers, EZUPs, etc...). It wasn't until last year, when I decided to start my own team, I realized I only had about 25% of the equipment I would need to compete with, I still neded to get cleaning supplies, more tables, paper goods, storage bins etc.. I was thinking that someone on line has to have some sort of an eqiupment/supply check list that I can use as a starting point. Well I came across a couple of different checklists that I was able use and finally came up with my own checklist, and I have to tell you, without that checklist I would be totally and completely lost. If I have any advise to give to a team starting out, is to have some sort of checklist to go by, trust me on this it will make your life a whole lot easier and the competition will be far more enjoyable. Here is a link to a couple of checklists that have been very helpful to me http://www.smokingunsbbq.com/docs/Contest_Check_List.pdf and http://www.smokingunsbbq.com/docs/checklist.pdf

Finally a free weekend

I have been going non-stop every weekend for the past 2 months, not that I am complaining, because that is what the summer is all about, but it is nice to have nothing on the schedule where I don't have to do anything, but drink a few beers and sit out by the pool and listen to satellite radio, the 80's channel, Oh Yeah!! . I am not even going to start up the smoker this weekend, although I will definately be grilling something, I am thinking of something seafood, I love grilling seafood, Mussels, Shrimp, and Scallops and some summer squash, zuchinni, and tomatoes in a nice white wine sauce serve over some linguine. Any way back to the sun and fun, catch you later. Have a great rest of the weekend.