Tag Archive: VA

  1. Pigs in the Pit Alton, VA

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    Pigs in the Pit was a new contest in Alton, VA hosted at the Virginia International Raceway. ?The entire event and area in southern Virginia were greatly affected by the remnants of Hurricane Michael. ?Power issues in surrounding areas, highways that were flooded out, and thousands of down trees blocking many highways made it a challenge just to get to the venue. ?In fact, power was restored to the venue just hours before most teams arrived. ?Parts of the track were flooded so all events including racing and an Oktoberfest beer festival were cancelled. ?The only event that went on as planned the entire weekend was the barbecue contest…we’re a resilient bunch!

    The organizers did a great job for a first year contest and every one of our needs were met the entire weekend. ?Perhaps the other events being cancelled was a blessing in disguise because it gave this first year contest a chance to get a KCBS event under their belt before adding many other events on top of it.

    When the dust settled and the awards were handed out, it was Wolf’s Revenge taking grand champion. ?Congratulations to 3n1 Q on reserve!

    See full KCBS results here.

  2. FAQue Features Tom Gearhart of Mudville BBQ

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    By Amy Overbey of Team Meat Coma

    WHO IS ON THE TEAM AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

    Mudville BBQ consists of myself, my brother Greg and best friend Brian, plus several ad hoc members who cook with me when I’m short-handed. We are from Springfield, VA.

    HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COMPETING?

    We started in 2015. The BBQ Battle in DC was our first contest ever. Looking back I probably should have done backyard for a little while but I thought, ‘the hell with it’ and jumped right into pro contests.

    HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOUR TEAM NAME/LOGO?

    I am originally from Stockton, CA which was built during the California Gold Rush. In its early years the city had several names, one of which was “Mudville”. I designed the logo to be a reflection of where I came from and the sport that I love. In the center of the medallion are the three KCBS proteins (chicken, pork, and beef) and the outline of the state of California. The two stars represent our Nor Cal pride — proud to be from and live in Northern California. I love the simplicity of our logo.

    WHAT SMOKER(S) DO YOU COOK ON?

    We cook on two custom Humphrey’s Elite Pints. Their names are Vincent and Jules.

    IF YOU COULD ADD A 5TH CATEGORY, AND IT CAN BE ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

    I think the ancillary categories the day before are great to shake things up a bit and add some character and uniqueness to a competition. I would like to see these become more prevalent on Friday nights. The SCA event that we did on Friday at the BBQ Jamboree this year was a lot of fun and we’re cooking a contest in California later this year that has a taco event on Friday.

    WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO COOK (CAN BE A FAVORITE COMP, BUT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE, CAN BE ANYWHERE)?

    We have to favorite comps to cook – DC because it was our first, and the BBQ Jamboree because it’s where we got our first call ever and first category win back in 2017. But I love to cook with my two sons at home and get them involved in BBQ. They’re 5 and 2 and their favorite thing to do when I’m cooking is stick their finger in the rub shaker and taste the rubs I’m using.

    WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGE AT A COMPETITION?

    I don’t drink too much at a competition but when it’s time to relax I like to have a Founders All Day IPA. It’s a great session IPA that you can drink all day. Some would call it the “perfect lawn mowing beer.”

    ANY COMPETITION SUPERSTITIONS OR SOMETHING YOU CANNOT DO WITHOUT AT A COMPETITION?

    Too many to list but I always make fresh omelets on Saturday morning to keep the team fueled for the day ahead. I don’t think we could do without that. We always fly the Mudville Republic flag and right before turn-ins start, I say the Ranger Creed to myself in my head to get myself focused. We also, always walk our last entry in as a team for good luck – a tradition we got from Poke n Smoke.

    WHAT IS YOUR GO TO FOOD AFTER A COMPETITION?

    Chinese food from Asian Grill in Springfield because it’s pretty much the furthest thing from BBQ that you can get.

    IF YOU WEREN’T COMPETING ALL WEEKEND, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING INSTEAD?

    If I’m not competing then I’m thinking about competing, or practicing, or doing some recipe R&D. If I’m doing that then you can find me on the golf course, or playing with my sons.

    ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR TEAM?

    I am very thankful for the opportunity to cook alongside so many talented pitmasters and cooks in MABA. From top to bottom I truly believe it is the most competitive and talented region in competition BBQ. If you look at the list of teams in the biggest events of the year and the invite-only events, MABA is always well represented. I’m proud to say that I cut my teeth in the MABA region. DC will be our last MABA event ever as my family is moving back to California. But I look forward to tearing up the CBBQA and seeing my MABA family again at national events around the country.

  3. Chillin & Grillin in the Glades – Wise, VA

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    By Luke Darnell, MABA President and Pitmaster of Old Virginia Smoke

    Chillin and Grillin in the Glades

    In its fourth year, Chillin and Grillin in the Glades continues to be a fantastically run contest in Wise, Virginia.  Organizer Greg Cross does such a good job in making sure the teams lack for nothing.

    New to Wise this year was an SCA Steak Cookoff on Friday night.  This was great fun for the teams and spectators, as there was significant trash talking amongst the competitors.  All in good fun.  Steaks were shared afterwards.  In a shocking development, the steak contest was won by first time cook Jerry Stephenson of Redneck Scientific, while Look Darnell of Old Virginia Smoke got his first ever steak call with second place.

    This year, the weather had some rain showers, but nothing that the teams couldn’t overcome.  The window for awards was tight, but they were able to get them in before the showers started.  Wolfs Revenge ended up as champion on the day, winning GC, with Redneck Scientific earning RGC honors.

    The Town of Wise is already looking forward to next year.  If you haven’t cooked this contest, be sure to consider it for your calendar.

    Full KCBS Results here.

  4. 13th Annual Recovery Fest/8th Annual BBQ State Championship, Richmond, VA

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    Submitted by “The Chairman of the Board”

    The Lucky #13 edition of the McShin Foundation RecoveryFest is in the books for 2017.  Each year this organization rolls out the red carpet for our BBQ brethern with a big dose of southern hospitality and a contest that runs like clockwork.  Honesty Liller and her staff do a great job mixing competition bbq and the great work that they do at McShin.  Speakers from all around Virginia stopped by and shared stories of recovery success and brought news on what is happening to help those that need it the most.  Thank you McShin for what you do for our friends and family that struggle with addiction.

    The BBQ contest weekend was perfect from a weather standpoint.  It was cool all weekend and we had no rain!  The smokers were lit and 35 teams were cooking.  Those whacky kids from Easton, Maryland…Sauce This BBQ brought home the Gold with a GC while Rockin’ Robyn’s BBQ out of Forest Hill, MD scored the RGC.   Wolf’s  Revenge, Checkered Flag 500 BBQ and Simply Q rounded out the top 5 overall.

    Top Chicken honors were brought home by E.O.D. WreckinQ with the GC’s close in at second.  Sauce This BBQ took home the big trophy in Ribs and most folks knew the run was on!  Rockin’ Robyn’s BBQ won the Pork category and Checkered Flag 500 BBQ took home top Brisket honors.

    This competition is a a staple on the Mid-Atlantic circuit and we thank McShin for their continued support of the sport that we love.  I recommend getting this contest on the schedule if you have not been there in the past!

    Results:
    Chicken – E.O.D. WreckinQ
    Ribs –Sauce This
    Pork –Rockin Robyns BBQ
    Brisket – Checkered Flag 500 BBQ

    RGC – Rockin Robyns BBQ
    GC – Sauce This

    Full KCBS results here.

  5. Covington Cork & Pork Festival Covington, VA

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    By Edward R. B’Que

    The Covington Cork and Pork Festival 2017 is in the books.  David “BB” Bryant and his team once again did a stellar job getting teams to his event.  These folks treat BBQ teams like royalty.  They supply an Italian dinner on Friday night that is delivered to your site by a John Deere Gator.  On Saturday morning they bring breakfast to you as well!  This is just about the most competitor-friendly contest on the MABA circuit for sure!

    32 teams were there this year and BB wants to get 45 next year.  These guys are committed to BBQ and growing the sport for sure!  We had great weather and a really good crowd of locals visiting downtown Covington.  The Mayor was hands-on at the event as well.  He visited sites and welcomed teams just as he does every year.

    Jay Reeder and 4:20Q from Hagerstown, MD overcame their Pork woes that have been hankering him to bring home the GC.  Chiles Cridlin and Wolf’s Revenge out of Richmond, VA continued their rampage through the schedule with a nice RGC.  Tom and Stacey Feil of Christmas City BBQ out of where else, but Bethlehem, PA brought home 3rd place honors.

    Grate Smoke took home top Chicken honors, E.T.’s BBQ was 1st in Ribs, Wolf’s Revenge scored 1st in Pork and the GC 4:20 took home first place brisket money for his work!

    Congrats to everyone that was called and if you need to fill a spot in your schedule I would highly recommend this contest in 2018!


    Results:
    Chicken – Grate Smoke
    Ribs –E.T.’s BBQ
    Pork –Wolf’s Revenge BBQ
    Brisket – 4:20 Q

    RGC –Wolf’s Revenge BBQ
    GC – 4:20 Q

    Full KCBS results here.

  6. Chillin & Grillin In The Glades Wise, VA

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    By Captain Chaos

     

    Greg Cross of Chillin’ and Grillin’ in the Glades was up against a wall this year.  Jamestown, TN planned a contest the same weekend as his contest and he had to make a decision.  Greg made the call and moved his contest one week later on the schedule.  We sure are glad that he did!  It was a great weekend for BBQ and the town of Wise, Virginia once again did not disappoint.  The folks in Wise are akin to those that we remember from Mayberry and the Andy Griffith Show.  Everyone from Mayor Smith and his wife to the fine folks that were handling the infrastructure were some of the nicest folks you would ever want to meet.

    The weekend started off with a welcome reception in the beautiful Inn at Wise and teams were off to cooking BBQ.  Twenty-six teams put their best product on the line for the judges and Rocky Top Barbeque came out on top with the GC.  MABA’s own President Luke Darnell and Old Virginia Smoke brought home RCG honors.  It is this writers understanding that Luke owes the town of Wise a gift on Main Street next year?  Stay tuned for more on that next season!

    The crowd thought there was a run on awards when Dirty Ol’ Butt Slappers took home top prizes in both Chicken and Ribs, but Rocky Top Barbeque and Wolf’s Revenge BBQ had something to say about that by winning the Pork and Brisket categories respectively.

    The southern Virginia swing of the MABA schedule really is a lost gem on the calendar.  Covington, Wise and Galax put on 3 contests that you would not be disappointed in adding to your schedules.  Each are a week apart and make it easy to leave some gear down there and make the back and forth trip if you can manage it.

    Looking forward to even bigger and better things from Wise in 2018!  Thanks to the Mayor and Greg for everything you do for BBQ!


    Results:
    Chicken – Dirty Ol’ Butt Slappers
    Ribs –Dirty Ol’ Butt Slappers
    Pork –Rocky Top Barbeque
    Brisket – Wolf’s Revenge BBQ

    RGC – Old Virginia Smoke
    GC – Rocky Top Barbeque

    Full KCBS results here.

  7. FAQue – Let’s Get to Know the Boys From Poke N Smoke!

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    By Amy Overbey, MABA Board Member and Co-Pitmaster of Team Meat Coma

    WHO IS ON THE TEAM AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

    The team consist of Chris Safley, Joe Steinberg, Shaun Combs, Jared McVey, and Kevin Klaus. Most of us reside in Northern Virginia.

    HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COMPETING?

    We are in our 6th year of competing.

     HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOUR TEAM NAME/LOGO?

     The history of events are a little fuzzy but it all began at a Van Halen concert. Multiple choices were in the running but the name was voted on a few weeks later (with the help of a few adult beverages and a few games of corn hole). We had a few attempts with the logo because designers took liberties with Poke N Smoke and created options that were not exactly family friendly.

     WHAT SMOKER(S) DO YOU COOK ON?

     Offset Reverse Flow Smoker from HBT in Alabama.

     IF YOU COULD ADD A 5TH CATEGORY, AND IT CAN BE ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

     Probably Turkey. Outside the four categories we tend to cook turkey the most.

     WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO COOK (CAN BE A FAVORITE COMP, BUT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE, CAN BE ANYWHERE)?  

    Favorite place to cook is just about any tailgate for an NCAA football game.

     WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGE AT A COMPETITION?

     We usually prefer an adult beverage from Port City Brewery (Alexandria, VA). Our go to is Ways and Means, Monumental, or Long Black Veil.

    ANY COMPETITION SUPERSTITIONS OR SOMETHING YOU CANNOT DO WITHOUT AT A COMPETITION?

     Not necessarily a superstition rather a tradition. The entire team must walk the last entry together.

    WHAT IS YOUR GO TO FOOD AFTER A COMPETITION?

    Chipotle chorizo bowl (with brown rice, pinto beans, corn, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and hot sauce).

     IF YOU WEREN’T COMPETING ALL WEEKEND, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING INSTEAD?

    We can be found at football games (Go Vols!), biking, kayaking or walking the dogs.

  8. MABA State Cup Contests for 2017 Officially Announced

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    The highest finisher from the native state where these contests take place will be eligible for additional prizes from the Mid-Atlantic Barbecue Association including a $250 check, attractive trophy, and possibly other great gifts, TBD!

    Delaware:
    Boo-B-Que Rehobeth Beach, De

    Maryland:
    Maryland State BBQ Bash Bel Air, MD

    New Jersey:
    Que by the Sea Seaside Heights, NJ

    New York:
    The Great Adirondack BBQ Old Forge, NY

    North Carolina:
    Tilley Harley-Davidson Biker Blues BBQ Rally and BBQ Classic Salisbury, NC

    Pennsylvania:
    Keystone Classic BBQ State Championship Harrisburg, PA

    Virginia:
    BBQ Jamboree-Day 1 Fredericksburg, VA

    West Virginia:
    Almost Heaven BBQ Bash Weston, WV

     

  9. Que & Cruz Louisa, VA

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    by Stephanie West, “The Neck” Pitmaster with 270 SMOKERS

    Thirty-one great teams turned out for Que & Cruz in Louisa, VA.  This event, long a staple on the Virginia competitive BBQ circuit, had taken a hiatus for a few years.  This year it returned en force as a fundraiser for the University of Virginia’s Pediatric Kidney Research.

    This event is organized by three generations of the Small family and held at their campground just east of Charlottesville.  Although the rain kept the crowds away, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the teams (nor of the bands, playing beachside all day Saturday).  Fittingly, Joe Haynes was on hand to sell & sign copies of his new book “Virginia Barbecue: A History”.

    screen-shot-2016-10-19-at-9-30-20-pm
    Competitors gather before awards in Louisa, VA at Que & Cruz!
    GC:  Big Ugly’s BBQ – MD
    RGC:  Old Virginia Smoke

    First Place Winners:
    Chicken:  Big Ugly’s BBQ – MD
    Ribs:  Old Virginia Smoke
    Pork:  270 SMOKERS
    Brisket:  Big Ugly’s

    See full results from Que & Cruz here.

  10. Chillin & Grillin In The Glades – Wise, VA

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    by Luke Darnell, MABA President and Pitmaster of Old Virginia Smoke

    (This post is mostly satire)
    Chillin’ and Grillin in the glades was held July 8-9 in beautiful Wise, VA. The contest was fantastic, in a fantastic town with great people. A huge congrats to Big Show BBQ Team on the GC.

    But much head turning and corner-whispering was done due to Mark Kenney, of Sauce This fame, cooking alongside Mark Gibbs of Checkered Flag 500. Checkered Flag 500 would have a phenomenal day, finishing with RGC on the day amid a torrid streak of top 3 finishes.

    Are the two a new couple on the BBQ circuit? Does Danny of Sauce This need to be worried about losing Kenney? Stay tuned to the MABA newsletter.

    Pic of Mark and Kenny sharing a margarita
    Mark and Mark…just a couple of fellas sharing a margarita!

    Ok, on to the serious stuff…the results!

    First Place Winners:
    Chicken – Big Show BBQ Cookin’ Team
    Ribs –Big Show BBQ Cookin’ Team
    Pork – Checkered Flag 500 BBQ
    Brisket – Q Factor

    Grand Champion –Big Show BBQ Cookin’ Team
    Reserve Grand Champion –Checkered Flag 500 BBQ

    Check out the full competition results here.