Time to go.

In a couple of hours I'm heading off to the Hudson Valley Ribfest (if you need a link see a previous post) I'm a bit apprehensive, but I'm really trying to take this one as a lark. This contest is for fun. If we place, fantastic. If not, that's fantastic too. This is for the fun of cooking and to introduce some new people to the world of competitive barbeque. This is all for pleasure. The un-named team member is back on board. I'm so glad. He's a great guy and would have been sorely missed. YEAH! We're gonna have a great time now.

But then again, that all seems a bit hollow. Those of you who know me, know I don't like to loose. Part of me wants to be in the top 5 or so. Alright, I admit it first. First would be out of this world and t I really doubt it. I know we can cook, but we haven't practiced at all. We haven't even settled on recipes. I don't know if we have everything we need to compete. I keep dropping things in the boxes. But like I said, I know we can cook. Can we cook to the judges expectations? Only time will tell.

I'm also worried a bit about the actions of a certain tribe in the barbeque world. Some of them will be at New Paltz. They've screwed with me and my friends before, and I don't put it past them to do it again. Some actions have been plain stupid, juvenile and even sophomoric; but others have frankly, been criminal. I don't doubt for a second that they've got something planned for this event. Every time I've crossed paths with them this year, a shit storm follows. I'll be sleeping with one eye open this weekend (like I sleep at all) and I'm not going to take any shit.

It's really a pity and I've tried to put it all to rest, but sometimes there's no reasoning with people. Peace, love and barbeque man. What's so funny about that? Sorry Elvis. Sorry Mike.

But even with all that drama, come on up to New Paltz. Hang with us. We're gonna have a great time. There's a turduken from the Cajun Grocer for Saturday night. There's a cart load of lamb from the American Lamb Board for your enjoyment and of course, our smiling faces. There's a lot of beer too, but we can always use more. And if my buddy Dmitri is reading this, I have a special surprise for you.

C'mon up. Bring chairs and beverages; adult and diet coke. You know how I love my diet coke. We'll raise the roof. And if you're a member of the tribe, come in peace. You'll be welcomed with open arms. We'll smoke a pipe or something and make peace, love and barbecue. Get your mind out of the gutter you filthy animals. See you there.