Grilling Competitions

A new barbecue competition season is coming quickly to the North East. The first competition of the season in New York and New England is the Snowshoe Grilling Contest held up in Abington, MA. I'm not able to attend this year, but I have judged this event a few times. The Taft's do a fantastic job with this contest and if you're anywhere near the Abington VFW on March 21, be sure to check it out. It's sold out in terms of cookers, but I'm sure there will be lots of food and drink available to the public.

Right on the heels of The Snowshoe, comes New York City's only grilling and barbecue contest, Grillin' On the Bay which is being held on April 4 in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn. Readers of this blog know that I am one of the organizers of this event. It raises money for St. Mark School and is a really fun time. This year we've added a separate contest, the Brooklyn Chili Smack Down which should be very interesting to say the least.

Almost a month later, on May 5th The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum hosts Smoke N' Steam. No website that I can find, but you can contact Ben Jankowski for information. I've never cooked this contest, but if the cards align, I might this year. I'd really like too. Oyster Bay is one of the prettiest towns on Long Island.

Actually all three of these contests are related. The Smoke n' Steam was inspired by Grillin' On The Bay and Grillin' On The Bay in turn was inspired by The Snowshoe. Maybe all three of us should get together and set up some sort of crown for the team that does the best at all three events. Michelle? Ben? What do you think?

After that the season really begins with contests all throughout the North East. I just sent in my application for my favorite event, The Hudson Valley Ribfest. The Harpoon Championships just got the OK from the wife. Things are looking good. Get your grill on!

And a little house keeping, dinner last night was a turkey sandwich on white bread. I was fighting a stomach virus and it was the only thing that I could get down yesterday. Cooking will resume soon.