Memphis In May

Most of the barbecue contests I talk about on this blog are KCBS style, but there's another world out there; Memphis In May. Different rules, different cuts of meats, whole different world. Check it out!

Memphis in May's World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is May 14-16, 2009 in Tom Lee Park in downtown Memphis. Hundreds of teams compete for over $90,000 in prizes and supreme bragging rights.

Teams adorn their areas with elaborate decoration, trophies attesting to their boasting rights, and as one can imagine, clever and creative team names.

While grilling is the main theme, the contest wouldn't be complete without the Ms. Piggie Idol competition where grown men dress in tutus and snouts and women kick their heels (hooves) up. There is also a t-shirt competition and even a best booth contest.

The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the Granddaddy of Grilling...where on this given Saturday, it's anybody's game.

Wait A Minute...

I thought I was barbecue in New York City. I started the contests.* I brought Paul Kirk to NYC to teach.* What's going on here? How did this get started? Can I go?

Smokin’ Joe’s True-Blue Texas Barbecue, Inc.

In cooperation with
the Staten Island Historical Society at Historic Richmond Town

Presents
BBQ Pitmaster University

The craving for truly great Barbecue has hit a fevered pitch in New York City. This culinary sensation, a staple of the South and the West for years has finally worked its way north of the Mason Dixon Line and the NJ Turnpike, replete with new BBQ “Joints” popping up every day, all over the city. Why travel to them, look for parking and wait on long lines (if the food is any good) when you can now learn the secrets that will make YOU an expert and culinary “Master of the Pit?”

Come spend the day at Staten Island’s Historic Richmond Town, learn the art and the secrets for cooking authentic wood-smoked Barbecue from expert Pitmasters; and, as a bonus, you will enjoy a great meal of True-Blue Texas Barbecue with all the fixin’s! Smokin’ Joe Mizrahi proprietor of the 20 year old, critically acclaimed, Staten Island based Smokin’ Joe’s True-Blue Texas Barbecue, Inc. will be joined by Stephen Harkavy long time BBQ buddy and Pitmaster on the grounds of the bucolic Staten Island Richmondtown Restoration to teach the secrets of a “BBQ Pitmaster”.

Both Joe and Steve are accomplished Pitmasters and Memphis in May (MIM) Certified Barbecue Judges; having judged at both the MIM World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the prestigious Jack Daniels Invitational Barbecue Cooking Contest. In addition, Steve is a Kansas City Barbecue Society Certified Judge and Pitmaster for the award winning “Fuhgeddaboutit” BBQ Cooking Team.

Come early to explore the Restoration’s buildings and grounds then settle in for your training, loaded with practical demonstrations and some hands-on experience. All of which will culminate with a full BBQ Dinner, served family-style by period dressed interpreters. Dinner will include Slow Smoked Beef Brisket, BBQ Pulled Pork Shoulder, Spare Ribs, Slaw, Pit Baked Beans, Cornbread and a specially prepared Dessert baked on the open hearth in a reflector oven made at the historic village.

Get more information from their website here.

*Please know that I am joking. Take these comments in the spirit in which they were intended. I am not barbecue in NY. I didn't accomplish anything on my own. I've had help. Believe me. The contests and class would not have been possible without the help of Matt Fisher, Robbie Richter, Andrew of Rub BBQ and many many others.

Yes, this is a shameless plea for free publicity

"Yes, this is a shameless plea for free publicity" that was the subject line of an email I just received. Normally, I would have dismissed this email as spam, but there was something about the brashness, boldness and balls about it that intrigued me. Maybe it's because I've been known to do a few shameless pleas for free publicity myself. Who knows why, but I didn't delete it and I'm glad I didn't.

This shameless plea for free publicity is an invitation to join American Culinary Tables to mark the Year of the Pig a celebration of – and inquiry into – the West Tennessee region’s spectacular take on sauced swine this fall.

"Tour participants will sample the best barbecue in Memphis; learn how to grade a plate of pork from expert judges at the Memphis Barbecue Association and venture deep into rural Tennessee to learn the secrets of whole hog barbecue from the sawmill operators, slaughterhouse managers and dedicated pitmasters who have preserved the craft. Escorts for our ‘cue journey include Times-Picayune columnist Lolis Eric Elie, author of Smokestack Lightning: Adventures in Barbecue Country and Joe York, the first filmmaker to visually document the whole hog tradition."

According to the website, once you complete this tour, you will be a certified Memphis in May BBQ judge. It's got some very interesting food on the itinerary and you will be surrounded by some of Memphis's top BBQ experts.

Sounds very intriguing. But alas, the tour is a bit pricey for us here at WhiteTrash BBQ. To join in the tour, the early bird special price is $475 per person, and it's way out of my reach at $595 per person if you register after May 1st. Prices do not include lodging or transportation to/from Memphis. But if any of my well heeled readers are interested, this sounds like a fabulous time and I'd love to have a review of the tour to post here.