This weekend was Ribfest, a time when many pigs sacrifice their lives for charity and to make me fat. As always we worked our way from vendor to vendor sampling their wares and judging who we thought was best.
Some thoughts on each vendor, as we move down the row:
Ribs were smoky, but tough and dry. The brisket...well, let's just say if I'd wanted a dry pot roast, I already knew where to find it. From the almost exclusively female front staff to the "cowgirls wanted, apply in bunk after 10:00" sign, Cowboys seemed sure that sex would sell the ribs. Unfortunately, I'm of the opinion that when it comes to barbecue, it should sell itself.
Howling Coyote Southwest BBQ
The ribs were a little dry, but tender. Good smoke flavor, but nothing spectacular. Sauces had a good taste, but it was almost impossible to tell which was which even though they were supposedly very different.
Ribs were tasty: meaty and smoky if a little tough, but when they taste that good that's not too major of a thing. Sauce had a nice blend of smoky, tangy, sweet and hot.
Chicago BBQ Company
Ribs were both tough and dry. The chicken managed to be both fatty and dry at the same time.
Incredibly good. The ribs were incredibly tender, smoky and had a great meaty flavor. A little heavy on the sauce, but it was good enough to overlook that.
Possibly the best sign of any of the places, but I have to admit we skipped this one because it hasn't impressed us in any of the previous years.
A local competitor, who had (in my opinion, which is the only one that matters on this site) the best ribs last year. I was disappointed this year because the ribs were not up to the same standard. The big swing from top last year to more so-so this year, just goes to show how tough it is to consistently be the best at something like this.
The final results:
Craig's ratings: 1. Johnson's, 2. Desperado's, 3. Big Moe's, 4. Howling Coyote, 5. Cowboys, 6. Chicago BBQ.
Melissa's ratings: 1. Johnson's, 2. Desperado's, 3. Chicago BBQ, 4. Big Moe's, 5. Howling Coyote, 6. Cowboys.
2 comments:
I have absolutely nothing to offer on this subject! Other than the "Lick my Ribs" sign cracked me up!
FLAVOR FLAV!
Dammit! Why is there no ribfest where I am?!??! This is unfair. Oh the humanity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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