I enjoy the competition when it’s worthwhile!  

We’re not in Kansas anymore – but it sure feels like it!  

The BARBEQUE BONANZA is Back!

Word must have gotten out that I’ve either done the barbeque circuit or that I just like to eat a lot of barbequed foods.  Both are true.  For this reason, it makes sense that I’m one of the chosen ones to judge a “best of barbeque” contest.  I take this position very seriously and in doing so must sample all of the participating chefs “best of”.  Tough work.

From Farm to Table

The second annual Barn Burner BBQ, co-presented by Johnston’s Pork and Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry is back Sunday, March 20 at the Farm Store, 4540 Simmons Rd (in Chilliwack, BC) to kick off the 2016 BBQ season.

This free-to-attend, family-friendly BBQ extravaganza is officially sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. Donations will be accepted upon entry for Envision Financial’s Full Cupboard, which benefits the Chilliwack care and share community food bank.The competition will witness the battle of the BBQs in four main categories: Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Chicken, and Ribs. The winning team with the highest total points in all four categories will take home their share of $5000 in prize money along with the Barn Burner BBQ Grand Championship trophy and bragging rights.

Teams will also compete in a BBQ “Black Box” cook-off (this is where I come in). This “Iron Chef” style competition gives these BBQ competitors a chance to show off their more creative side. It is sure to be a very tasty battle.

Chef Dez, local celebrity and cookbook author, will be returning as the emcee, while meat lovers of all ages are invited to join the festivities including a live band performance, (climbing wall & face-painting for the kiddies) and free samples of delicious BBQ meat. If the samples don’t quite fill you up, Poomba’s Smokehouse Food Truck will be on site selling even more bbq.

BBQ is NOT grilling!!

A bit about BBQ:

There is a very distinct difference between the two. Just ask anyone that knows BBQ and they will tell you all about it.

Southern style BBQ is a technique in which meat is cooked at low temperatures (about 225 F) for a long time over indirect heat. The heat source is charcoal and wood. No gas/propane is allowed. The Barn Burner BBQ competition consists of four main categories: Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Chicken and Ribs. Brisket is cooked for 12 – 16 hours. Ribs take approx. 6 hours & chicken approx. 4 hours.

About The Full Cupboard:

Established by Envision Financial, The Full Cupboard is an innovative community program designed to raise food, funds, and awareness for food banks in the communities where Envision Financial operates. Their goal is to raise 1 million dollars and 100,000 pounds of food by 2023. Since 2013 they’ve raised more than $340,000 and 30,000 pounds of food. Donations are accepted online or at any Envision Financial Branch location.

About Barn Burner:

The Second Annual Barn Burner BBQ competition brings together fiercely competitive BBQ Pitmasters from all over the Pacific Northwest, Alberta and Saskatchewan. They will gather in Chilliwack to showcase their BBQ skills and compete for the ultimate prize- the Grand Championship of the Barn Burner BBQ. This local event is fully sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society and expects to attract thousands of BBQ lovers from the Lower Mainland. Visitors will experience a fun-filled day of tasting BBQ samples, family activities and live music. Learn more at barnburnerbbq.ca

Parking will be available near the event. There will be a free shuttle to take you from the parking lot to the event site.

It’s free (or by donation), it’s food, it’s fun, it’s family, it’s farm, it’s far (but not too far to enjoy an outing that invites Summer a little early on in the season). With an excuse to wear my cowboy boots.  It’s Fabulous.

Do you love Barbeque?