2012 Homewood Riboff!

No Pictures to share as of yet, but it was a smash as always.  The annual Homewood "Beat My Meat" Competition is never a disappointment.

Once again, Mr and Mrs Stash S were terrific hosts... I'm especially grateful for all of their hospitality this year.  I was given world class overnight accommodations in their spacious guest room Friday and Saturday night of the competition weekend, as this was to be my first ever foray into competition barbecue.  Mr and Mrs Stash are always very warm hosts and its appreciated.

This years winner?  Homewood's own Tom F. (pictured from 2010).  Tom is the latest in a line of repeat winners, having won in 2010.  Every year that someone has won, it hasn't surprised me.  Hank's 2009 entry was stellar, Stash's last year I could tell had what it took, and when Tom let me sample his sauce during the competition I knew we were all in trouble.

As for how I fared... I can tell you this, I was VERY proud of what I cranked out (Big thanks to Chuck M. for the hassle of bringing a Weber kettle for me to use.  Chuck: "I was cussing you up a storm trying to load that thing...").  I was cocky.  I thought I'd show up with my world class dry rub (a Memphis style recipe I borrowed heavily from the Rendezvous to create) and "wow" everyone with my sauceless prowess.  Turns out, only one of the judges voted it number one, no one else even placed it.  Next year is a new year!

The big news of the day, of course, was the epic storm that rolled through.  You'll recall this took place the first Saturday (8/4) of the month when that powerful system rolled through out of nowhere and drenched everything in sight.  I'll post the video later, but lets just say we were holding on to the awnings for dear life.  Power went out, of course, but the party went on thanks to a neighbors generator.

Tom: well done sir!  Video etc to come soon.

Thanks again, Stash and Mo for the hospitality!

Jeff H.