There’s no showman like Stretch. From the cape, to the hair, to the attitude, Stretch is one cool cat. And for Pigapalooza 2022 at the American Royal, which raises money for Operation BBQ Relief, Stretch and his Grinders BBQ team pulled out all the stops, and four hams, leaving just a two-headed hog for the…
The Shed Pulls 3rd Place Hog at Pigapalooza 2022 at the American Royal
The Shed competition barbecue team is a trip. They throw a huge party, and everything seems a little tongue in cheek, lots of inside jokes, but one thing is not a joke: they are serious cooks. I’ve had their hog cooks on several occasions from Memphis in May to Pigapalooza and it’s always a juice…
Boar’s Night Out Wins 1st Place Hog at Pigapalooza 2022 at the American Royal
It’s always a lot of fun to watch Boar’s Night Out compete. They have a huge team of serious and fun cooks. Their food is no joke. But they’re pretty lighthearted about how they go about competing. And it’s always fun to see someone take a blowtorch to a hog. Here’s a bunch of photos…
Aces Wild Inks Their Way to a 2nd Place Hog Win at Pigapalooza 2022 at the American Royal
I’ve never seen a tattooed hog, but Matt Ouverson and his Aces Wild team including Ken and his County Smoak team pulled it off for their hog cook at Pigapalooza 2022 raising money for Operation BBQ Relief at the American Royal in Kansas City. They came in second this year and it must have been…
Boar’s Night Out Wins 2nd Place Whole Hog at Memphis in May 2022
I judged on site Whole Hog and Ribs at this year’s Memphis in May and when I was done I checked out some of the other teams. Boar’s Night Out makes a bunch of the steak rubs that I use at home, so I thought I’d drop by when I heard they got a call…
Memphis in May 2022 Pork Shoulder Champion Sweet Swine ‘O Mine
I had the great pleasure of seeing my friend Mark Lambert and his team Sweet Swine ‘O Mine win #1 pork shoulder at the 2022 Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Here are a bunch of pictures of their final judging and the sweet aftermath.
Texas Brisket on a Pellet Grill
This is the one you’re looking for. Real Texas brisket, made on a pellet grill. I gave up messing around with fire after ten years of smoking meat. I got tired of the overnight panic worried that my fire had gone out or had gone on a hot tear. I went pellet and never looked…
Franklin Barbecue – For the Brisket (Only), It’s Worth the Wait
This is not an “I hate Aaron Franklin” post. I like the guy. I have both of his books, first edition, day of publication. I’ve watched his whole series on PBS. I’ve watched his Masterclass. He’s a cool, smart dude. This is also not an “I hate the wait at Franklin” post. Truly it is…
Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Contest 2021
I’ve judged the Memphis in May Barbecue Cooking Contest every May since 2016. It’s a ton of fun, and the best barbecue. Here are my favorite shots from the 2021 contest.
WooPigFoodie’s Competition Barbecue Sauce
As many of you know, I am a judge at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest held every May in Memphis, Tennessee. Boy that’s a mouthful. But it’s also a mouthful of great barbecue! And though I generally believe that if you are doing competition barbecue right you don’t need sauce, if…
Austin’s Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ is the King of the World When it Comes to Brisket Tacos
Pulling up on that crunchy gravel lot, there will already be a line in front of Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ in Austin, Texas. And you’ll probably say to yourself, do I really want to stand in line at yet another Austin food truck, especially this early in the morning on a Saturday? Don’t fool yourself….
Loro Austin is a Gorgeous Spot to Grab a Cocktail and a Tasty Bite
Loro Austin is gorgeous. Created by James Beard Award winners, Chef Tyson Cole of Uchi and Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Loro Austin’s beautiful architecture floods the open space with sunlight. And it has great seating throughout. Barstools up front at the bar, tables, benches and booths on the wall. This place was well thought out.