Thursday, December 10, 2009

BBQ Pitmasters on TLC: Episode 02


Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-off

The second episode was filmed at a unique event in Murphysboro, Illinois sanctioned by both the KCBS and the Memphis Barbecue Network (MBN). While KCBS focuses solely on the meat through blind judging, the MBN judges cookers at their rig. Judges take into account the cleanliness of the rig, the knowledge of the cooker, and the overall eating experience as well as the meat.

Myron starts things out with his jackass attitude describing the enormous rig he uses for this whole hog competition. He and Lee Ann both use gallons of injection in their whole hogs, but Lee Ann's night crew let her fire cool down, so the hog was in jeopardy.

The evening before the competition a drunk competitor challenged Johnny Trigg to a side bet for the brisket category. During the challenge, the challenger pointed his finger into Trigg's chest, and things nearly came to blows.

Competition day came around, and it was going to be a long one. Between the combined KCBS and the MBN categories, there were nearly six hours of judging. On this day we get to experience more of Myron less than masterful swearing. It's like someone's paying him for every word because he squeezes them in at every chance. On the other hand, Johnny Trigg could barely get any words out while the judge was at his table for ribs, other than telling her that she wasn't going to like his baby backs. She didn't.

At the end of the day, when the results were revealed, Myron was the only team on the show to make the finals in the MBN side of the competition, and he took home the top prize. On the KCBS side, Wood Chicks got 5th place, which was the highest score for those on the show. Johnny Trigg did win that brisket bet, while hapless Paul Peterson and good guy Tuffy were not in attendance.

The next episode will take us to the Decatur Jaycees Riverfest. We'll meet you there.

- BBQ Snob

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DISCLAIMER:

Each joint is judged on the essence of Texas 'cue...sliced brisket and pork ribs. Sausage is only considered if house made. Sauce is good, but good meat needs no adornment to satisfy. Each review can only be based on specific cuts of meat on that particular day. Finally, if the place fries up catfish or serves a caesar salad, then chances are they aren't paying enough attention to the pits, so we mostly steered clear.

-THE PROPHETS OF SMOKED MEAT