When barbecue meets the buzzer: Pitmasters face off at State Fair competition
Melissa Nelson sprinted to the judging table with just 10 seconds left on the clock, her rack of ribs in hand, as the California State Fair’s barbecue competition neared its deadline Saturday.
The dramatic finish paid off — Nelson, pitmaster of Big Boss BBQ, earned second place, a $200 prize and a State Fair rosette ribbon.
“That’s just how barbecue competitions are,” said Nelson, pitmaster of Big Boss BBQ. “It’s always down to the wire.”
Nelson, a Sacramento native, grew up attending the State Fair and said it felt awesome to place in her hometown for barbecue catering, something she already does.
“I had stopped looking at the clock, so it wasn’t until they came outside and got me that I knew I was running out of time, considering all of the fanfare,” Nelson said.
Ten barbecue teams prepared bone-in ribs for the judges and vied for cash prizes up to $300 but, most importantly, a Golden Bear trophy, the highest honor. Teams also prepared 12 racks of ribs, provided by Auburn-based T-Bones Meat Shop, for fairgoers to vote on, and the winning pitmaster would receive the People’s Choice Award. The competing ribs were scored based on appearance, taste, and tenderness, said Michael Marks, California Kitchen food events emcee.
Coaches Pit BBQ of Covina brought home the Golden Bear trophy, $300 and the bragging rights as a champion pitmaster.
“There’s really no secrets,” said Jorge Lara, owner of Coaches Pit. “It’s just about the flavor, profile and timing.”
For Lara and other barbecue booths, it was their first time at the California State Fair. “It’s definitely the largest competition, the only barbecue competition I’ve done, but it’s a good place to start,” said Tyler Klick, owner of Char’d Pink.
“This is a little project for her and me to get her interested in barbecue with me,” he said, explaining his glitter-infused dry rubs inspired by his daughter Callie Rae Klick.
To David Jackson, pitmaster of Savory Dave’s BBQ, the most exciting part about the barbecue contest was the camaraderie of meeting all the teams.
While this was the barbecue competition’s second appearance at the State Fair, it was the first time it had been sanctioned, in partnership with Kansas City Barbecue, said Michelle Johnson, State Fair culinary programs coordinator.
In addition to Coaches Pit and Big Boss BBQ, other top winners at the Cooking Theater in Building B were: Michael Orth of Smolder & Wiser BBQ in Roseville placed third, receiving $150; Kris Caron of Smokin’ Stacks BBQ from North Highlands took fourth ($100); and Tyler Anderson of Smokin’ Rose BBQ in Garden Valley secured fifth place ($75). Anderson also won the People’s Choice Award, making Smokin’ Rose a double winner at the event.
