Memphis in May

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Cliff H.

Master Chef
Joined
Mar 18, 2006
Messages
6,143
Location
Jonesboro, Arkansas
My family and I are going to the Memphis in May cookoff this year. I have never been to one of these events and was wondering if we will be able to sample the Q from all of these great pro BBQ'rs. I saw somewhere that competitors could not sell to the general public. Could you guys tell me what to expect as a spectator ?
 
I have only been to two. One the competitors were way too busy to chat and give out samples. The other was the one where Gary in VA won GC. I wasn't able to stick around for the food. Maybe he could chime in. Sorry I'm not much help.
 
Cliff my family and I went last year. You're more likely to get to sample the food on Friday night when they have the people's choice awards. Saturday the day of the finals are strictly private parties but last year I introduced myself to Terry Black, the head cook of Supersmokers out of St. Louis and told him how much I enjoyed a BBQ video he had made. He invited the family to the party where we were able to sample the pork shoulder he had entered. It was great finished in the top 10. Try to find a team from your home state stop by their booth and introduce yourself and I'm sure you'll get a sample.

Half the fun is walking around and looking at all the incredible effort put into the competitors booths. I've heard it is not uncommon for these guys to drop $40-50K at the event. It's very heavily corporate sponsored. On top of the blind judging of the entries each team has to be interview by up to three judges about their BBQ. They put on quite a show.

Be sure to come dressed for rain and I mean heavy, heavy rain. Tornadoes are a definite possibility this time of year. It's not unusual for the contest to be referred to as Memphis in Mud!

Have a great time and try to sample the great BBQ in Memphis. Corky's, Rendevous (dry ribs, grilled not Q'd), Neeley's Interstate are just a few come to mind.

There will also be pit manufacturers down there. Dave Klose will be there with his $150,000 pit this year. There will also be BBQ cooking classes. Last year I caught a couple of shows from Dr. BBQ and John Willingham. Everyone gets to sample the Q at the cooking shows and it will give you a chance to talk directly and ask questions to some of the best celebrity barbecuers in the country.

Take plenty of pictures and post them when you get back!
 
Thanks for the replies. I really did not know what to expect. I know a lot of people go to this event and since I am only 80 miles away and off on that Saturday I just can't pass up the opportunity. Tickets are $7.00 per person and I wanted to know in advance what I would be getting for the money other than walking around and smelling great bbq and drueling over monster pits.
 
Memphis in May was one of the best roadtrips I've ever taken. BBQ is only a part of the fun. Beale St. is a blast. Make some friends and you'll be fine.

Good Q!

Jack
 
there used to be a place called Buntyns that was great southern food, I think they may have closed and now be Whittingtons...worth an ask to a local if youre there. Used to get great food when I had to work down there
 
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