How The Shed Hosted Its Craziest Steak Cookoff Showdown Yet
How The Shed Hosted Its Craziest SCA Showdown Yet
This week’s guest article is written by Ed Reilly, a self-described “BBQ-ologist” who has worked in the industry for 35 years, including in sales for Weber, Char-Broil, Sunbeam, Old World Spices, and B&B Charcoal. He’s also a certified judge in five different sanctioning bodies. In today’s article, Ed writes about the most recent edition of The Shed’s annual SCA Showdown event in late January. You can reach Ed on Instagram and Facebook. If you would like to write a guest article for The Smoke Sheet, please get in touch.
If barbecue and the blues went on a date, they would eat at The Shed in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. There, co-owners (and brother and sister) Brad and Brooke Orrison have made hungry travelers feel at home since 2001. The Shed is a mix of roadside attraction and a restaurant, and it has won plenty of awards and been featured on the Food Network multiple times.
With all that in mind, it makes sense that The Shed hosts one of the best Steak Cookoff Association (SCA) contests on the planet each January – the “Showdown” at The Shed. In late January 2022, The Shed hosted its craziest version of the Showdown yet, attracting 75 teams to compete for $21,000 cash and prizes in seven different contests. It also featured a smaller “Kids Q” competition so the whole family could have fun.
Matt Pittman of Meat Church BBQ and Brad Orrison of The Shed pose with a small part of Orrrison's crawfish boil. (Photo via The Shed / Facebook)
The event officially kicked off on Friday night at the welcome party where Brad served up 1,000 pounds of delicious Cajun crawfish, potatoes, and corn. Brad and the team also grilled hundreds of bacon-wrapped pork kabobs, plus served up three types of King Cakes for dessert. This year, Rockin' Dopsie Jr & The Zydeco Twisters entertained with a funky mix of zydeco and R&B fusion that kept us rocking till late in the night.
The Shed Showdown Friday night party featured music from Rockin' Dopsie Jr & The Zydeco Twisters. (Photo via The Shed / Facebook)
Saturday morning came way too soon, as weary-eyed cooks made their way back for a 6:30 a.m. meeting and 8 a.m. final meat selection. The Shed did not disappoint, with Brad, Brooke, and the staff having cold beer, Bloody Marys, and a hot breakfast ready to go for competitors. Once everyone could see straight, they couldn’t believe their eyes. Spread out on the tables were more than 300 fresh-cut steaks and many beautiful racks of ribs.
Saturday morning's steak selection is a sight to behold. (Photo via Scott Gregory Thomas / GrillinFools)
Traditionally, a marching band plays and marches through the compound to officially start off the contest. Then, grills are lit and competitors are off to the races. Appropriately, the first ancillary contest turn-in is for Bloody Marys. These are not your typical morning brunch drinks, and often colossal and creative items are stacked on top of the glass. Have you ever seen a plate of chicken and waffles balanced atop your Bloody Mary drink? This year, there was a recreation of the Pirates of the Caribbean with an octopus, and another entry featured a complete minibar. (See more of these creations here.)
The Bloody Mary competition at The Shed Showdown is a little crazy. (Photo by Ed Reilly)
Things became more serious for the steaks, turkey, and ribs turn-ins sponsored by Sterling Silver Premium Meats, Prairie Fresh, National Turkey Federation, and Turkey Smoke. One of the most unique ancillary contests was gravy, sponsored by Honeysuckle White. The gravy turn-ins were amazing, featuring a three-foot gravy fountain and even a small-scale water wheel stirring the gravy as it spun.
All SCA contests call winners and pay the top ten in each category. But, as you might expect, things run a little different at The Shed. Each of the first-place winners of steak, rib, and turkey categories are put head to head in a 35-minute Chopped-style cook-off called “The Showdown.” The chefs can only bring a thermometer and compete simultaneously in front of a panel of celebrity judges.
An example of a steak turn-in at the The Shed's SCA Showdown. (Photo by Ed Reilly)
This year BBQ superstar judges included Chris Lilly, Tuffy Stone, Matt Pittman, and Justin Chiasson, and they were seated directly in front of the cooks and watched their every move. The “Showdown” brings a new level of excitement where hundreds of barbecue enthusiasts cheer on as the timer clicks down. There is on-the-spot commentary from each cook station reporting directly back to the main stage where Brad and Brooke keep the energy going.
Lindsey McDonald, a nurse and relatively new grilling enthusiast, was the top winner at the Shed Showdown this year. (Photo via The Shed / Facebook)
There can be only one cook left standing during the big show and this year’s big winner for the Dual Steak Cookoff was Lindsey McDonald of the Sinister Steak Company from Enfield, Connecticut. McDonald has a unique background and she shared a little bit about her win over email:
“My boyfriend Scott and I compete in SCA. I work as a nurse and started traveling with him to competitions as a way to escape the hospital. Eventually, I decided that I was going to get my own grill and try my hand at competing as well. Scott went to The Shed last year, and I was unable to due to travel restrictions at the hospital, but I watched all the live streaming and was wicked jealous. He fell in love with The Shed and the competition and for a whole year talked about going back and how “it would be the best birthday gift ever.” So that is how we got back again this year, and I am so glad we did.
I am not one to like the spotlight, so the whole time flying down I said “this is the only cook I do not want to win” out of fear of going into the Showdown … well, we know how that turned out! I had an amazing time at The Shed and absolutely am looking forward to coming back again. The SCA has given me the opportunity to come out of my shell (slowly), meet amazing people, travel to some great places, and even pull a few wins!"
The Shed put on one heck of a time at the recent Showdown. (Photo via The Shed / Facebook)
Additionally, George Logue of Pennsylvania won the Turkey Smoke Showdown and Charles Dabbs of Louisiana won the Prairie Fresh Pork Showdown. Each winner (including McDonald) received an additional $1,000 plus a Loco Cooker Griddle, a Green Mountain Grill, a Primo Grill, a Victorinox Knife Roll, a Yeti cooler, and more.
Brad, Brooke, Mama Shed, and the whole staff put in long hours to ensure everyone had fun and felt at home. The Showdown at The Shed proved to be a heck of a party and one you don’t want to miss in the future.
Ed Reilly
BBQ-ologist
The City of Roanoke has partnered with Chop Shop to host the 2022 “For the Love of BBQ Pitmaster Showcase.” This event is a guaranteed hot date for your valentine! Tickets are $85 and include unlimited bites from over 20 top-rated pitmasters, an event t-shirt, live music, cooking classes, and more. Learn more about the event.
—Danny Edwards, owner and operator of Danny Edwards Blvd BBQ in Kansas City, passed away recently. (Photo via Feast Magazine / YouTube)—
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Kansas City has lost another prominent barbecue pitmaster and restaurateur. Danny Edwards, 67, owner and operator of Danny Edwards Blvd BBQ, died in his sleep on Jan. 21. Before opening his namesake restaurant, he owned and operated Lil’ Jake’s Eat It An’ Beat It, which was thriving downtown until developers got control of his block and essentially forced him out. He opened Danny Edwards Blvd BBQ in 2007, and the restaurant has regularly appeared on “Best of” lists for Kansas City BBQ. Edwards’ death follows the recent passing of other important KC-based restaurateurs Rob Magee, founder of two Q39 barbecue restaurants, and Gary Zancanelli Jr., founder of Red Door Woodfired Grill restaurants, who both died in January as well. READ MORE.
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Houston Barbecue Festival has announced it will officially return this year to the Humble Civic Center Arena Complex on Sunday, April 3, Greg Morago of the Houston Chronicle reports. The Houston Barbecue Festival is the largest event of its kind in the area and always features many of the area’s top barbecue joints. Restaurants represented this year include: “1701 Barbecue in Beaumont; Brett’s BBQ Shop in Katy; CorkScrew BBQ in Spring; Dozier’s BBQ in Fulshear; J-Bar-M Barbecue in Houston; Pinkerton’s BBQ in Houston; Roegels Barbecue Company in Houston and Katy; The Pit Room in Houston; Spring Creek Barbecue (multiple area locations); The Brisket House in Houston; Tin Roof BBQ in Atascocita; and Truth BBQ in Houston.” READ MORE.
Notable pitmasters and BBQ joint owners from across Texas (and The Smoke Sheet’s Ryan Cooper) attended the seventh annual “Texas Barbecue Town Hall Meeting” at Texas A&M last week. Attendees there learned about trends driving supply and pricing in the barbecue industry and learned about other important topics for the business. One of the biggest takeaways is that beef prices will likely continue to remain high for the foreseeable future. “Demand has been very good and despite these high prices, people continue to buy,” David Anderson, Texas A&M AgriLife livestock economist, said. “Production costs are much higher due to feed costs. High corn and other feed prices coupled with higher other production costs are leading to producing less.” READ MORE.
Top South Carolina pitmaster Rodney Scott and massive country star Eric Church are partnering on a new bar-and-BBQ operation in Nashville. The huge six-story location will be called Chief’s and will include a seated live music venue. But for barbecue fans, the real star of the show will be the rooftop restaurant – a new location of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ. The operation is scheduled to open some time in 2023. READ MORE.
ADDITIONAL READS
The Smoke Sheet was interviewed by J.C. Reid of the Houston Chronicle about its history and upcoming video projects.
Kingsford Charcoal is continuing their celebration of Black BBQ culture with the Preserve the Pit Program for the second year. (See our Watch/Listen/Read section for more info).
The For the Love of BBQ Pitmaster Showcase will return to Roanoke, Texas on February 12th, featuring pitmaster Brendan Lamb, 2M Smokehouse, Dayne’s Craft Barbecue, Smoke-A-Holics BBQ and more.
Texas Monthly’s Daniel Vaughn recently visited Agape BBQ in Liberty Hill.
Popular Lexington, N.C. barbecue restaurant Smiley’s is closing due to a road expansion project.
Justin Gill talks about the 6-year journey to get Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce on over 3,000 store shelves.
Austin’s la Barbecue has suffered its third robbery in the past few months.
Slab BBQ & Beer is relocating Oak Hill location to Westgate Lanes in South Austin.
A recent building fire has forced the closure of Corky’s in East Memphis.
Six months after opening, Salt Lake City-based R&R Barbecue has closed its first location in the Denver area.
Thanks to our sponsor DennyMike's! Use the code BBQTOURIST10 to save 10% off your order on these great seasonings. Learn more about DennyMike's.
—Kingsford is doubling its commitment by awarding six aspiring barbecue professionals with a Preserve the Pit fellowship.—
WATCH
Kingsford Doubles Its Investment in Year Two of Preserve The Pit — Kingsford
The Black community ignited American barbecue more than 350 years ago, but without the spark of a new generation at the pit, important stories, recipes and techniques risk being extinguished. Barbecue goes beyond just food, it’s a culture. It’s been the backdrop to some of the most important moments in Black history and at the center of countless family, friend and civic gatherings. As a leader in barbecue for more than 100 years, Kingsford remains committed to preserving the history and investing in the future of Black barbecue. In year two of the fellowship, Kingsford is doubling its commitment by awarding six aspiring barbecue professionals a Preserve the Pit fellowship. The brand will also award 10 additional applicants with grants to kick start their businesses. WATCH HERE.
LISTEN
Kelly Wertz of 4 Legs Up BBQ and Richard Fergola of Fergolicious BBQ — Tailgate Guys BBQ Show
Season 4 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Show kicks off with Kelly Wertz from 4 Legs Up BBQ out of Great Bend, Kansas. Kelly – with his signature western hat and cowboy boots – has been a mainstay on the competition circuit since 2003. The 2008 Jack Daniels World BBQ Invitational champion talks about how he got started, why 4 Legs Up might not have been a great name for a restaurant and his biggest mishap at turn-in time. He also discusses the new KCBS Strip Steak Series which he helped put together. Then Richard Fergola joins the show to talk about upcoming classes, his new Smoke Show rub, and some tips for getting the new BBQ year started whether you’re a pro or backyard pitmaster. LISTEN HERE.
READ
Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes from the Matriarch of Edisto Island — Emily Meggett
Gullah Geechee Home Cooking, written by Emily Meggett, the matriarch of Edisto Island, is the preeminent Gullah cookbook. At 87 years old, and with more than 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Meggett is a respected elder in the Gullah community of South Carolina. She has lived on the island all her life, and even at her age, still cooks for hundreds of people out of her hallowed home kitchen. Her house is a place of pilgrimage for anyone with an interest in Gullah Geechee food. Meggett’s Gullah food is rich and flavorful, though it is also often lighter and more seasonal than other types of Southern cooking. Heirloom rice, fresh-caught seafood, local game, and vegetables are key to her recipes for regional delicacies like fried oysters, collard greens, and stone-ground grits. This cookbook includes not only delicious and accessible recipes, but also snippets of the Meggett family history on Edisto Island, which stretches back into the 19th century. Rich in both flavor and history, Meggett’s Gullah Geechee Home Cooking is a testament to the syncretism of West African and American cultures that makes her home of Edisto Island so unique. PRE-ORDER HERE.
Pitmasters from near and far will showcase their very best BBQ at the For the Love of BBQ Pitmaster Showcase in Roanoke, Texas. Learn more here.
—If you want a recipe that takes flavor and toppings to a whole new level, try this hot dog recipe from Hey Grill Hey.—
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Sonoran Hot Dogs
By Hey Grill Hey
This Sonoran hot dog is a unique hot dog experience that is oh-so-delicious and Susie Bolloch of Hey Grill Hey reveals a great way to make it. Start with a bacon-wrapped hot dog, add various Mexican-inspired toppings, and serve on a bolillo-style bun. The Sonoran hot dog is like nothing you’ve ever tried before, and you’ll find yourself craving these often.
Learn more about Southside Market Barbeque.
—A lot of big barbecue events are planned for 2022. Let's go!—
February 12, 2022: For the Love of BBQ Pitmaster Showcase — Roanoke, Texas
The city of Roanoke, Texas will follow up on the success of last year’s inaugural For the Love of BBQ Pitmaster Showcase with an event held on February 12th at Historic Oak Street. This year’s event will feature 20 renowned pitmasters, many of whom were featured in the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ joints list. Attendees will be able to attend a cooking class from BBQ Brawl contestant Brendan Lamb and will be able to sample unlimited bites of barbecue. Tickets are $85 and include food, an event t-shirt, drink ticket, music, and more. MORE INFO HERE.
February 24-26, 2022: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Bar-B-Que Contest — Houston, Texas
More than 250 teams, led by barbecue aficionados, compete in the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. While most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy several public venues, including The Garden, Rockin' Bar-B-Que Saloon and the Chuckwagon. Plus, the carnival is open, for wild rides and fun games. The Garden Stage will feature some of the best up-and-coming and established artists in Texas country. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a complimentary sliced brisket plate with chips and beans. MORE INFO HERE.
March 12, 2022: Tex Mex BBQ Festival — San Antonio, Texas
This fun event, masterminded by Miguel Vidal of Valentina’s Tex-Mex in Austin, will be full of food, education, and entertainment. The food will be executed by some of the most talented pitmasters, chefs, and cooks coming in from all over the nation, including Panther City BBQ, 2M Smokehouse, Burnt Bean BBQ, and Sugarfire Smokehouse. Mark your calendar for an amazing experience. MORE INFO HERE.
March 25-26, 2022: American Royal Backyard BBQ & Steak Contest — Kansas City, Missouri
The relatively new National Steak Championships from KCBS will have one of its biggest events thus far during the 2nd American Royal Backyard BBQ & Steak contest. It will be hosted at the American Royal Complex in the West Bottoms. Registration for the event closes March 16th. MORE INFO HERE.
March 26-27, 2022: Meatstock Music and Barbecue Festival (Melbourne edition) — Melbourne, Australia
Meatstock will feature a stacked line-up of barbecue enthusiasts and bands. The two-day event brings American pitmasters Down Under; sees BBQ teams go head-to-head over the coals to be crowned the city’s best barbequers; and features live music, food trucks, and pop-up bars. Additionally, American BBQ joints such as Louie Muller BBQ and Blue Oak BBQ are scheduled to be there as well. MORE INFO HERE.
April 3, 2022: Houston Barbecue Festival — Houston, Texas
Houston's largest barbecue festival will return after a two-year hiatus to the Humble Civic Center Arena Complex. It will feature many of the best barbecue joints in Houston and the surrounding area, including 1701 Barbecue, Blood Bros BBQ, Brett's BBQ Shop, Burns Original BBQ, CorkScrew BBQ, Daddy Duncan's BBQ, Dozier's BBQ, Burro & Bull, Feges BBQ, Gatlin's BBQ, Harlem Road Texas BBQ, J-Bar-M Barbecue, JQ's Tex Mex BBQ, Khoi Barbecue, Killen's Barbecue, Pinkerton's Barbecue,Roegels Barbecue Co, Tejas Chocolate & BBQ, and Truth BBQ. MORE INFO HERE.
April 20, 2022: Brisket King NYC — Brooklyn, New York
If you love brisket (and if you're reading this you probably do), you won’t want to miss Brisket King NYC 2021 in Brooklyn. The event will be held at the huge outdoor space at Pig Beach NYC in Brooklyn. More than 15 chefs and pitmasters will be there serving up their takes on brisket and pastrami. MORE INFO HERE.
May 11-14, 2022: Memphis in May — Memphis, Tennessee
The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a four-day competition held in Memphis, TN. Teams representing the best of barbecue that have been honing their craft for years compete for the title of World Champion and a share of the more than $140,000 in prize money. The Contest features championship pork categories of Ribs, Shoulder, and Whole Hog, as well as the ancillary competitions of Hot Wings, Sauce, and “Anything But Pork.” The 2022 competition will be held in the Memphis Fairgrounds due to construction at its normal home at Tom Lee Park. MORE INFO HERE.
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