Hot and Fast Hog Wins Memphis in May
This past weekend, 212 of the best competition barbecue teams on the planet met up to compete in the annual Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. While the cooking talent across the board was top-notch, only one team could take home the Grand Champion trophy.
The top prize went to Washington, Missouri-based team Blues Hog, which is also known for its popular barbecue sauces and rubs. The team, led by Tim Scheer and Brad Leighninger, shocked the competition because it was their first time competing in the whole hog category. Blues Hog also surprised the field by cooking the hog “hot and fast” for 8 hours using Gateway Drum Smokers, while the majority of competitors smoked pigs in a more traditional low and slow fashion at 16 to 18 hours.
Blues Hog won the Grand Champion prize at 2022’s Memphis in May barbecue competition. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
Other top winners for the event included Heath Riles BBQ (1st in Ribs); Sweet Swine O’ Mine (1st in Pork Shoulder and 1st in Hot Wings); Boars Night Out (1st in Beef); Killer Hogs (1st in Poultry); The Shed BBQ (1st in Kingsford Tour of Champions); The Bastey Boys (1st in Exotic); Pure Pleasure Porkers (1st in Seafood); Iowa BBQ Store Corn Cookers (1st in Turkey Smoke); Pork-A-Tude (1st in Patio Porkers); Burnt Finger BBQ (1st in Tomato Sauce); The Pig Diamonds (1st in Mustard Sauce); and Colonel Rib (1st in Vinegar Sauce).
The Blues Hog team also won first place in the whole hog category, cooking on a drum smoker. (Photo via Blues Hog / Facebook)
This year’s Memphis in May barbecue contest was back to hosting a full-scale event for the first time since 2019, as the pandemic forced the cancelation of the 2020 edition and encouraged organizers to scale it back in 2021. While 2022 was large, it was also different from years past because it was held at the Fairgrounds at Liberty Park instead of the usual Tom Lee Park on the Memphis riverfront. Tom Lee Park is under construction, and as such, teams were missing their typical “home” for the event.
Memphis in May 2022 was held at the Fairgrounds, with most teams spread out among various parking lots. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
Almost every team I spoke to said they were looking forward to the event returning to Tom Lee Park because it won’t be so spread out, and having it close to the river typically means there is a cool breeze. That breeze would have been especially nice on Thursday when the real-feel temperature soared above 100 degrees. On Friday, however, teams could comfortably shelter in the nearby Liberty Park football stadium when they were made to evacuate due to severe thunderstorms.
The strangest moment of this year’s Memphis in May was when teams were evacuated to nearby Liberty Stadium during bad storms. Teams were encouraged to bring drinks and make themselves comfortable. (Photo by Steven Fugate)
I spent all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the event, witnessing the heat, the storms, the cooking, and the big wins in person. During the proceedings, I served as an honorary member of the New York-based Pig Beach BBQ team and helped with minor tasks at their site when I wasn’t taking photos and talking to other teams all over the Memphis in May site.
Pig Beach BBQ won third place in the Turkey Smoke category with this delicious smoked turkey sub. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
I was immensely grateful to watch chefs and pitmasters on the team, including Matt Abdoo, Stephen Fugate, Ed Randolph, Skip Steele, and Phil Wingo, up close. Pig Beach’s biggest highlight was winning third place out of 106 teams in the Turkey Smoke competition for its perfect smoked turkey sandwich.
Pig Beach placed 16th in the beef category with beef rib burnt ends. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
Another thing that was different about being on a team versus reporting on a competition was how invested you get in each dish and detail. This was most notable when getting ready for a judge to visit you on-site. Unlike most BBQ competitions, Memphis in May includes a portion where three individual judges visit you on-site and they try your food in person and ask questions. Everyone on the team rallies together to make sure the judges are happy and eating the best bite possible.
Chef Michael Symon interviewed several teams at Memphis in May, including The Shed BBQ, for a new TV program on competition BBQ. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
When I wasn’t helping out with the Pig Beach BBQ team, I walked around the competition and ran into many big names across the barbecue landscape. Nearly every huge name in American competition barbecue was there, including Myron Mixon of Jack’s Old South, Chris Lilly of Big Bob Gibson, Tuffy Stone of Cool Smoke, Moe Cason of Moe Cason BBQ, Brad Orrison and Brooke Lewis of The Shed BBQ, and Erica Blaire aka Blue Smoke Blaire.
Erica Blaire celebrates with her team after they win 4th place in Ribs at Memphis in May. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
Another huge name in attendance was Melissa Cookston, the "Winningest Woman in Barbecue.” Cookston’s team, Yazoo’s Delta Q, got some help from the Tallulah Falls Pit Vipers at the contest. The Pit Vipers represented the World Junior BBQ League (which Cookston launched in 2021) and helped Yazoo’s Delta Q earn 6th place overall in the whole hog category.
The all-women team I Only Smoke When I Drink won the award for the best T-shirt. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
The only all-women team, I Only Smoke When I Drink, was an additional standout. Not only did they cook some great food, but they also won the “Best T-Shirt” award for their hot pink team tee that features lady pigs cooking up a hog named Earl. The team has been cooking at the event for three years and has been steadily improving scores every year.
Tom Lee Park is under heavy construction, but the city and Memphis in May organizers have promised the event will return there next year. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
This year’s Memphis in May barbecue contest provided heated competition, incredible cooking skills, and a lot of fun for teams and spectators. I can’t wait to make it out again for the competition after it moves back to Tom Lee Park, where so many teams have created fond memories on the riverfront.
Sean Ludwig (NYC BBQ)
Co-Founder, The Smoke Sheet
GrillGrates work on any grill and make every grill better! Visit our Shop By Brand page and find the perfect set today. CLICK TO ORDER HERE
—The American Royal announced the nine semi-finalists for the 2022 Class of the Barbecue Hall of Fame. (Photo by Wai Chan)—
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Last week, the American Royal announced the nine semi-finalists for the Barbecue Hall of Fame Class of 2022. Inductees to the Hall of Fame are recognized for making significant contributions to the barbecue community. This year’s list of semi-finalists includes a diverse group of candidates, many of whom have been involved in multiple facets of the barbecue world. The final list of inductees will be voted on by the current members and the selection committee of the Hall of Fame and will be announced in the coming weeks. The semi-finalists are: Byron Chism, Steve Grady, John Markus, Ed Mitchell, Flora Payne, Donny Teel, Joe Traeger, Darren Warth, and Lee Ann Whippen. READ MORE.
This week, the Kansas City Barbeque Society announced the 2022 World Invitational Championship will be held November 11 through 13 at the Noccalula Falls Park and Campground in Gadsden, Alabama. The event will bring together champion pitmasters to compete for the title of “KCBS World Champion” and will include three full days of events. The annual KCBS banquet will honor all 2022 KCBS Team of the Year winners for Master and Backyard Series, as well as several other special awards. READ MORE.
The 2022 Windy City Smokeout will bring together a lineup of the best of country music, featuring both renowned artists and up-and-coming talent, along with an incredible list of pitmasters. The event will take place August 4 through 7 at the United Center in Chicago. This year, top veteran joints such as 17th Street Barbecue, Hoodoo Brown BBQ, and Truth BBQ will be joined by newcomers such as Hurtado Barbecue and Smoke Queen Barbecue in feeding the masses. READ MORE.
Dallas-based writer Deah Berry Mitchell writes in the Dallas Morning News about the 12 Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants that are “guarding traditions” in Black barbecue. She highlights great joints, including Mama E’s BBQ and Smoke-A-Holics BBQ, and writes movingly on the subject. “I’ve begun examining Black-owned restaurants with time-honored traditions in D-FW that have one singular focus, and in doing so I have rediscovered my familiarity with what perhaps is one of the South’s greatest exports — not cotton, not rice, but barbecue,” Mitchell writes. “For me, barbecue has always provided an intangible closeness with my family. We may not have been the best communicators, but I don’t think an argument ever continued over a plate of ribs. When words fail us, barbecue — or rather, the act of standing over a pit and watching the fire subside — has been an emotional pull that helps us recount our past.” READ MORE.
After being horrified by a terrible “best of” list, barbecue blogger (and friend of The Smoke Sheet) John Tanner has released his list of “actual” best barbecue places in Eastern North Carolina. His list includes B’s Barbecue in Greenville, Bum’s Restaurant in Ayden, Grady’s BBQ near Dudley, Sam Jones BBQ in Winterville, The Skylight Inn in Ayden, and more. READ MORE.
ADDITIONAL READS
Beast Southern Kitchen & BBQ recently took to social media to announce the closure of its location in Columbia, Illinois.
Jazzy B’s Diner in Lee’s Summit, Missouri announced it will be leaving their current location with the hopes of expanding both their space and their menu in the future.
Pitmasters Bruno Panhoca and Adriano Pedro will be using their experience at Memphis in May to help popularize American BBQ in their home country of Brazil.
Federalist Pig pitmaster Rob Sonderman has won another award from the prestigious Michelin Guide.
Loro, the Asian smokehouse from James Beard Award-winning partners, is planning to open a second Houston location.
Korean-inspired Texas barbecue restaurant Kimchi Smoke will soon open a second location in New Jersey.
The Pitch talked with Buck Tui BBQ pitmaster Ted Liberda about his favorite flavors and why he dislikes the “fusion” label.
Zavala’s Barbecue in Grand Prairie has taken a big step into mainstream retail by offering three spice rubs in Walmart stores across Texas.
Pitmaster Rodney Scott shares his favorite BBQ restaurants along with cooking tips and his recipe for fried chicken.
Matt Abdoo and Shane McBride from Pig Beach BBQ share tips on how to be a better pitmaster.
—Kelly Nevarez at LaVaca BBQ is bringing Mexican roots to Texas barbecue.—
WATCH
How Pitmaster Kelly Nevarez Brought Mexican Spice to Texas Barbecue — Smoke Point
At LaVaca BBQ in Port LaVaca, Texas, the Nevarez family draws from their Hispanic culture and Texas upbringing to make Big Red pork ribs, smoked pulled pork, brisket tamales, beef cheek barbacoa, steak fajitas on blue corn tortillas, and more. WATCH HERE.
LISTEN
Smoke Queen BBQ’s Winnie Yee-Lakhani — Kevin’s BBQ Joints
In this episode of Kevin’s BBQ Joints, host Kevin Kelly chats with Winnie Yee-Lakhani of Smoke Queen BBQ in Los Angeles. Originally from Malaysia, Winnie is one of eight competitors on the latest season of the Food Network’s BBQ Brawl. She chats with Kevin about how she got into barbecue, her pop-up at Smorgasburg, and how she incorporates flavors from her heritage into her cooking. LISTEN HERE.
READ
Wing Crush: 100 Epic Recipes for Your Grill or Smoker — Paula Stachyra
Whether crispy, saucy, dry-rubbed, stuffed, or over-the-top, every recipe in this show-stopping collection will have you crushing hard! They can be adapted to the cooking technique and equipment of your choice. These lip-smacking recipes can even be made in your oven. Wow everyone at your next backyard barbecue with beloved flavors like Best Ever Buffalo, Kickin’ Cajun, and Sticky Teriyaki. Grill up some boozy options, including Bloody Mary, Tequila Sunrise, Hennessey Honey, and Salted Caramel Whiskey at your next tailgate―and don’t be surprised when yours is the most popular pregame spot. Easy instructions and straightforward techniques for every grill and oven guarantee perfectly cooked wings that you’ll be tempted not to share. Learn how to stuff your wings with jalapeño poppers and mac ‘n’ cheese and how to crust them in everything from pretzels and popcorn to ramen and Cheez-Its. With a slew of options for every palate and occasion, you’ll never need to make the same wings twice―but you’re definitely going to want to! ORDER HERE.
—If you want to switch things up the next time you cook ribs, you’ll definitely want to try this recipe for Chipotle Honey BBQ Ribs. (Photo by Lauren Nagel)—
Chipotle Honey BBQ Ribs
By Bon Appeteach
For this week’s Recipe of the Week, we chose this recipe for Chipotle Honey BBQ Ribs from Lauren Nagel of Bon Appeteach, who just released a new free guide to BBQ Basics. Lauren’s Mexican-inspired rib recipe is a perfect flavor combination to switch up classic pork ribs. These ribs are slightly sweet, a little acidic and tangy, and packed with some smoky heat that you will love.
Learn more about Southside Market Barbeque.
—A lot of big barbecue events are planned for 2022. Let's go!—
May 21, 2022: The NYC Texas Chili Cook-Off — Brooklyn, New York
The NYC Texas Chili Cook-Off will return to New York City, bigger, louder, and tastier than ever on May 21 at Industry City in Brooklyn. The event takes place between 1 and 6 p.m. and is hosted by the Texas Exes New York Chapter. There will be all-you-can-drink Texas beverages, all-you-can-eat chili and queso (or until it runs out), and more. Sean Ludwig from The Smoke Sheet and NYC BBQ will be one of the judges at the event, so be sure to say hello. You can also use the code TEXSCHOOL to get 10% off. MORE INFO HERE.
May 22, 2022: Carolina BBQ Festival — Charlotte, North Carolina
The first-ever Carolina BBQ Festival will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, with some of the biggest names in Carolina barbecue. The event is the creation of Lewis Donald of Sweet Lew’s BBQ in Charlotte and will celebrate three regional styles of Carolina barbecue. The one-day event will include legendary barbecue from Bryan Furman, Buxton Hall’s Elliott Moss, Jon G’s Garren Kirkman, Lexington Barbecue’s Nathan Monk, Southern Smoke BBQ’s Matthew Register, Tay Nelson of Bobby’s Barbecue, and more. MORE INFO HERE.
May 28, 2022: Rib King NYC — Staten Island, New York
Food Karma Projects – the producers of Pig Island NYC and Brisket King NYC – are bringing you the ultimate memorial day barbecue and picnic with Rib King NYC. Join in the fun on Saturday, May 28th. The event will feature amazing ribs from joints all over the NYC metro area, a Sauce King NYC showcase, Hard Cider Alley, pickles, grilled goodies including vegetables from the Snug Harbor Heritage Farm plus many other food products, spirits, and drinks. It’s all happening at the historical Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden in Staten Island. Ride the NYC ferry to flavor and kick off summer at this all-inclusive Memorial Day weekend festival. BUY TICKETS HERE.
June 4, 2022: Troubadour Festival (Georgetown edition) — Georgetown, Texas
After a huge inaugural event in Celina, Texas in 2021, the Troubadour Festival will be expanding to three different event locations this year. The first of these will be in Georgetown, not too far from Austin. Music headliners include The Panhandlers and William Clark Green, and pitmasters will be there from 2M Smokehouse, Blood Bros. BBQ, Interstellar BBQ, J-Bar-M BBQ, Leroy and Lewis, and more. MORE INFO HERE.
June 10-11, 2022: Made for KC BBQ Championship — Kansas City, Missouri
Pitmasters in the Kansas City area are invited to compete in the first annual “Made for KC BBQ Championship,” with a chance to win a combined prize purse totaling $46,000. The Grand Champion will be showcased in a competition BBQ-themed restaurant in the new terminal at the Kansas City International Airport. The Outstanding Hospitality Management Group is partnering with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) and Old World Spices & Seasonings to hold the event on June 10-11, 2022 at Worth Harley-Davidson. MORE INFO HERE.
June 17-19, 2022: Denver BBQ Festival — Denver, Colorado
The 4th annual Denver BBQ Festival will return this June at Empower Field at Mile High. Don’t miss this chance to grab an ice-cold brew and sample pure smoked bliss from award-winning pitmasters from across the country. The final day of the event coincides with Father’s Day, which makes a ticket a potentially amazing gift for BBQ-loving Dads. MORE INFO HERE.
September 2-4, 2022: Pinehurst Barbecue Festival — Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina
The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival, presented by Pinehurst Resort, US Foods and The Pilot, is a “Celebration of Taste and Tradition” featuring award-winning pitmasters from across North Carolina in one of the most picturesque settings in the entire state. The three-day event, staged in and around the historic Village of Pinehurst, offers a unique culinary sampling experience of various barbecue meats and traditional sides. MORE INFO HERE.
September 10, 2022: Pig Island NYC — Staten Island, New York
Pig Island NYC will celebrate its 13th year on September 10, 2022, at Snug Harbor on Staten Island. Join in for all-inclusive food and drink, from all-star pitmasters and chefs who will be serving up delicious porky goodness, as well as local breweries, distilleries, and cideries. Top chefs will compete for the best dishes and event-goers reap the benefits. Expect a ton of amazing eats and a great place to picnic with friends and family for the day. BUY TICKETS HERE.
Sept 28 - Oct 2, 2022: American Royal World Series of Barbecue — Kansas City, Kansas
The American Royal World Series of barbecue is the largest BBQ competition in the country. On top of a massive KCBS competition with roughly 500 teams from around the country, this signature Kansas City event includes public-facing activities, including live music, delicious BBQ and local food, a full lineup of kids activities, and a vendor fair authentic to Kansas City and BBQ enthusiasts. Read our 2021 recap of the event to learn more about the experience. MORE INFO HERE.
Sept 30 - Oct 2, 2022: Q in the Lou — St. Louis, Missouri
The annual Q in the Lou is happening again this fall! Don’t miss this chance to grab an ice-cold brew and sample pure smoked bliss from award-winning pitmasters from across the country. The event is held nearby the St. Louis Arch and held the final weekend of regular season play for the St. Louis Cardinals. MORE INFO HERE.
Thanks for reading our newsletter. Please share it with friends and family that also love and support barbecue! Want to be featured in or sponsor The Smoke Sheet?
Email us here!