Hey all...

The College Football Hall of Fame had a great event this past weekend.  It was the "Classic Car Show and Rib Cook Off."  I was asked to be a judge and was joined by a Culinary Professor and Maylee Johnson who is the Food Critic at the South Bend Tribune.  This woman couldn't be more fun to be around and made the time especially enjoyable.  As I was chowing down on ribs I would here "Mmm, child, is this good!"  To which I would turn and say, "Mmm hmmm, I hear dat!"  We laughed a lot which I don't advise doing when you are chowing on some ribs.  Pass the wet wipes, please.

We had to judge 14 different ribs from both amateur and professional teams who had been out there grilling all day.  They all used the same type of meat provided by the H of F to keep it a level playing field (literally).  As for the taste some were good, some were of the devil, and some were just fair.  The winner was Willy J's BBQ.  Now I agree because I voted for them (we didn't know what rib was from where when we were eating).  

OK, let me say this:  I don't care for beef or pork.  I am a fish and chicken guy.  Once in a while I'll have a burger but that is rare.  Therefore I knew I would be a good judge since I have nothing to compare the ribs too.  However, some crazy heckling lady thought it'd be fun to scream to everyone that I said I am a vegetarian and I shouldn't be there.  Everyone looked at her in amazement and I pretty much ignored her.  She had a beer in one hand and a margarita in the other and was incredibly entertaining.  So to Drunky McDrunkardson, I salute you.

** This Thursday night (July 17) I will be a 'celebrity' server at the Hacienda Restaurant on Portage Road in South Bend for U-93s annual "Jimmy Buffet Charity Night."  I took part in it last year and it was a great time.  Head on down there from 5-7 p.m. and let's help raise money for local charities!!  I promise I am a good waiter...well, kind of. 

See you there!

JS