Hello BBQ Gang! Here's what's going on in the world of the Illinois BBQ Society... ~ The Rib Rubber's Report with Peter Cravath ~ And then there were 10... ~ 10 + 1 = ~ Re-branded, Re-named, Re-located All for the Good of BBQ ~ ILBBQS Reaches New Milestone with New Contest in Missouri ~ Upcoming Non-Sanctioned/Backyard Contests... ~ Upcoming KCBS Contests... ~ Upcoming Classes... x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x This eNewsletter brought to you by: 2008 Kick-Off Cook-Off Classic Charity Event for the North County Optimist Club's Childhood Cancer Campaign, State Championship, KCBS Sanctioned BBQ Cook-Off with Raffles, BBQ Seminars & More! Space is limited for 2008...get your application in early! Visit us online at http://www.BBQSauceReport.com for application and additional information. Online: http://www.BBQSauceReport.com Email: gawilk@swbell.net x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x The Rib Rubber's Report with Peter Cravath Who to trust when buying meat? While suiting up in the meat department for any given contest, I'm faced with the usual meat buying choices. There are no hogs and cows in our backyard here in suburbia. What to do? Should I plunder the meat counter at Samuels or Costco? Contact the corner butcher, or roll the dice at Shop'n Save? Briskets in the warehouse clubs are mostly flats in Illinois; kinda goes with the landscape. I find flats unsuitable for competition 'Q due to their low fat content, but many cooks submit them in their turn-in boxes. Try asking for a whole beef brisket including point, flat, deckle; with a great fat cap in a warehouse club. Aside from the puzzled looks, and checking with other man in the fishbowl, it isn't going to happen there. Maybe in Texas. For brisket, give me the whole shebang; point and the deckle and on any given day something wonderful may happen. Flats by themselves, remove an additional layer of protection (fat) for your brisket. Successfully competing with a flat often takes the features found in great equipment, and the proficiency of a gifted cook. I've mustered just a little of each, so I need all the help I can get. My best bet is a great butcher who understands the demands of competition bbqing. Not that easy to find. Most butchers want to be cooperative, and try to give us what we want. Your friendly butcher will often go over in detail what you've described to make sure your order is correct, and they often offer a cut or feature which might be better that what you're looking for. Repeat visits, have them inquiring as to how we all (we means us and them) did. Even at pickup time, however, there's still a bit of that premonition of a mess that what's in the bag is going to be suitable for a contest. Small thighs, or extra lean pork. I'm still looking for the perfect meat purveyor. When I find a good one, I'll still try the new guy on the block. So, short of moving back to Texas, it's best to cultivate good local source for meats. Your loyalty (and cash) can go a long way towards great results, and getting the call. *************************************** And then there were 10... The biggest year ever in the history of sanctioned contests in the state of Illinois has just gotten bigger. May 30th & 31st, Taylorville, Illinois' 'Main Street' will play host to the Anything Goes Fair Barbecue and Blues. Newly sanctioned by KCBS, this contest has already received their Governor's Proclamation designating it as a State Championship Contest!  Additional details can be found on the Events page or by contacting contest organizer Paul Mizeur at 217-287-1876, or via email at paul.mizeur@usbank.com. They are currently working on their website, and we will get the address posted here as soon as it becomes available. Check back for details. *************************************** 10 + 1 = ...a record setting number of KCBS sanctioned contests in the state of Illinois for 2008...so far. Word came in that the City of Metropolis (Yes, THAT Metropolis) will be hosting a super event called the Super City Blues & Ques in October. Thanks to the Governor's Proclamation received by the ILBBQS, this event has received State Championship status and is gearing up for a great time in the Super City. Contact information can be found on the Events page...as always, we'll get more posted as the news becomes available. *************************************** Re-branded, Re-named, Re-located All for the Good of BBQ In a recent announcement to KCBS regarding the Salem, Illinois contest this September, the Southern Illinois Bluegrass & BBQ Festival (September 12th & 13th) has undergone a re-branding to more closely associate with the barbeque community. Now called the BBQ Throwdown & Jam! This contest has been relocated within Salem to better accommodate team and judge's needs. Following is the official announcement that was sent to KCBS regarding the evolution: "In an effort to better serve the barbeque community, the Salem, Illinois contest (Southern Illinois Bluegrass & BBQ Festival), has undergone a re-branding process to more closely associate with the barbeque culture. Additionally, this year's named organizer (Rick Russ) has passed the torch back to barbeque veteran Jim Reincke. Jim was the originator of this contest back in 2006, was the organizer for the past two years, and is happy to step back into the roll to ensure this year's contest will excel in all areas for both the teams and the judges." This year's contest is looking to be the biggest and best ever! Visit the 'Events' page for more information. *************************************** ILBBQS Reaches New Milestone with New Contest in Missouri It's pretty well known that we have members in several states and a couple of countries. With that in mind, it's pretty safe to say that our members compete in several states, and our contest organizers help with events in various parts of the U.S. as well. A new milestone was passed when we received our first contest membership from another state. The 2008 Kick-Off Cook-Off Classic in Hazelwood, Missouri, has teamed up with the North County Optimist Club to raise money for the Childhood Cancer Campaign by putting on a KCBS Sanctioned, ILBBQS Approved, Missouri State Championship contest. The big event will be held March 28th & 29th next to Cabela's at the St. Louis Mills Shopping Center. Along with this Jack Daniel's Qualifier, they will also be bringing in BBQ Legend William "Billy Bones" Wall to share some of his barbeque expertise, and are planning on prize raffles to take place throughout the event. Space is limited (first come, first served) and you may download their entry form by visiting their website at http://BBQSauceReport.com. For additional information, contact contest organizer Greg Wilkinson from the 'Contest/Events' page. *************************************** Upcoming 2008 Non-Sanctioned/Backyard Contests... ~ June 14, 2008 - 4th Annual Smokin' in the Park - Contact: Hap & Becky Zook at 309-266-5078 or Jim & Anita Allen at 309-962-9388 - E-mail: bjzook@verizon.net or jaallen@msn.com ~ June 21, 2008 - 2nd Annual Galesburg Railroad Days Jaycees Rib Cook-Off - Contact: Sherry M. Kincaid - E-mail: ribcookoff@galesburgjaycees.org ~ October 12, 2008 - TENATIVE - Maschhoff's Pork Farm Backyard BBQ Cook-Off - Contact: Julie Maschhoff, 7475 State Route 127, Carlyle, IL 62231 - Phone: 618-594-2125 - E-mail: juliem@pigsrus.net ~ October - Barn Burner BBQ @ Lamb's Farm - Contact: Claudia Stevens, 14245 W. Rockland Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048 - Phone: 847-990-3750 ~ Fax: 847-362-0742 - E-mail: crs@lambsfarm.org *THIS CONTEST IS PENDING KCBS SANCTIONING* *************************************** Upcoming 2008 KCBS Contests... (All info & web addresses are posted on http://www.ILBBQS.com -> Contests/Events) ~ March 28-29, 2008 - 2008 Kick-Off Cook-Off Classic in Hazelwood, Missouri - Contact: Greg Wilkinson - Phone: (314) 955-1104 - Online: http://www.BBQSauceReport.com - E-mail: gawilk@swbell.net ~ May 2-3, 2008 - Southwestern Illinois Spring Festival in Wamac, Illinois - Contact: Shane Swartzlander - Phone: (618) 533-5703 ~ Fax: - Online: http://www.gocentralia.com/springfestival - E-mail: 2chubby@sbcglobal.net ~ May 9-10, 2008 - CANCELLED - Dust Off Your Grill Backyard BBQ Cook-Off - Contact: Patty Peterson, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon, IL 61938. - Phone: 217-258-2424 ~ Fax: 217-258-4135. - E-mail: ppeterson@sblhs.org ~ May 16-17, 2008 - The Randolph County Pig Party - Contact: Jason Vallett, 402 E. Broadway, Steeleville, IL 62288. - Phone: 618-965-3414 ~ Fax: 618-965-3177 - Email: jason@gregvallettautosales.com ~ May 24-25, 2008 - Red, White & Bar-B-Q - Contact: Jim Addington, 337 E. Traube Street, Westmont, IL 60559 - Phone: 630-443-2013 Fax: 630.443-2017 - E-mail: jaddington@ambankqc.com ~ June 13-14, 2008 - King City BBQ Showdown - Contact: Troy Heitmeyer, 104 N. 9th Street, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 - Phone: 618-242-4020 x 15 ~ Fax: 618-242-3383 - E-mail: troy@cmacsoft.com ~ June 13-14, 2008 - Elk Grove Rotary Ribfest - Contact: Ron Nunes, 701 E. Irving Park Rd, Ste. 200, Roselle, IL 60172 - Phone: 630-307-8744 ~ Fax: 630-307-8755 - E-mail: rnunes9457@aol.com ~ July 11-12, 2008 - Illinois State Championship & Butt to Butt Pork Invitational - Contact: Connie Smith, 301 E. Sunrise Drive, Shannon, IL 61078 - Phone: 816-864-2542 ~ Fax: 815-864-2825 - E-mail: rrribs@frontiernet.net ~ September 12-13, 2008 - The BBQ Throwdown & Jam - Contact: Jim Reincke, PO Box 924, Salem, IL 62881 - Phone: 618-407-3300 ~ E-mail: bbqthrowdown@gosalem.com ~ September 19-20, 2008 - - Carbondale Main Street Pig Out - Contact: Meghan Cole, 121 S. Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901 - Phone: 618-529-8040 ~ Fax: 618-529-8041 - E-mail: info@carbondalemainstreet.com ~ October 10-11, 2008 - Central Illinois Bragging Rights - Contact: George Fritz, 136 S. Vine Street, Arthur, IL 61911 - Phone: 217-543-2181 - E-mail: bbq@arthuril.com *************************************** Upcoming Classes... (All info posted on http://www.ILBBQS.com -> BBQ Classes) ~ Certified Table Captain’s Class: Arthur, Illinois - 03/07/2008 - Instructor: Mike Lake - Website: http://www.CIBR-BBQ.com - Contact Information: George Fritz ~ Phone: 217-543-2181 ~ bbq@arthuril.com ~ Certified BBQ Judging Class: Arthur, Illinois - 03/08/2008 - Instructor: Mike Lake - Website: http://www.CIBR-BBQ.com - Contact Information: George Fritz ~ Phone: 217-543-2181 ~ bbq@arthuril.com ~ Certified Table Captain’s Class: Mount Vernon, Illinois - 04/18/2008 - Instructor: Mike Lake - Website: http://www.SouthernIllinois.com - Contact Information: Troy Heitmeyer ~ Phone: 618-242-4020 x 15 ~ troy@cmacsoft.com ~ Certified BBQ Judging Class: Mount Vernon, Illinois - 04/19/2008 - Instructor: Mike Lake - Website: http://www.SouthernIllinois.com - Contact Information: Troy Heitmeyer ~ Phone: 618-242-4020 x 15 ~ troy@cmacsoft.com *************************************** Upcoming BBQ Cooking Classes... (All info posted on http://www.ILBBQS.com -> BBQ Classes) ~ Shannon, Illinois - 4/4/08 thru 4/5/08 - Old School vs. High Tech BBQ Cooking Class - Instructors: Johnny Trigg & Rod Gray - Location: Eastland Middle School ~ 601 Chestnut Street ~ Contact Information: Rod Gray ~ rod@pelletenvy.com *************************************** If you have a BBQ related news item you would like to share with the group, be sure to send it in! There is an easy-to-use 'Submit News' button on our website at http://www.ILBBQS.com ...use it often! As always, if you have any pictures, stories, news items, comments, suggestions, questions, or ideas, let me know! Well folks, that's gonna do it for this year's news and updates. I hope you have a most wonderful, and safe, New Year! I'm looking forward to seeing a lot more of you down the BBQ trail of 2008! Carpe 'Que, Jim Rhino