…. is right here in Memphis, naturally.

I was a ribs judge, gnawing on bones next to ever-pleasant BBQ big wigs Nick Vergos and Barry Pelts (top dogs at Rendezvous and Corky’s, respectively)… pictured below…

These ribs are from the prime rib cut, and I tasted some good ones. But I was surprised that many teams went for a sweet sauce… almost as if they were trying to make the beef ribs taste like pork ribs… why no savory?

Despite the blistering heat, this event was a lot of fun… some kids cooled off creatively…

There were some funny booths… loved “Greaseland”…

and the Bada Bing crew…

My favorite team, though, was the Peace, Love and BBQ gang from Jackson, Mississippi… this is the second year they’ve competed in this venerable event (in its 18th year…)

They entered a cold bean salad in the baked bean category…

Here’s the aftermath of my big pile of bones… because you cannot eat ribs with a fork. Must have gone through a dozen napkins… Thanks for inviting me!!