Steve and Herb at KING OF THE CORN 2024
Ottumwa, IA (BBQ CRITIC)
My BBQ judge buddy, Steve Carfrae, and I hit the road on a two hour journey to Ottumwa, Iowa. What a beautiful, warm sunny weekend to judge our first KCBS BBQ contest of the year - KING OF THE CORN (located at Warehouse BBQ).
On the drive down , Steve started reading me drive-time stories from cook books. That's right, cook books! These books will eventualy be featured on BBQ CRITIC. I could barely keep the car on the road as Steve kept flashing me photos of delicious burgers and mouth watering bowls of chili.
Steve closely studied each and every ingredient in the recipes that interested him. A true foodie, indeed! After one hour of this, I am thinking to myself, "For the love of God, Steve. We've got to eat!"
We made ourselves so hungry we had to pull over at a Kwik Star convenience store and grab some grub. The hunger pains eventually subsided and not long after we arrived at KING OF THE CORN!
On the drive down , Steve started reading me drive-time stories from cook books. That's right, cook books! These books will eventualy be featured on BBQ CRITIC. I could barely keep the car on the road as Steve kept flashing me photos of delicious burgers and mouth watering bowls of chili.
Steve closely studied each and every ingredient in the recipes that interested him. A true foodie, indeed! After one hour of this, I am thinking to myself, "For the love of God, Steve. We've got to eat!"
We made ourselves so hungry we had to pull over at a Kwik Star convenience store and grab some grub. The hunger pains eventually subsided and not long after we arrived at KING OF THE CORN!
THE BBQ TEAMS
Prior to leaving, I prepped up a small 3 lb batch of potato salad (Steve helped assemble the ingredients) . We portioned out in containers and brought them to hand out to cooks.
This became a customary thing after BBQ HALL OF FAMER Darren Warth raved about the potato salad over the years. So my first item of business upon arriving is to hand-deliver a container of potato salad to Darren (Iowa Smokey D's).
It's always fun to catch up with Darren on the BBQ trail and we talked about his new breakfast type restuarant coming soon. Very exciting! I highly recommend Darren's weekly Monday podcast "Que the Mic" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QueTheMic. Excellent discussions on business and BBQ laced with humorous commentary.
Jake Huyser (Bramble BBQ) has been wanting to try my poato salad for quite some time now. Today is the day. I captured Jake's first bite on video. Check out the clip......
This became a customary thing after BBQ HALL OF FAMER Darren Warth raved about the potato salad over the years. So my first item of business upon arriving is to hand-deliver a container of potato salad to Darren (Iowa Smokey D's).
It's always fun to catch up with Darren on the BBQ trail and we talked about his new breakfast type restuarant coming soon. Very exciting! I highly recommend Darren's weekly Monday podcast "Que the Mic" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QueTheMic. Excellent discussions on business and BBQ laced with humorous commentary.
Jake Huyser (Bramble BBQ) has been wanting to try my poato salad for quite some time now. Today is the day. I captured Jake's first bite on video. Check out the clip......
We then caught up with Smokehouse 72 BBQ. These guys are always fun to be around and it was cool to see my BBQ judge friend, RJ Hojka, cooking with the team (a perquisites to becoming a KCBS Master Judge). It's great to see judges and teams cook together.They learn a lot from each other and it benefits all.
We walked by a team called "Ugly Baby BBQ." My friend, Jeff Vanderlinde (Shiggin' & Grinnin') was hanging in their camp and motioned us over to partake in their taco bar. Oh, heck yes!
We walked by a team called "Ugly Baby BBQ." My friend, Jeff Vanderlinde (Shiggin' & Grinnin') was hanging in their camp and motioned us over to partake in their taco bar. Oh, heck yes!
Ugly Baby BBQ taco bar. Delicious!
Listen. The tacos were great, but the dessert freaked me out! Connie Edwards made Cream Cheese Squares and this delectable treat infused my taste buds with pure joy. I generally stay away from sweets, but not ths time. Nice job, Connie! Thank you, Ugly Baby BBQ, for all your hospitality and that beautiful dessert.
BOTTOM LINE: You don't go hungry at a BBQ competition. Pitmasters are always offering me food. In fact, Michael Givens and Zac Miller (Givey's Que) served us up a delicious sandwich called a CARMICHAEL. What the heck is that, you ask? Well, glad you asked. Check out the video clip...
THE BBQ JUDGES
One of my favorite all-time KCBS reps, Rich and Bunny Tuttle, greeted all us judges upon arrival. We promptly checked in and were assigned our tables. Very smooth process.
Francis Dutton, KING OF THE CORN contest organizer, made some announcements. Kelly Ray from the Heartland BBQ Society announced a need for judges at their upcoming contest in Barnes City, Iowa.
Francis Dutton, KING OF THE CORN contest organizer, made some announcements. Kelly Ray from the Heartland BBQ Society announced a need for judges at their upcoming contest in Barnes City, Iowa.
It was time to recite the JUDGES OATH. This is something I look forward to at every contest. The oath is a reflection of our love for BBQ and our love for the American way of life. It's Americana at its finest! Just watch it for yourself...
The prior evening I did judge the Turkey Smoke. There were no turkey sandwich entries, just sliced meat. The last time I judged turkey, the BREAD (in some cases) over-powered the tasting of the meat. Choosing slices only is a wise decision, in my opinion.
Earlier I had met up with T-Rex BBQ pitmaster Kyle Johnson (World Champion, Turkey Smoke). He told me he retired from the turkey category. Well, heck. You become a World Champion in turkey, so what else is there, right? Oh, yeah - winning more World Champion turkey cooks. Maybe someday he will return, but Kyle is definitely not abandoning BBQ
Earlier I had met up with T-Rex BBQ pitmaster Kyle Johnson (World Champion, Turkey Smoke). He told me he retired from the turkey category. Well, heck. You become a World Champion in turkey, so what else is there, right? Oh, yeah - winning more World Champion turkey cooks. Maybe someday he will return, but Kyle is definitely not abandoning BBQ
Herb and Kyle - KING OF THE CORN 2024
The food on Saturday was great (heard that from many judges). The chicken category was THE BEST at my table. Oh man, so moist and juicy and a mixture of different flavor profiles was quite refreshing. I would like to think the chicken winner came from our dinner, but I'll never know.
The ribs, pork and brisket were great. One or two boxes in each category rose to the level of EXCELLENT. Overall I was very pleased with the turn-ins. So many talented cooks competed here this weekend.
Steve introduced me to a judge at his table by the name of Dennis Stepura. Who is Dennis? I call him THE BIONIC BBQ JUDGE. He uses his analytical skills to describe, diagnose, predict and prescribe ways to become a better BBQ judge. A man who writes a comment card for every singe contest box and he keeps track of it all! Why? It's a hobby.
Fascinating guy to talk with and I hope to keep in touch with him to report on his journey now and then. Until, then, I introduce you to THE BIONIC BBQ JUDGE...
The ribs, pork and brisket were great. One or two boxes in each category rose to the level of EXCELLENT. Overall I was very pleased with the turn-ins. So many talented cooks competed here this weekend.
Steve introduced me to a judge at his table by the name of Dennis Stepura. Who is Dennis? I call him THE BIONIC BBQ JUDGE. He uses his analytical skills to describe, diagnose, predict and prescribe ways to become a better BBQ judge. A man who writes a comment card for every singe contest box and he keeps track of it all! Why? It's a hobby.
Fascinating guy to talk with and I hope to keep in touch with him to report on his journey now and then. Until, then, I introduce you to THE BIONIC BBQ JUDGE...
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Francis Dutton handed out the Christine Dutton "Memorial" Sportsmanship Award in both the JUDGE and TEAM category. Congrats to DARTYQ and BBQ judge Eddie Biewer!
 Eddie Biewer (left) and Francis Dutton (right) |  DartyQ |
FINAL THOUGHTS
I was reminiscing with Sam Heinrichs (DartyQ) about his pork at the American Royal last year. It was phenomenal. Then today at KING OF THE CORN, Sam wins 1st Place Pork! Guess we need to reminisce more often.
Smokehouse 72, the maker of the BBQ CRITIC APPROVED "Sweet & Savory" rub, snagged a 3rd Place Pork Ribs. Very well done! Will soon release a review on their "Bite & Burn" rub. It's a fantastic product.
Big congrats to Jeff Vanderlinde (Shiggin' & Grinnin') for the Grand Champion win, and Terry Bower (Awesome Racks Cookin' Crew) for the Reserve Grand. Excellent job!
Francis Dutton and Warehouse BBQ did a great job on this contest and I hope to see this continue for years to come. Bringing home more great memories, and my BBQ journey for 2024 is just beginning.
Safe travels to all my BBQ friends...
GOD BLESS
Herb
BBQ CRITIC
Smokehouse 72, the maker of the BBQ CRITIC APPROVED "Sweet & Savory" rub, snagged a 3rd Place Pork Ribs. Very well done! Will soon release a review on their "Bite & Burn" rub. It's a fantastic product.
Big congrats to Jeff Vanderlinde (Shiggin' & Grinnin') for the Grand Champion win, and Terry Bower (Awesome Racks Cookin' Crew) for the Reserve Grand. Excellent job!
Francis Dutton and Warehouse BBQ did a great job on this contest and I hope to see this continue for years to come. Bringing home more great memories, and my BBQ journey for 2024 is just beginning.
Safe travels to all my BBQ friends...
GOD BLESS
Herb
BBQ CRITIC
THE WINNERS
GRAND CHAMPION - Shiggin' & Grinnin'
RESERVE GRAND - Awesome Racks Cookin Crew
1st Chicken - SON OF A BOAR BBQ
1st Pork Ribs- WAGS BACKWOODS BBQ
1st Pork - DARTYQ
1st Brisket - GOTHIC TOWN GRILLERS
1st Turkey Smoke - BOOTS BBQ
PHOTOS
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