Iowa BBQ Society Annual Banquet
ALTOONA, IA (BBQCRITIC) On January 14th 2023, the Iowa BBQ Society Annual Banquet took place at Prairie Meadows Casino in a very spacious event room. Chafing dishes lined up along the back wall getting hot and tables were all set for dinner. Warmth filled this place, but not from climate control or chafing dishes heating up. It came from every beating heart in the room and we were all in for a heart-warming evening.
The dining room had an open bar, a table displaying trophies with the winning team names engraved on each award. A silent auction area featured products on display such as a PK Grill, K4L Drum Cooker, Smokhouse72 Sweet & Savory Rub, and host of other cool options. Everyone was beginning to arrive and it is always a pleasure to meet up with all my Iowa BBQ friends, and most of them were here tonight.
The dining room had an open bar, a table displaying trophies with the winning team names engraved on each award. A silent auction area featured products on display such as a PK Grill, K4L Drum Cooker, Smokhouse72 Sweet & Savory Rub, and host of other cool options. Everyone was beginning to arrive and it is always a pleasure to meet up with all my Iowa BBQ friends, and most of them were here tonight.
IBS AWARDS
I am excited to see our 2023 Iowa BBQ Society Executive Board in action including Rande Galle (President), Jason Waite (Vice President), Brant Champoux (Secretary) and Trent Wilson (Treasurer). Board Members include Erik Mengel, Jordan Williams, Scott Chaney, Joe Quick, Megan Willier and Jake Huyser.
The IBS board went all out this year planning the banquet, and I really like the set up here. Very nice! Although they may want to get a few pit masters together and teach the casino cooks a thing or two on making juicy, tender beef. Holy toughness! Everything else satisfied my appetite, and there was a wide assortment of food options which was great. The staff was very attentive and friendly.
I had the priviledge to share a table with my friends Ed Hartman (a fellow BBQ judge), Anne Rehnstrom (a previous Founding IBS Board Member), brothers Ray and Jay Ringgenberg (Smokhouse72), and Francis Dutton and his brother Brad. We all enjoyed our meal, but now it's time to get down to the real meat of the evening.
The IBS board went all out this year planning the banquet, and I really like the set up here. Very nice! Although they may want to get a few pit masters together and teach the casino cooks a thing or two on making juicy, tender beef. Holy toughness! Everything else satisfied my appetite, and there was a wide assortment of food options which was great. The staff was very attentive and friendly.
I had the priviledge to share a table with my friends Ed Hartman (a fellow BBQ judge), Anne Rehnstrom (a previous Founding IBS Board Member), brothers Ray and Jay Ringgenberg (Smokhouse72), and Francis Dutton and his brother Brad. We all enjoyed our meal, but now it's time to get down to the real meat of the evening.
Christine Dutton
IBS HALL OF FAME
Francis Dutton's wife, Christine, 65, who went on to be with our Lord in Heaven last November (2022), was inducted into the Iowa BBQ Society HALL OF FAME. Francis had met with outgoing IBS president, Matt Fisher, at Tornados Pub & Grub in Cedar Rapids where he told Francis about this honor. Francis said in his acceptance speech, "I had no words at that point. I felt overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude to the board to honor Christine in that way."
Francis also said of his wife, Christine, "In her own way, she touched so many lives that I never knew until after her passing."
Francis also said of his wife, Christine, "In her own way, she touched so many lives that I never knew until after her passing."
Christine Dutton (right) judged her final BBQ contest at "King of the Corn" in Ottumwa, Iowa. She sat at my table. A cherished memory.
Christine certainly touched my life. I remember sharing a story with Francis at his home (shortly after she passed) about when her and I debated politics on Facebook. It got heated! Boy did she stand her ground, and I stood mine. Yet Christine was always so nice and never once got personal with me (nor I with her). I heard the same thing from other BBQ friends who locked horns with her in debates such as Sabrina Knapp (Bubba-Q's). Christine ended up teaching me a lesson in kindness discussing issues, by her own example. Later I would pay more attention to her posts about God and I would often reply to those instead.
Francis relayed this story to the pastor who conducted Christine's service at church. My story was included. Ultimately, it was our mutual faith in God that bonded my friendship with Christine. We both realized the Kingdom of God was far more important than any political party here on earth.
Here is the full video of Francis Dutton's acceptance speech for the Iowa BBQ Society HALL OF FAME. God Bless, Christine Dutton.
Francis relayed this story to the pastor who conducted Christine's service at church. My story was included. Ultimately, it was our mutual faith in God that bonded my friendship with Christine. We both realized the Kingdom of God was far more important than any political party here on earth.
Here is the full video of Francis Dutton's acceptance speech for the Iowa BBQ Society HALL OF FAME. God Bless, Christine Dutton.
Christine Dutton
HALL OF FAME VIDEO
Jeremy Biondi
IBS HALL OF FAME
Jeremy Biondi, 48, who passed on to be with our Lord in Heaven last October (2022), was also inducted into the Iowa BBQ Society HALL OF FAME. Jeremy created Moo's BBQ (Newton, IA) in 2014 and his barbecue restaurant served award-winning BBQ to the community until November 30th, 2022 when it closed due to his passing.
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I remember in December 2019, I took a road trip to Moo's BBQ and it was closed due to a drunk driver hitting their building. Sometime after that, I had stopped there to grab a brisket sandwich on the way back from a BBQ competition (of all days!), but I was eager to try the BBQ and it was great. I never had the privilege of meeting Jeremy, though. However, my friend Kyle Johnson (T-Rex BBQ) knew him well.
THE NOTE POSTED ON THE DOOR
Jeremy was a big supporter of the Iowa BBQ Society. Kyle said in his speech, "He opened his checkbook relentlessly when BBQ Society called. We asked, he answered...Jeremy was one hell of a guy and my friend...may he rest in peace." Kyle handed out the HALL OF FAME plaque to Jeremy's wife, Nicole Biondi, and family.
Nicole Biondi holds the HALL OF FAME plaque with her family
Here are a few short video clips from friends and family honoring Jeremy Biondi at the Iowa BBQ Society HALL OF FAME induction. After watching the videos, you'll wish you had met Jeremy, too.
Jeremy Biondi
HALL OF FAME VIDEOS
The Newton Daily News (11/17/22) quoted Jeremy's wife, Nicole Biondi, from a Facebook post: "It was Jeremy’s faith and trust in God that led him to open Moo’s BBQ, and it kept him going no matter what barriers and difficulties he faced along the way.”
Jeremy Biondi and Christine Dutton will be missed. No question. BBQ flowed through their blood just like it does ours. That bloodline makes us family, and we sure felt the warmth of that love this evening. They both had a faith in God that balanced out their lives, and secured their eternity. I am reminded what Jesus said in John 11:25 in the Holy Bible, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
That's why my motto in life will always be: Life is not short, it's FOREVER.
Jeremy Biondi and Christine Dutton will be missed. No question. BBQ flowed through their blood just like it does ours. That bloodline makes us family, and we sure felt the warmth of that love this evening. They both had a faith in God that balanced out their lives, and secured their eternity. I am reminded what Jesus said in John 11:25 in the Holy Bible, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
That's why my motto in life will always be: Life is not short, it's FOREVER.
IBS 2022 AWARDS
PRO SERIES
Congratulations to the following Pro Series teams for a job well done in 2022. Hot Daddy's BBQ is definitely HOT taking Grand Champion. WAGS Backwoods BBQ wagged his way to Reserve Champion. It was great to also see Luscious Loins, T-Rex BBQ and Team Crawford in my photo sights. I really missed seeing Machete Boys BBQ, Smokey D's and Hogline as they were not able to be present. Joe Osbrink received a well-deserved contest Organizer of the Year award. Joe's ;leadership resurrected the Iowa State BBQ Championship contest and it took place in Altoona, IA at Adventureland Park. Very much a success and has potential to grow.
TOP OVERALL
 GRAND CHAMPION - Hot Daddy's BBQ |  RESERVE CHAMPION - WAGS Backwoods BBQ |
CHICKEN
 1ST CHICKEN - Hot Daddy's BBQ |  2ND CHICKEN - Luscious Loins |  3RD CHICKEN - WAGS Backwoods BBQ |
RIBS
 1ST RIBS - Hot Daddy's BBQ |  2ND RIBS - T-Rex BBQ |  3RD RIBS - WAGS Backwoods BBQ |
PORK
 1ST PORK - Hot Daddy's BBQ |  2ND PORK - Team Crawford |  3RD PORK - Machete Boys BBQ |
BRISKET
 1ST BRISKET - WAGS Backwoods BBQ |  2ND BRISKET - Smokey D's |  3RD BRISKET - Hogline |
ORGANIZER OF THE YEAR
PRO-SERIES
ORGANIZER OF THE YEAR - Joe Osbrink
IBS 2022 AWARDS
BACKYARD
Congratulations to the following Backyard teams for a job well done in 2022 The three teams below dominated the Backyard division. Smokin' Suckers nailed 1st place in both Chicken and Ribs and ended the season with a Grand Champion. Nice! Limp Brizkit firmly held Reserve Champion.
met Brant Champoux (Second Hand Smoke) earlier in the year. Great to see this team in the top three. I will be getting together with him for some fun projects over the Spring.
Wyndell Campbell was awarded the Backyard Organizer of the Year. I did not get a chance to talk with Wyndell, but I hear great things about his BBQ-4-Badges contest (Oskaloosa, IA) that raises money for local first responders and emergency services. I will try to get there this year.
Keep your eye out for more BBQ Critic Backyard contest coverage I have yet to publish from 2022. It will get you pumped up for the coming season.
met Brant Champoux (Second Hand Smoke) earlier in the year. Great to see this team in the top three. I will be getting together with him for some fun projects over the Spring.
Wyndell Campbell was awarded the Backyard Organizer of the Year. I did not get a chance to talk with Wyndell, but I hear great things about his BBQ-4-Badges contest (Oskaloosa, IA) that raises money for local first responders and emergency services. I will try to get there this year.
Keep your eye out for more BBQ Critic Backyard contest coverage I have yet to publish from 2022. It will get you pumped up for the coming season.
TOP OVERALL
 GRAND CHAMPION - Smokin' Suckers |  RESERVE CHAMPION - Limp Brizkit BBQ |
CHICKEN
 1ST CHICKEN - Smokin' Suckers |  2ND CHICKEN - Limp Brizkit BBQ |  3RD CHICKEN - Second Hand Smoke |
RIBS
 1ST RIBS - Smokin' Suckers |  2ND RIBS - Second Hand Smoke |  3RD RIBS - Limp Brizkit BBQ |
ORGANIZER OF THE YEAR
BACKYARD
ORGANIZER OF THE YEAR - Wyndell Campbell
FINAL THOUGHTS
This last year was a lot of fun for me to hang out with cooks and judges and meeting new friends. Let's all take a lesson from Jeremy Biondi (shoot for your dreams and make it reality) and Christine Dutton (be kind at all times).
Thanks, Iowa BBQ Society, for a great banquet. God Bless.
Herb Kane
BBQ Critic
Thanks, Iowa BBQ Society, for a great banquet. God Bless.
Herb Kane
BBQ Critic
VIDEO:
CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENTS
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VIDEO:
ORGANIZER OF THE YEAR
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EXTRA FUN VIDEO!
THE PANCAKE STORY
KYLE JOHNSON (T-REX BBQ)
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