A Full Plate’s 5th Annual Rib (and Vegetable) Cook-Off Still Taking Entrants
What started half a decade ago as a simple backyard cook-off among neighbors who hauled their own grills to the space behind A Full Plate Café and Catering for a friendly throw-down of ribs and other and smoked goodness, has now become the 5th Annual Rib-Off, sponsored by the owners of the neighborhood-oriented A Full Plate (AFP). And this year’s event/party/cook-off is happening next weekend: on Saturday September 10 at Liberty Lands in NoLibs.
For those of you only interested in eating, that’s really all you need to know: show up on Saturday and eat yourself stupid. But for you true barbecue fanatics, the call for teams of cooks to compete in this year’s event (both pros and amateurs) expires this Saturday, September 3 (that’s tomorrow). The contenders already include meal-makers from Darling’s Diner, PYT, Blind Pig and Gunners Run, and past crowd favorite Sonata Restaurant. But if you think you’ve got what it takes to stand up against the big boys, you need to reach out to AFP at 215-627-4068 and throw your hat in the ring. Details after the jump.
The teams of three can compete in any or all of this year’s three categories: ribs, anything goes and a vegetarian quick-fire.
The quick-fire will be reminiscent of a Top Chef challenge, according to AFP co-owner Shannon Dougherty. Teams will have two hours to bustle, hustle and prepare a dish using produce donated from local farms and pantry items from Whole Foods.
Rib-cookers are provided a rack of 12 to 15 ribs by AFP. Amateur teams can visit AFP the evening before the event to inspect/marinate their meat. Professional teams can bring the meat back to their own premises, but par-cooking is strictly forbidden. You’ve got it do it all on the spot, and show the public what you got. The cooking begins right ’round the time the morning cock crows: 6 a.m., bright and early.
The $20 all-you-can-eat event opens to the public at 11 a.m. A ticket gets you grub from every competitor, a buffet of sides from AFP and treats from Flying Monkey Patisserie. Your cash will go to building urban gardens through Teens 4 Good, so you even have an excuse to feel good about your gluttony.
“We love doing neighborhood events and getting the neighborhood involved in food,” said Dougherty.
Local celebrity judges include the certified KC BBQ Society judge and local blog celebrity the Burger Baroness (of Fries With That Shake), Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association President Matt Ruben, Anna Goldfarb, of Shmitten Kitten, and NBC 10 The Feast editor, Collin Flatt.
