Page 21 - April 2022 Barbecue News Magazine

BackYard on the Grape Returns to Lodi, California
Melanie Price, Editor, Smokin’ Times
It’s known as the “Spring Training of BBQ” and is one of the most unique events in competition BBQ. BackYard on the Grape is the brainchild of CBBQA hall-of-famer and founder of Fire It Up Events, Ben Lobenstein. The contest gives cooks and teams the opportunity to receive real-time direct feedback from judges as their entries are judged in-person.
The event, which is hosted at the Grape Festival grounds in Lodi, California, was the 昀nal contest of the 2020 season before COVID suspended events in California for more than a year. Its return in 2022 signals a resurgence of competition BBQ in the state.
This training camp style event could not have come at a better time. This year, veteran teams looked to knock o昀 the cob webs after a long COVID- forced break, while new teams got an opportunity to dip their toes into the world of competitive BBQ for the 昀rst time.
This informal competition o昀ers the experienced cook a chance to try new
recipes and keep their cooking skills sharp, while a novice team can gain valuable knowledge and insight from judges.
Lobenstein describes this event as “American Idol meets BBQ!” and is not just practice but an education for everyone involved. Participating teams glean tips and tricks from various mentors milling around while their entries are judged by Certi昀ed BBQ Judges. Think of it as a talking comment card.
Teams were able to load in on Friday afternoon much like a real competition and enjoyed a taco bar catered by G and Pop’s BBQ. While this practice event does not crown a champion, Lobenstein handed out awards to 昀rst- time backyard teams placing 1st through 5th in each category which also included Tri-Tip. New team Cherry Anchor BBQ received three calls, winning 1st place in pork ribs, brisket and tri-tip, while Smokin Bs’ BBQ placed 1st in chicken. Solid Smoke took home 1st for pork.
Left: The BackYard on the Grape contest, organized by Ben Lobenstein of Fire it Up Events, provides teams with the opportunity to watch their entries judged in a face-to-face setting with judges. This unique “talking comment card” format provides teams with valuable insights and allows them to apply lessons learned directly to their next cook. (Photo by Donna Fong)
Right: The event is hosted at The Grape Festival Grounds in Lodi, California. “The most lovable guy in BBQ,” Joe Wilson and Cherry Anchor BBQ received three calls, winning 1st place in pork ribs, brisket and tri-tip. (Photo by Paul Brown)
w w w . c b b q a . o r g Board of Directors
Matt Bergen, Steve Biggs, Thomas Gearhart, Brett McKinney, Melanie Price, Jason Springer, Craig Yeszin
Of昀cers
PRESIDENT
Craig Yeszin, president@cbbqa.org
VICE PRESIDENT
Brett McKinney, vp@cbbqa.org
SECRETARY
Melanie Price, secretary@cbbqa.org
TREASURER
Jim Kirchner, treasurer@cbbqa.org
Non-BOD Appointees
ToY COMMISSIONER Eric Gorham, toycommissioner@cbbqa.org
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Donna Fong, membership@cbbqa.org
2022 Team of the Year Standings
As of 3/16/22
1. Meat Candy Q
2. B’Mackin
3. Bushmaster BBQ
4. Cynical BBQ
5. Simply Marvelous BBQ
6. Smokin Volts
7. Sharpe Gourmet Cooking Wood
8. Big Poppa Smoker
9. OMBBQ
10. 5thGearBBQ
APRIL 2022 BarbecueNews.com - 21