On Tap!

Hudson Valley Ribfest
GC Meat @ Slims
RGC Dizzy Pig

Counting Down The Days

Last year was our first year competing at The Jack. As with most teams, it seems to be the goal to get there at least once; and we were very happy that we made that happen. But, as this season marched on a strange thing happened: I wanted to get back to Lynchburg in the worst way. I wanted to look out over the Hollow one more time. I wanted to walk around Lynchburg square again. I wanted to see some old friends again. I wanted, no, needed to eat the fried okra at Miss Mary Bobo's one more time.

Even before the season started we had a great chance to get back to the Jack. We were in the Connecticut draw with I Smell Smoke!!! A great place to be for sure. If either ISS!!! or Lakeside wins an auto both teams go. This year New England had 4 autos: The Cape, Merrimack, Harpoon, and Maine. But, by late July nothing had changed. It looked like we would be going into The Draw, and that really sucks. Not only because you don't find out until September. But because it's one less New England team to represent. I truly want as many teams from New England down there as possible. Anyway, we had one more chance: Maine. One of our favorite contests. Both teams would be there too. (no pressure, right?) But, in the end I Smell Smoke!!! dominated the competition by 22 points! It was a huge win and came at the perfect time. Nice job guys. Transformer was Reserve and Lakeside finished in 3rd. It was a great way to end a fantastic weekend.

Maine
GC I Smell Smoke
RGC Transformer BBQ
3rd Lakeside Smokers

You Will Be Missed...

Butch Lupinetti of Butch's Smack Your Lips BBQ has passed away. He was a big, happy, enthusiastic man. His hugs would always make you smile. He will be missed.

Here is an old blog post about Butch:

What Kris Did Not Mention

In her previous post, Kris talked about last weekend’s competition in New Paltz. The ride up, the hotel/strip club, the pubs, the friends, the awards…but she never got to the highlight of the weekend for her: meeting Butch Lupinetti. She fell in love with Butch’s larger than life, positive attitude when she first saw him on the now infamous Throwdown with Bobby Flay. So when I told her that he would be at the Hudson Valley Ribfest, she got very excited.

The stalking began Friday night shortly after arrival. I said “do you want to go say hi to Butch?”
“Not yet…let’s go walk by his stand…” She said.
So, we walked (stalked) by his stand and spotted Butch talking to some people.
“He’s right there, want to say hi?” I said.
“No. Maybe tomorrow.”

Saturday night we did another walk by, but Butch was nowhere in site. Sunday we were very busy with the BBQ comp and had no time to spy on anyone. But today would be her last chance…

Being the great guy that he is, Butch attended the KCBS awards ceremony. Cheering everyone that got called like they were his best friend. Walking back from the awards I said “this is your last chance ya know?”
“Let’s go.” She said, and started walking to Butch’s stand.
Two lines formed at Butch’s Smack Your Lips BBQ stand, one for ribs, and one to get your picture taken with Butch.
Kris waited with a smile.