" BOB" > wrote in news:Y3Q9g.23396$Sl4.8838
@bignews1.bellsouth.net:

>:: But the fact of the matter is that when there are a core group of
>:: contestants and a core group of judges, its not that difficult to
> pick
>:: out someone's BBQ, especially when over the course of a small
> relaxed BBQ
>
> BULL SHIT! You know nothing about blind judging.

With all due respect, I've been a MIM judge, I've competed in MIM and
KCBS contests, I was a food critic for several years, and I've been a
blind judge in BBQ, beer, wine, and chili contests, not to mention blind
tastings of bourbon, scotch, and other liquors. I think that I am not
only well acquainted with blind judgeing in general, I'm very familiar
with blind judgeing and BBQ competitions.

>:: contest, you've had a chance to visit each team and sample what
> they're
>:: cooking. My mesquite smoked sage rubbed meat looks, smells and
> tastes
>
> Maybe you are "Marking" Look it up. It's in the rules.
> If the sage was in large flakes or chunks, read the rule on garnish.
> Specific things are allowed. Others (some specifically mentioned,
> others not specifically mentioned) are not. If they are *NOT* in the
> allowed list, they are illegal. Read the rules.


What does the fact that different cooks have different rubs, marinades,
smoke sources, grills, cooking times have to do with garnish or marking?
The fact is that many cooks produce very distinctive BBQ that can
beeasily identified regardless of garnish or presentation.

Once again, the point is that its not that hard for a seasoned judge to
recognize a particular cook's meat if he's had it before. This could be
an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on the judge and the cook, but
I suspect most judges are honest enough that it wouldn't sway their
scores either way.

> Or maybe they just don't like you.

Maybe they don't (which swould be surprising, considering how many of
them came by the tent to visit, sample, and hang out), but what does that
have to do with discussing the garnish rule?

> Sounds (again) like you were disqualified for using an illegal
> garnish.

No, no disqualification for me. We always play by the rules.

> Did you bother to read the rules *BEFORE* you went to the
> competition? If so, tuff luck. If not, tuff luck again.

Did you read the original post?

Again, if KCBS rules are so sacrosanct that they can never be questioned,
I apologize. And thanks again for reminding me that AFB is the sort of
place that cookers from all ranges of experience can come to share
perspective, ask questions, and generally enjoy conversation about BBQ.

BTW - here's a few pics from last year's Malden in May (KCBS affiliated)
contest.