Tailganator






Being a barbecue judge has a lot of perks.  As I’ve said, I get to hang with my friends and eat world class barbecue.  Yesterday, I went to an event that’s one of the best perks.  I was an “Esteemed Judge” at TTWCFWCCONC-XI!  For those of you unfamiliar with those initials, it’s The Tailganator World Championship Freestyle Wing Cooking Contest Of Newton County!  Number 11!  

Several years ago, my friend Michael Wayne and his wife Tracy hosted what started out to be an end of the season party for all our barbecue friends.  It started as a tailgate party like at a football game.  It evolved into a contest featuring wings, cooked any way you want, hence the “freestyle”, and  “One Bite Wonders”, something like a hors d’ouvre or canapé that you eat with your fingers, usually in one bite. But the highlight of the event is the “Mystery Mix” cocktail competition!  The cocktails are scored on showmanship as well as taste.  We judge on how elaborate is their presentation. 

The prizes are, to say the least, unique! First prize in cocktails is an old car radiator, and “some money”!  First prize in One Bite Wonders is usually a side mirror from an old truck, but yesterday it was the grille from a Buick and again, “some money”. The grand prize for the best wing is an actual tailgate from a pickup truck, and “more money”!  The rules that were handed out at the first contest included “Bribing of judges is not only allowed, it is encouraged!”  One guy turned in beers in red Solo cups with a dollar bill under each cup!  Of course he won!  

While it’s all for fun, the competition is fierce. The cooks go all out with elaborate presentation of the drinks and appetizers.  Many of the One Bites feature seafood, shrimp, crab, redfish and other varieties. There has been filet mignon bites. The cocktails are made with top shelf liquors and premium mixers. This is not some little amateur contest!  These guys go all out! 

There is a waiting list of people wanting to judge!  I’m lucky, I have a standing invitation! Due to space limitation, there is a limit of 12 teams and there is a waiting list for that also. 

Above are a few pictures to show the presentations.  

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