Are you going to be able to leverage this into getting permission to triple deck again???Sooo....
We were wanting to move up to the larger lot to open up space for the smoker (had to "steal" space for it this past year) and more porta potties.
Current size 24x50.
Next size up: 34x54 (biggest lot you can get, only a few available).
Memphis in May contacted our scaffold lead about the size of our booth again and they got to talking. Looks like MIM is going to GIVE us a free upgrade to the giant spot in exchange for hanging a MIM BBQfest banner on our the booth. Apparently they noticed that ####LOADS of people were snapping photos of the booth, and asking to go up top to take panoramic shots of the park (best view). Also talk about mounting a official festival live feed camera to the top of our structure given the view.
Soooo.. yeah, our MIM BBQfest booth is now partially sponsored by the festival itself
Are you going to be able to leverage this into getting permission to triple deck again???
I will raise my hand early to be a gopher with Livy if needed.......You did great GBYep...Lang 84 Deluxe. Just the basic 108 at work as I have warmers in the way of actual ovens here.
I did close the restaurant on Monday & Tuesday last week....I account for nearly 80 hours on the schedule (at counter or on the line) + all the stuff I'm not scheduled to do....so eliminating two of our slowest days was good for my staff & peace of mind. They had a killer week while I was gone and did a great job.
The fest....whoa. I cannot believe how big scaffoldzilla was. I am still thinking about it. Tipsy missed most of the partying because of I had to feed everyone and compete in my first event as the solo pitmaster. Overall I am very happy with my food even though I didn't do so great score wise. I know what some of my mistakes were, but I have no idea on some others. I do know judging is a crap shoot wherever you go. I'll refine some stuff and completely change other dishes for next year.
Missing the party is ok with me, but next year I'll stay downtown and have my timing worked out better in regards to getting the tent fed every meal. The kitchen those guys assembled for me was outstanding for an open air structure.
Great to "MEAT" all you fbg's. sorry about the syphilis sbomomonomominio
The wings were good but not as good as last year IMO.
The beef was the best Ive ever had, including the 2nd or 3rd place beef finish a few years back
The lamb was spectacular...that mint julep glaze set it off.
Never got a oyster off the batch...some dickmitten snaked mine i set aside
Never got a thigh off the batch, but the others were very good.
The first batch of comp ribs were spectacular... arguably best ive ever had. The ones the judges got def were a notch down (harder to pull)... perhaps, as we discussed, there is something to a short foiling period. I have zero doubts you'll have it nailed next year. Sent ya some pics of friends setup/box/etc who took 6th as info.
Next year Livy will be dedicated to pit and I'll spend more time back there as needed to help ya get necessary precook/prep done for mass feedings so you dont have to sweat much until fri AM and Sat AM. We can also pare back the ancillary entries if you prefer. Your call chef.
Wow...this is a testament to the work of this team. Great job all!Sooo....
We were wanting to move up to the larger lot to open up space for the smoker (had to "steal" space for it this past year) and more porta potties.
Current size 24x50.
Next size up: 34x54 (biggest lot you can get, only a few available).
Memphis in May contacted our scaffold lead about the size of our booth again and they got to talking. Looks like MIM is going to GIVE us a free upgrade to the giant spot in exchange for hanging a MIM BBQfest banner on our the booth. Apparently they noticed that ####LOADS of people were snapping photos of the booth, and asking to go up top to take panoramic shots of the park (best view). Also talk about mounting a official festival live feed camera to the top of our structure given the view.
Soooo.. yeah, our MIM BBQfest booth is now partially sponsored by the festival itself
It was a magnificent structure ...Wow...this is a testament to the work of this team. Great job all!Sooo....
We were wanting to move up to the larger lot to open up space for the smoker (had to "steal" space for it this past year) and more porta potties.
Current size 24x50.
Next size up: 34x54 (biggest lot you can get, only a few available).
Memphis in May contacted our scaffold lead about the size of our booth again and they got to talking. Looks like MIM is going to GIVE us a free upgrade to the giant spot in exchange for hanging a MIM BBQfest banner on our the booth. Apparently they noticed that ####LOADS of people were snapping photos of the booth, and asking to go up top to take panoramic shots of the park (best view). Also talk about mounting a official festival live feed camera to the top of our structure given the view.
Soooo.. yeah, our MIM BBQfest booth is now partially sponsored by the festival itself
Which part are you laughing at?
I'll say your / your brother's names are in very serious consideration for the team (came up again yesterday when drinking beer poolside with some guys on the team). IF that shakes out (looking pretty likely at this point) I'm sure Neil would love the extra hands during crunch times.I will raise my hand early to be a gopher with Livy if needed.......Next year Livy will be dedicated to pit and I'll spend more time back there as needed to help ya get necessary precook/prep done for mass feedings so you dont have to sweat much until fri AM and Sat AM. We can also pare back the ancillary entries if you prefer. Your call chef.
Last year they were $500/person which was higher than we'd like. Current first draft of 2015 budget has dues set at 300/person and I'd like to keep them there if we can manage.How much are team dues?
AOTAWhich part are you laughing at?
The fact that the festival organizers that tried repeatedly to shut us down are now essentially a small sponsor?
OR the fact that the most ridiculous structure in festival history may be getting bigger?
Wow, those are all some amazing improvements, nearly across the board.• We may be adding acrobatic performance to the entertainment. A new team member is extremely well connected in the regional DJ and performance art community. His monthly loft parties are the stuff of legend, usually featuring professional hoop girls (w/ LED hoops), poi spinners / fire breathers, and now acrobatic chicks swinging from hoops above the crowd in his loft. The girls were VERY excited and pretty much begging to be able to perform at BBQfest. So we may add a live cirque-de-soliel element above the dance floor next year.
Yeah on this front we're not 100% sure... depends on festival regulations and such but we're optimistic. This won't be leaping/swinging as much as mid-air yoga-type posing in rings in sexy outfits above the crowd.Wow, those are all some amazing improvements, nearly across the board.• We may be adding acrobatic performance to the entertainment. A new team member is extremely well connected in the regional DJ and performance art community. His monthly loft parties are the stuff of legend, usually featuring professional hoop girls (w/ LED hoops), poi spinners / fire breathers, and now acrobatic chicks swinging from hoops above the crowd in his loft. The girls were VERY excited and pretty much begging to be able to perform at BBQfest. So we may add a live cirque-de-soliel element above the dance floor next year.
The performance aspect is the one that sounds most revolutionary to me, that would seemingly without question make you guys the number one destination and photo op at the event.
Yes and fax over her audition tape please. TIA.I know a girl who can deep throat at 12lb. brisket, want me to check on her rates?
I'd be interested if she had a cheaper friend that does 3lb brisketsI know a girl who can deep throat at 12lb. brisket, want me to check on her rates?
every bit of info I could possibly need.What's up guys!
Been a while since I've updated... apologies. Our new "website" is live... very simple but serves our purpose.
FUNDING:
We're very much in the gathering sponsors phase still but we're doing well. We've got $6 grand in the bank, $3-4k more committed as of about 30 minutes ago. We've got a $9-10k deal that is close to locked in with CDW and potentially another $4-5k with Cisco that should be inked within a few weeks.
We're cautiously optimistic we will NOT have any funding issues this year. Most of these deals are looking like ongoing sponsorships as well, meaning all team activities (other comps, next year's BBQfest, etc) should be fully funded in perpetuity, so we can quick having to chase down money every year.
PITMASTERS/KITCHEN:
Neil is unable to commit 100% with this coming restaurant expansion, but thankfully between our secondary pitmaster (Troy Black) and many guys on our team being capable backyard BBQ'ers...we SHOULD be able to pick up the slack in his absence. It won't be easy and his presence will be SORELY missed if he's unable to make it.
We're in talks with Yi Lynne Weber about joining unofficially on "helper" basis. She not only has considerable cooking skills (MasterChef (US & England editions), Cutthroat kitchen, World Food Championships in Las Vegas), but is also an expert Food Stylist to assist with finishing presentation of our blind box entries. Not to mention she's gorgeous... shot of her (left) with Troy Black.
IF YOU'RE WANTING TO COME (HOTEL OPTIONS):
If you've not booked your lodging, you've missed the "cheap" window and should not jump on anything you can find within reason.
• Madison Hotel $222 - Gorgeous hotel in a very good location. $222 is a very good price for this place at this stage.
• Sheraton Hotel : $209 - Not the best location... 15 min walk or short cab ride. But it's a nice property for a decent price.
• Peabody Hotel: $358 - South's grand hotel. If you've got a big budget and want a great location. Here you go!
• Econo Lodge: $89 - Surprisingly good deal and not a bad hotel. Near the peabody so very good location. On a budget?
WHEN TO COME:
Just a reminder of the schedule:
• WED NIGHT : Team night and booth may be closed for a sponsor dinner. If you're in, hit beale street!
• THURS DAY : Quiet. good chance to explore park or chill at booth. Lunch served.
• THURS NIGHT : Good party. Dinner served. Park will be fairly crowded and lively.
• FRI DAY: Busier than Thursday by a good bit. Live music and lunch will be served. Lots of Comp Turn ins. Good times.
• FRI NIGHT: The WIldest party. We will be at capacity so come early. Dinner Served. Great times.
• SAT DAY: Competition day. Limited booth access early on. Limited party after judging. Awards at 5pm. We shut down by nightfall.
Sorry buddy.. it was a few posts up from that but It had been a while since I posted that detail.every bit of info I could possibly need.What's up guys!
Been a while since I've updated... apologies. Our new "website" is live... very simple but serves our purpose.
FUNDING:
We're very much in the gathering sponsors phase still but we're doing well. We've got $6 grand in the bank, $3-4k more committed as of about 30 minutes ago. We've got a $9-10k deal that is close to locked in with CDW and potentially another $4-5k with Cisco that should be inked within a few weeks.
We're cautiously optimistic we will NOT have any funding issues this year. Most of these deals are looking like ongoing sponsorships as well, meaning all team activities (other comps, next year's BBQfest, etc) should be fully funded in perpetuity, so we can quick having to chase down money every year.
PITMASTERS/KITCHEN:
Neil is unable to commit 100% with this coming restaurant expansion, but thankfully between our secondary pitmaster (Troy Black) and many guys on our team being capable backyard BBQ'ers...we SHOULD be able to pick up the slack in his absence. It won't be easy and his presence will be SORELY missed if he's unable to make it.
We're in talks with Yi Lynne Weber about joining unofficially on "helper" basis. She not only has considerable cooking skills (MasterChef (US & England editions), Cutthroat kitchen, World Food Championships in Las Vegas), but is also an expert Food Stylist to assist with finishing presentation of our blind box entries. Not to mention she's gorgeous... shot of her (left) with Troy Black.
IF YOU'RE WANTING TO COME (HOTEL OPTIONS):
If you've not booked your lodging, you've missed the "cheap" window and should not jump on anything you can find within reason.
• Madison Hotel $222 - Gorgeous hotel in a very good location. $222 is a very good price for this place at this stage.
• Sheraton Hotel : $209 - Not the best location... 15 min walk or short cab ride. But it's a nice property for a decent price.
• Peabody Hotel: $358 - South's grand hotel. If you've got a big budget and want a great location. Here you go!
• Econo Lodge: $89 - Surprisingly good deal and not a bad hotel. Near the peabody so very good location. On a budget?
WHEN TO COME:
Just a reminder of the schedule:
• WED NIGHT : Team night and booth may be closed for a sponsor dinner. If you're in, hit beale street!
• THURS DAY : Quiet. good chance to explore park or chill at booth. Lunch served.
• THURS NIGHT : Good party. Dinner served. Park will be fairly crowded and lively.
• FRI DAY: Busier than Thursday by a good bit. Live music and lunch will be served. Lots of Comp Turn ins. Good times.
• FRI NIGHT: The WIldest party. We will be at capacity so come early. Dinner Served. Great times.
• SAT DAY: Competition day. Limited booth access early on. Limited party after judging. Awards at 5pm. We shut down by nightfall.
Except the dates
I had planned on coming this year and was so pumped. Just found out my little sister's graduation is that weekend...family first but damn. Guess it'll have to be next year. Are the Thursday festivities worth attending if all you are gonna get are Thu night and Friday lunch?Really bummed I'm likely out. But....biz before pleasure I guess.
Really bummed I'm likely out. But....biz before pleasure I guess.
If grading the crowds / party based on number of folks and crazyness:Thursday afternoon: CI had planned on coming this year and was so pumped. Just found out my little sister's graduation is that weekend...family first but damn. Guess it'll have to be next year. Are the Thursday festivities worth attending if all you are gonna get are Thu night and Friday lunch?Really bummed I'm likely out. But....biz before pleasure I guess.
I'm in.
Thanks Icon. Gonna try to make it happen!!If grading the crowds / party based on number of folks and crazyness:Thursday afternoon: CI had planned on coming this year and was so pumped. Just found out my little sister's graduation is that weekend...family first but damn. Guess it'll have to be next year. Are the Thursday festivities worth attending if all you are gonna get are Thu night and Friday lunch?Really bummed I'm likely out. But....biz before pleasure I guess.
Thursday night: A-
Friday afternoon: B
Friday night: A+ / capacity
Sat afternoon : closed till 1 or 2pm for judging (can pass beers out to seating outside the booth for those watching judging. 2-6 or 7 is a mild party kinda like fri afternoon.
Friday afternoon is a great vibe though... Relax, enjoy the lunch, walk the park. Get back to the booth by 4pm or so before it gets packed.
Thursday night is a good crowd with the booth Hitting 70-90pct of capacity at peak times.
Thursday night and Friday afternoon would not leave you feeling like you missed out.
I'm actually going to try and stay longer for more than a cup of coffee this time. First week of work overwhelmed me last year.If grading the crowds / party based on number of folks and crazyness:Thursday afternoon: CI had planned on coming this year and was so pumped. Just found out my little sister's graduation is that weekend...family first but damn. Guess it'll have to be next year. Are the Thursday festivities worth attending if all you are gonna get are Thu night and Friday lunch?Really bummed I'm likely out. But....biz before pleasure I guess.
Thursday night: A-
Friday afternoon: B
Friday night: A+ / capacity
Sat afternoon : closed till 1 or 2pm for judging (can pass beers out to seating outside the booth for those watching judging. 2-6 or 7 is a mild party kinda like fri afternoon.
Friday afternoon is a great vibe though... Relax, enjoy the lunch, walk the park. Get back to the booth by 4pm or so before it gets packed.
Thursday night is a good crowd with the booth Hitting 70-90pct of capacity at peak times.
Thursday night and Friday afternoon would not leave you feeling like you missed out.
As long as there is something besides the 8% IPA we should be fine!to palmersteel & Brady Marino. Cmon down! To be fair the Menu won't be as awesome as when tipsy was running the pit, but We will do our best to make sure you guys have some good cue and beverages
It's definitely easy to get overwhelmed... I've been at it for about 10 years and still struggle with pacing myself
As long as there is something besides the 8% IPA we should be fine!to palmersteel & Brady Marino. Cmon down! To be fair the Menu won't be as awesome as when tipsy was running the pit, but We will do our best to make sure you guys have some good cue and beverages
It's definitely easy to get overwhelmed... I've been at it for about 10 years and still struggle with pacing myself
oh, this should be interesting....Were approached by a local Fireball rep. We will be one of two teams who will be sponsored with product and a chiller/dispenser.
We will likely also do Fireball Gummy Bears.... Cinnamon Gummy Bears soaked in Fireball in small cups w/ lids that will be handed out at bar or thrown down into crowd from balcony.
Team Dinner at Chef Troy Black's loft downtown Saturday night... he's cooking a bunch of #### for everyone and their wives/girlfriends. Then team meeting Tuesday. Meeting next Thursday with the RedBull honcho over the Southeastern US (will be in town for a couple days) to discuss their involvement this year. They're wanting to be much more involved/visible.
CDW has told us they're in (partnering with Cisco) and we should know details on amount today hopefully....
####### DroolHad a team dinner at Troy Black's loft downtown in Memphis on Saturday night. We engaged in some team-chatter and festival discussion, but it was mostly an excuse to get together for some good beer/wine/bourbon and some great food cooked up by Troy. Sadly about half the team was unable to make it due to travel or simply living out of town.
Some images from the evening:
• Detail of Salsa - Fire Roasted tomatoes, onion, cilantro, serrano peppers.
• Grilled Corn for Guacamole - All ingredients for guac were grilled prior to assembly.
• Grilled Guacamole being mixed
• Ample booze / wine / beer was on hand, of course.
• Glazed/Smoked Pork Belly as an appetizer
• Detail shot of the pork belly
• Another team member brought some solid wings for an app as well
• Prep work for the "Korean BBQ" Style Pork Tacos - Romaine, Cilantro, Scallion, Serrano Peppers and home made asian pickles
• Random ingredients shot.
• Team sponsor Lagunitas IPA always on hand
• Cracking the pork butt for the tacos
• Pulled pork ready for assembly
• Troy talking to everyone about the ingredients/assembly
• Finished product ready to eat
• Smoked banana pudding with merengue topping to finish things off
Good times and a very good dinner. Those who weren't able to make it were missed, however.
Next team meeting this Tuesday. Hopefully will hear from CDW today or tomorrow so we can formally announce the sponsorship to the group and begin planning around it.