Chupacabra Throw Down...Hondo, TX

 

      Our first Q show of the year.  Hondo, TX is a short 50-mile jaunt from our place and our first BBQ contest of the year.  No, I am not competing, but love to watch and learn.  There are also plenty of opportunities to sample food and a healthy selection of vendors as well.  

      This event is hosted and judged by the Champions BBQ Alliance.  Categories for this event include chicken, ribs, brisket, and pork butt.  There are also two categories for junior cook offs, 7-12 and 12-17 years old.  All held at the Quail Crossing Ranch south of town.  

      This is also our first opportunity to visit with Team A Ver Que' Sale and brothers Salinas.  Their other brother Archie Salinas is an old USAF buddy of mine he was unable to attend due to family matters.  These guys have a good resume and array of their own trophies, including 2nd place in brisket at the San Antonio Rodeo, Stock Show, and BBQ Championships in 2020. 

      We arrived on Saturday around 11 a.m. so as to be able to take it all in and visit.  There were plenty of teams on hand and there was a line to volunteer as judges.  I stayed away from that by the look on Barb's face.  We just walked, watched, and talked to folks.  We were present for one of the meals 'turn in times' and the atmosphere was frantic.  So many folks waiting till the last minute 

     One of the main reasons we traveled to Hondo (besides a pathological love of BBQ) was to meet A Que Ver Sale, the Competition of the Brothers Salinas of Alamo, TX.  These are the brothers and team members of my friend Archie Salinas.  Archie could not attend today, but we'll meet up with during the Q in San Antonio in January.  These guys are the definition of friendly.  Even though Archie told them I was coming they welcomed Barb and I with open arms, explaining the entire process including corporate sponsorship.  There is obviously so much more to Competition BBQ beside just cooking.   

      Next week is the BIG ONE in these parts, the Briscoe Ranch BBQ Championships is Uvalde.  Brothers Salinas will pass this one up as they head home so they compete in their hometown San Juan Noche de Paz Cook Off.  

      We did not stay for the final judging and awards, but Team Salinas placed 3rd in Pork and 3rd overall.  GREAT FINISH.  

Pork Box 3rd place

Brisket Box

Taking home some gold

 

The Family Salinas

"When is the last time you turned down BBQ?"

Dr. Anthony Fauci

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