Tops Rib Cook-off and Auntie Anne's pretzels 5/27/06 in Cleveland, OH

Today, May 27, 2006, I went to the Tops Great American Rib Cook-Off at the Tower City Amphitheater In Downtown Cleveland, Ohio. My two companions and I decided to sample the wares of some local and not so local rib “chefs.” I also might add that one of the contestants was Razorback based out of Arkansas but one of the men running the booth is from Lake County, Ohio (don’t know how authentically Arkansan it could be). To tell the truth we did not have the stomach or want to pay the ridiculous prices to sample everything, but here is what we thought. The best ribs, overall, were done by Famous Dave’s (good flavor, slide off the bone doneness, is that a word?). The most value for the money was Bubba’s Q run by an old Cleveland football hero. Bubba Baker’s ribs were very meaty and perfectly grilled. We did not care for Razorback as they were tough and the flavor was run-of the mill, a slight vinegar flavor that was disconcerting. The others are not even worth mentioning except for the fact that they were nothing worth writing about. They were Chicago, Wailing Coyote, and Smokin’ Joe’s, actually Joe’s were second runner-up for us as they also had a good flavor that was not overpowering yet enough “wang” to let you know it was there.

This is the first time visiting since approximately fifteen years ago when it was still on Mall C. We were not shocked at the prices but felt that they were far out of range for what they should have been. At below $1.49 per pound even $1 per rib is highway robbery. These rib outlets might want to fight for lower prices so more people have the chance to sample their wares. People should then be asked to rank their favorite three after sampling each offering. In this manner, the “’rib joints” would truly know which was best in the court of public opinion.
After leaving the rib cook-off, we went in to Tower City. I was pleasantly surprised by all the people within. I wanted to get a drink of something, therefore went to the nearest stand with the least amount of people. That stand happened to be Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels. I ordered lemonade, which has become quite a crapshoot as of late due to varying degrees proficiency in making or ordering. Anyway, the lemonade at this place was excellent. In fact it is some of the best I have ever tasted. Anyone in the downtown area needed something truly refreshing needs to stop at Auntie Anne’s and get the lemonade, you will not be disappointed.