Lakeshore Lounge Rib Burn-Off 2007

The Lakeshore, as we call it, has had an annual rib burn-off for the past few years, the exact number eludes me, but it has been a few. Anyway, there are some perennial favorites and always a new-comer or two. Kirt, Tony and Arnie always show their stuff. This year Sue, Lisa and another dude, whose name escapes me, sorry man, brought up the newbie section. It is well known that these things are usually as fun for the participants, sometimes much more so, than for the customers.

I was asked to judge for the second or third year and love that job. I truly do take it seriously. This year, Denny decided to do it a bit differently. He presented me with small souffle cups of each sauce and some plain ribs cooked by someone not in the competition. I like the idea a great deal because we were to judge only the sauce. I think that is the only way in which to do that correctly. I am sure that each contestant cooked his or her ribs differently and with different spices or rubs thereby ensuring that the overall rib had a different flavor than the sauce, which, after sampling them as a whole was borne out because I chose different ribs than I did stand alone sauces.

Anyway, Kirt, the only professional cook in the bunch, took first place in the judges, sauce, section while Sue, the first-timer, took first place in the "People's choice," section. Now, both of them are supposed to represent the Lakeshore at the next competition held behind the Eagle's Hall on Lakeshore Boulevard next to the 306Lounge. Congratulations Sue and Kirt. To the rest of you, congrats to you as well. You put up a valiant effort and you should consider yourselves commended.