Grill Maestro

I’ve never been to a barbecue championship on any level but judging by the shows I’ve watched on the Food Network and the pictures I’ve looked at on various websites, they sure look like a lot of fun. Every year, the Safeway’s 2006 National Capital Barbecue Battle will take place on Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. between 9th and 14th Streets right by here in Washington, D.C. on June 24th and 25th. I’ll be making a concerted effort to make it down there.

Here in the shadow of the Nation’s Capitol, tens of thousands of people witness barbecue teams and restaurants from around the country compete to win over $25,000 in cash & prizes and the title of National Pork BBQ Champion, as well as a chance to represent the Mid-Atlantic United States at the Barbecue World Championship, Memphis in May. Benefiting the Metropolitan Police Boys & Girls Clubs & DC Doubledutch. Safeway’s Barbecue Battle celebrates the art of barbecue in a spirit of community, family and fun. The event has raised over $700,000 for it’s beneficiaries.

And if you’ve ever pondered the eternal question: “What tastes better, gas or charcoal?” then know that the contestants are not permitted to use flammables (propane, compressed or liquid gas, etc.) other than to start their fires! How’s that for a ringing endorsement for the wood and charcoal folks?

I personally look forward to seeing what is created in the WHOLE HOG category! My taste buds are already salivating.

When admission tickets are a mere $10 ($5 for kids 6-12, FREE for the tykes under 6) and transportation a simple Metro ride away, missing this event when I live so close would be a travesty!