62 Teams Compete at the West Coast BBQ Classic

LONG BEACH — Meat, whether it’s beef, pork or fowl rubbed with savory seasonings then roasted over an open fire… those transformed fats and proteins recalls a certain something that’s been with us since our hunter-gathering past. It’s primal but it’s also communal.

Every region in the world has its own tradition for preparing and cooking meat. Some of them will be represented at this year’s West Coast BBQ Classic this Saturday on May 9, from 11a.m. to 6 p.m..

More than 60 Southern California champion grill masters and barbecue teams will be competing to earn the West Coast’s BEST BBQ title and $10,500 in cash prizes at the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

The BBQ Classic invited both barbeque masters and amateur grill enthusiasts to participate in this California certified and KCBS-Sanctioned competition. Festival attendees will get to sample the best sweet and smoky barbecue flavors in the West, not forgetting to mention the various grill styles from across the nation—grill styles such as the slow-cooked hickory Texan and southern Memphis-style barbeque.

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Attendees will get to vote their favorite team to win the People’s Choice Award for Best BBQ. Some of the local barbecue competitors include Costa Mesa’s Twisted Brisket, Diamond Bar’s Slap Yo’ Daddy BBQ, Riverside’s The Rib Doctor, Los Angeles’ Jet Coatings Monkey Style, Vista’s South Coast BBQ, Menifee’s Rooftop BBQ and Long Beach’s own Triple T’s.

“The West Coast BBQ Classic has become one of our signature events and truly showcases the best BBQ in the region,” commented Steve Sheldon, the Queen Mary’s director of entertainment events. “It’s great to see some of the barbecue stars return to our competition year after year and also have the opportunity to try some amazing amateur grillers’ meats before they become champions.”

The festival offers barbeque aficionados and foodie fans something to salivate over with delicious barbecue tastings for only $2, live music from artists River Road and Pawnshop Kings, backyard games, the barbecue merchant market and an awards ceremony for the victors.

The festival isn’t just for adults. The event will have corner called Kids Country just for kids featuring large inflatables and children’s activities.

General admission tickets are available in advance online starting at $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 11. VIP tickets are available beginning at $30 online and include one-hour early access (10 a.m.) to the festival. All event tickets include access to the Queen Mary ship. Event parking is $13.

Details: http://queenmary.com/events/west-coast-bbq-classic/