Can I ever get tired of BBQ? Obviously that’s a rhetorical question. This is my third BBQ event this month! If you haven’t already seen my previous posts then check them out, Bay Area BBQ Championship and Wine Country Big Q.
Smokin’ in the Oaks was up in Penn Valley, CA. I was in Penn Valley earlier this summer for the Food Truck Food Festival. Truthfully, I never heard of Penn Valley until the folks at Stitches ‘n Dishes invited me to the festival. I’m glad I went, had I not, I would not have heard about NorCal BBQ’s photo contest, which I won. The prize? VIP tickets to the Bay Area BBQ Championship, which led to hearing about the Big Q and Smokin’ in the Oaks.
Okay, okay, I’m beginning to babel and you’re really here to see some beautiful pictures of barbecue. Now you might be surprised, but I only ate BBQ from three places. I know, sounds crazy but it’s true. But the weather was really nice, had a great spot under the shade of an oak tree, live music was playing, and I was in no hurry.
Besides, just look at that plate of food! There’s a mini rack of ribs, a hunk of pork, a giant slice of brisket, two ears of corn and a salad…..ok, the salad was there just to add some balance to the picture.
The Food Bank of Nevada County BBQ team spent a lot time making this plate possible. If you have to chance to try their BBQ, do it.
A lot of teams come to cook-offs come with some big rigs, but some teams like the food bank’s show up with backyard equipment and they deliver some hella smoky barbecue.
Next up was Bam Dazy BBQ from Auburn, CA
The team is named for their Boston Terriers, Bam and Daisy.
Yes, both of those plates are for me. I had a pulled pork slider with slaw and rootbeer BBQ sauce….
and then a beef brisket slider with blackberry BBQ sauce. Their brisket came in 10th and I bet next time, they’ll place higher.
They have a restaurant in Auburn, but I don’t pass through that area very often. Still, I might have to plan a visit.
Last but not least….
NorCal BBQ
This is some of the best tasting chicken I’ve had in a while, besides mine, of course.
The wings featured their special spice blends, Rebel Rub and Chicken Choker. I favored Chicken Choker and I really liked the side of Rebel Slaw (go ahead, click it. It’ll take you to the recipe).
Well, that was it. No, that wasn’t all the BBQ I had that day. Are you kidding? I still had to eat dinner. Yup, had me a rack of baby backs and a side salad.
