Foodievents

The West Coast BBQ Classic Returns To Long Beach, Saturday May 11

Bigmista's is coming back, too!
Bigmista’s is coming back, too! Photo: Bigmista Barbecue

Next Saturday, May 11, the West Coast BBQ Classic returns to The Queen Mary’s Waterfront Events Park to pit 60 national barbecue chefs against one another in a state-certified, KCBS-sanctioned competition, with $9,000 in winnings on the line. Last year, this orgy of meat found All Sauced Up taking the championship trophy, with The U.S. Marines’ own Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children receiving the “People’s Choice” prize. Hopefuls will compete in four different categories: beef brisket, barbecue chicken, pork ribs, and slow cooked pork, all of which is available for the public to take a taste of during the seven-hour event.

For 2013, organizers say they’ve tripled the number of competitors for a day that will include a Jack Daniel’s Back Yard Bar, three live bands, merchandise, an appearance by The LA Kings Ice Crew and their Ice Rider, a watermelon eating contest, and game areas for both kids and adults (oversized beer pong is promised). Competitors this year include Bigmista’s Barbecue, Slap Yo’ Daddy, and Big Poppa Smokers, who will all try to knock All Sauced Up’s trophy.

Tickets, priced at $10 advance and $15 at the door, can be purchased online, with parking priced at $10 and tasting tickets allowing access to the smoked meats at just two dollars each. 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach.

The West Coast BBQ Classic Returns To Long Beach, Saturday May 11