The weekend between French Quarter Fest and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is shaping up to be a big one for barbecue enthusiasts. A pair of events on Saturday give a chance to see teams in competition, with flavors from around the country spicing up the events.
In Metairie and in Gentilly, the two contests will "pit" chefs against each other for bragging rights and cash.
One barbecue competition Saturday will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and could crown a champion with a $2,000 cash prize and the opportunity to move on to a national competition.
The other will mix blues, barbecue and rugby, plus a competition with a grand prize of $3,000.
A "golden" opportunity
The King of the Yard BBQ Cook-off will be rolling at noon at the Shrine on Airline, 6400 Airline Drive in Metairie, prior to the NOLA Gold Rugby game against the Miami Sharks, with kick off at 3 p.m.
Cousan's BBQ and Art Fennell "Country Style" of YouTube fame will team up for the contest in which 18 grill masters from Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and here in Louisiana will try to win the $3,000 grand prize, cooking up ribs, chicken, redfish and oysters.
Live music for the afternoon will by include Kevin Gullage and The Blues Grovers.
The party continues after the rugby game in the Michelob Ultra Party Shack with a DJ, drinks and a chance to meet the players of both the NOLA Gold and Miami Sharks.
Tickets for the cook-off and the game are $40. Gold ticket holders who already have game tickets can add the cook-off for $25.
For more information, visit nolagoldrugby.com.
Pits ablazin'
The Crescent City Pitmasters' BBQ Competition will be held Saturday at the Milne Rec Center, 5420 Franklin Ave., New Orleans.
Hosted by DJ Wild Wayne in partnership with U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, the contest is open to teams with an $85 entry fee.
Prep begins at 8 a.m., with the public allowed in at noon. Teams must submit chicken and ribs for judging, with teams providing their own fuel source and materials.
The Pitmasters work in the community through events and competitions, workshops, classes and community service.
For more information, visit crescentcitypitmasters.org.
