WOW... 2014 SUCKED (kinda)!

Watching TV today a Psychologist was discussing the emotional impact the holidays can have on some people.  He suggested people should take inventory of the past years positive events and experiences and reflect on them.  His theory was the list would provide a springboard for how you approach 2015 and in doing so you would feel good about yourself.  Ok...maybe I can buy that but if your gonna inventory the good things shouldn't you inventory the bad shit? And with some people wouldn't the bad shit offset the good shit and result in even more depression?  I could debate this further but I am not a Physiologist just a GOBRT..."Good Ole Boy with Redneck Tendencies" however I did like the idea of making a list of the good shit!  So despite Lawyers, Judges, Courtrooms, a bad wreck, rib disqualification in Cookeville, & other life changing bad mojo there have been some incredible events, experiences, & PEOPLE in my life this past year!  Here's my list....

Music has always been an important part of my life. I began playing trumpet in 3rd grade & guitar in 4th. My favorite instrument to play is the stereo/radio but nothing can compare to LIVE MUSIC! Here are a few artist & bands I had the pleasure of seeing & hearing (in no particular order)  Sturgill Simpson, Blackberry Smoke, Holly Williams, Byron Hill, Wil Nance, Roxie Dean, Will Hogue, Billy Joe Shaver, Jason Isbell, Lucinda Williams, Shawn Mullins, Chuck Cannon, Emmylou Harris, Jamey Johnson, Ricky Scaggs, Jeff Hanna, Martraca Berg, Keith Anderson, Kaycey Smith, John England & The Western Swingers, Larry Hamilton & The Palace Band, 50 Shades of Hay, Eileen Rose & Silver Threads, Wendy Newcomer, 2Country4Nashville, Pork McElhinny, David Petersen, Skipper Grace, Drake White & The Big Fire, Clare Dunn, Brian Collins, Donica Knight, Todd Snider, Buddy Miller, Robert Ellis, Chas Sandford & a few others that I am sure I missed.

Next are some things I did, attended, or visited starting with competing in 4 BBQ contests (Winchester, Lewisburg, Cookeville, & Mt. Pleasant) of which the Tony Stone Cookeville contest is my favorite, Studio A catering event, the KCBS Banquet in Nashville, spending time in the "Holler" in Kentucky, the Watertown Yard Sale, Jeff & Luann's Birthday/Anniversary party,  Brandt & Mandy Snedeker Catering event, The Jack, spending weekends poolside at Hooperville, assisting Donny Bray at WCPC BBQ Classes, lightening of the Jack Daniels Barrel Christmas Tree, July 4th Party at Hooperville, weekends in Mullberry, Jack week at the Butt-Ranch, and Orange Beach Vacation! I am sure I am leaving out something but my memory is fading as I finish a bottle of Winter-Jack! 

Contrary to what Facebook says you can never have enough friends! So I made some new ones in 2014. Colleen Martin, Rodney Crowell, Angie Leathers, Andy Williams, Mayco & Marianne Van Galen, Phil Wingo, Donette & John Van Cleve, The Meat Sweats, Flaming Pig BBQ, Chip Chapman, Melissa Pyne, Bob Williams, Andy Sawran, Edz wings, De Filous, Dale Watson, Braai-B-Que, Damon & Michelle Austin, Todd Sessa, Chef Sara, Mike Wolf, Johnny Love, Rick Morris, all entered my life in 2014. I also re-connected with Joe Beckham, Leroy Groves, Patricia Rhodes, & Dan Watson. Thank you for allowing me into you "Circle of Friends" & I am so thankful that you are in mine. Please forgive me as I am sure I have left many off this list. Winter Jack is now down to 1/4th.  

 I could not have gotten through 2014 with the help of several special people in my life.  Lee McWright, Jeff & Luann Edwards, Misty Tinch, Richard & the entire Finley family, Joe Luffman, Jeff McPherson, Buck, Lou, Phyllis, Christy & David Baker, Jan & Randy Minchey, Tonya Alexander, Donny & the entire Bray family, Byron Chism, Darryl Sage, Penny & Chip Hooper, & Lu Ann & Mark Walker. You have all been there for me to lean on, give an encouraging word, a listening ear, & a soft place to land. I can't thank you enough.  You make my life better & I am so thankful for each of you.  2014 would not be possible without the support of my family.  I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for them.  My brothers Shane and Tim are always there when I need them. I am so proud of them!  My "Silver Lining" in 2014 is the time that I have gotten to spend with "Momma DoRag"!  She is my ROCK.  I can always count on her to cheer me up no matter what.  She is the most caring, giving, & loving person you could ever meet.  We have had fun cookin, eating, exploring, laughing, crying, arguing, & makin the best of 2014.

 As I sit here finishing the last drop of Winter Jack I guess the Psychologist "list idea" worked for me.  I did have a really great 2014 after all & I am so excited to see what 2015 has in store for me.  Guess I will have to make a list as I go!  Hope I am on your list! Hopefully not your shit-list!

Have a safe & Happy New Year!

DoRag's Review: Chauhan Ale & Masala House 

Decided to try “Indian” food for the first time after hearing several good reviews of the Chauhan Ale & Masala House.  One of the dinner groups that I am a member of arranged reservations so the idea of new Peeps & new food was just what I was needing.  Chauhan is located @ the corner of Grundy & 12^th Ave North in the former “Roosters BBQ” “Judge Roy Beans BBQ” location.  The exterior has undergone some changes & the interior has a new “warm & cozy” look & feel.  I expected the sounds & smells that my “Un-refined Redneck Ass” had visioned but to my surprise it was very pleasant & not a scent of incense to be found!  I met my group, none of which I had previously met.  They were congregated in the bar area but none had drinks.  After some introductions I confessed “I ain’t ever eaten any Indian food”.  It was like the whole dang place heard me…everything got really quiet until some Dude said “no worries we’ll help you”!  Then he commenced to rattle off for 10 minutes about the whole Indian food flavor profile none of which made sense to me.  Hell by then all I wanted was a beer!  Finally the rest of the group (13 in all) arrived and we were seated.  The exposed brick walls served as screens for several overhead projectors showing pictures of the food & various other subjects.  Made for a swanky look!  Our waitress brought us water out of a fancy bottle & menus.  Reading the menu was a chore being it was dark & the print was a bit small but I managed to find the drink list.  Only a couple in the group ordered drinks so after several minutes of deep thought, I ordered a beer.  I continued praoozin the menu when something caught my eye in the Appetizer section…”Garam Masala Pork Belly”!!!  Now there’s something I know about!  So when the waitress returned I ordered one up.  Again I felt a bit out of place because only one other at the table ordered an appetizer!  Guess I got some learnin to do about these “Dinner Clubs”.  The small talk continued….the Lady across from me was from the area & seemed to be a historian of sorts.  The Dude next to her had lived in Austin for a bit & both had traveled around the world.  They were in a “deep” conversation & I thought it best for this ole boy to stay in the shallow end!  Finally the beer showed up & I immediately ordered another.  The nice Lady next to me worked for the State of Tennessee & lived in the Donelson/Hermitage area.  It was her first time at the Masala House but was familure with Indian food & was very helpful with the menu.  I played it safe & went with Chicken and Tikka Masala (tomato cream sauce).  By this time beer #2 arrived with the Pork Belly Appetizer.  The small plate contained 5 cubed pieces of pork that had been deep fried & laid on top of some greens & slivers of apple.  Quite “un-impressive” & at $2 a chunk I was expecting a little more!  They did have nice crispiness & flavor but by the time I shared with my new found friends all I got was a bite!  I ordered another beer!  

Garam Masala Pork Belly

More chit-chat until the waitress returns with our entrees.  My Chicken Tikka Masala arrived accompanied by bowl of rice.  The chicken was submerged in a orange colored sauce & it was suggested that I spoon it over the rice which I did.  My first bite to my delight was good!  Tender chicken in a creamy sauce with a hint of heat & spices.  The more I ate, the more I liked it!  The others had more traditional Indian dishes like Chicken Saag, Lamb Korma, & Shrimp Moilee but I was happy with my “safe” choice.  These people eat fast & before I knew it the waitress was back asking for desert orders of which there were none!  I excused myself for a short trip to the “facility” & upon my return most of the Peeps were gone!  Puzzled, I ordered another beer!

It would be a stretch to say I “like Indian food” but I can say I liked what I ate.  I will leave it to you to debate whether Chicken Tikka Masala  is traditional Indian or a UK dish as I learned the British lay claim to this dish & it is very popular in the United Kingdom.  In the end I had a pleasant yet somewhat puzzling experience so I may return to eat another day.  The Chauhan Ale & Masala House is a nice, beautifully decorated, cozy, dimly lit, possibly romantic restaurant which provided great service & above average food. Just remember that is coming from a “Un-refined Redneck” so pay them a visit & decide for yourself!  Waitress...another beer please!!!!

http://chauhannashville.com/

Salsa de Mesa (Table Salsa)

Made some Salsa today to use on Brisket Tacos. I usually make more like a Pico de Gallo which is more chunky. I found this recipe on The Hispanic Kitchen website while looking for a recipe that would have a longer "shelf life" than I had been getting with the Pico. As you can see it made about 2 cups and has quite a bite due to the Jalapenos! You may want to start with 1 pepper and go from there! As for "shelf-life" will keep you posted! Pretty easy to make...give it a try! Enjoy!

6 Roma tomatoes

1/4 white onion
 2 to 3 serrano or jalapeño peppers
1 to 2 cloves of garlic, sliced

Juice of ½ lime or 1 key lime

Pinch of crushed Mexican oregano

¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Salt

Combine the tomatoes, onion and chili peppers in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a paper towel and cook in the microwave for 7 to 8 minutes. You could most certainly cook it on the stove top as well by covering tomato, onion and peppers with water and simmering for 20 minutes. Drain all the water before blending. Remove from microwave and let cool slightly. Transfer to a blender, adding lime juice, garlic, oregano, cilantro (if using) and salt, to taste. Start by pulsing, then quickly blend for a few seconds. Taste for salt. Serve warm or at room temperature. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Check out the Hispanic Kitchen for more great recipes!    The Hispanic Kitchen 

Big Al's Deli, Nashville, TN

One room dining & kitchen area. Several tables with seating for maybe 12-15 & 4 stools at the counter. It's crowded! Mike is the cook with Big Al helping with prep, delivery, & taking orders. There was also a nice lady waiting tables & working the register. Luckily I got there early & scored a stool @ the counter so I could see the action. Mike was manning the flat-top grill & the deep fryer. The menu had a "Meat & 3" feel with daily specials. Today's specials were Pork Shank, Meatloaf, & Chicken. They also offered mashed taters, beans, & greens. I ordered a burger & fries but will try the Pork Shank next time. I also ordered sweet tea, which had a different taste that I did not like so I grabbed a Coke. While waiting a steady stream of hungry peeps filled in and placed their orders. Several to go & several sat "family style" wherever they could find a spot. Big Al is a BIG PERSONALITY! He seemed to know everyone that came through the door! Even me who he called "Sport"! It was not long before my burger & fries arrived with a side of Mayo. Other condiments were on the counter. The burger was fully dressed & served open faced. The large helping of fries were hot & crispy. I added mayo & commenced to preform the "hunch"! Big Al's also delivers BIG FLAVOR! The burger was cooked medium well & was huge! It had a nice blend of garlic & pepper seasonings & was juicy! I would say it could be the best burger that I have experienced in Nashville that I did not cook. I am a big Gabby's fan but I gotta say Big Al's may take their crown! Be prepared when you pay them a visit to wait for a seat, sit with strangers, & enjoy good...no GREAT food! You can see Big Al's passion for what he is building & Mike is a Class A cook! Watching him reminded me of seeing Earl Campbell on the football field! I am glad I paid Big Al's a visit. It won't be my last! BTW...they did not charge me for the tea!

It's Been a While......

To say "it's been a while" is an understatement!  I am not going to go into where I've been or been going through, just gonna say there have been many changes in my life.  Some for the better & some not.  My philosophy has always been "when life serves you up lemons, add tequila, salt & do shots".  I've had my share of shots lately but....it could always be worse right?  But enough about that....let's talk what's going on now!

Recently I have had the opportunity to visit several great restaurants & enjoy some great music in Nashville & Louisville.  I thought it would be fun to share my experiences with you. So beginning now I am going to post a short review of the resturants, food, music, & venues I visit as well as an update of the DoRagQ Competition BBQ Team's 2015 schedule & results.  I promise to post at least weekly if not more often. Here is a review of a recent place I visited for lunch.  Hope you enjoy!

Smokin in McMinnville Results

The DoRagQ Gang traveled to nearby McMinnville, TN for one of our favorite contests of the year "Smokin in McMinnville".  I think this was the 4th annual & we have competed in all four!  One reason it is one of our favorites is that DoRagQ Gang member Richard Finley puts on the "Finley Fish Fry Friday".  Say that 4 times fast!  One of Richard's passions is fishing & I am here to tell you he is good at it!  I called him the other day & he was on his way back with his catch.  I asked him how many he caught.  He said "not many 50 or 60"!!!  I don't think I have caught that many fish in my entire life!

Friends enjoying the festivities!

 

 

Pam & Richard frying up some Hush Puppies.  Delish!

 

 

 

Anyway Richard can cook 'em about as good as he can catch 'em & his Hush-Puppies are the best!  I think this is the 3rd year that Richard has volunteered to provide & cook for our Friday night shin-dig.  Many of our friends pitch in & we have a feast to say the least!  Thanks to Lotta Bull, Warren County Pork Choppers, Swiggin Pig, Smoke on This, The Q Team, Pit Bulls Up In Smoke, Gooby's, & all the rest that joined in the the good eatin & making for a special night in McMinnville!  Ok enough about FFFF (Finley's Fish Fry Friday) & on the the "Q"! 

Fish, Fries, & Hush Puppies!

 After a good night's sleep in the new "Casa Do-2" things went as planned.  We managed to get all 4 meats & a desert turned in & all there was left to do was clean up, pack up, & wait for the awards!  The awards started a little earlier than we expected and we managed to arrive as they were calling out the desert winners.
DESERT
Apparently there were 5 perfect scores of 180!  The Algood BBQ Team, Dark Hollow Mafia, DoRagQ, Once in a Blue Moon, & Swiggin Pig all had perfect scores.  Only Swiggin Pig had a "Perfect-Perfect" score & took the win.  Once in a Blue Moon took 2nd & The DoRagQ Gang took 3rd!  Congrats Swiggin Pig! 
CHICKEN
In chicken the DoRagQ Gang did not get a call as our friends Charcoal Cowboys took 1st place followed by Lotta Bull 2nd,  & Pit Bulls Up In Smoke 3rd.  Congrats Cowboys! I bet they got some help from Eddie! LOL!  Also a shout-out to Goobys for a nice 8th place finish!
RIBS
When they began to call out the top 10 in ribs they mentioned there were two 180 scores.  David & I knew it wasn't us & were bettin Barry Johnson of Swiggin Pig was one of them.  He has several to his credit & is a great cook.  Gooby's got another call finishing 8th with Warren County Pork Choppers takin 6th.  Pit Bulls Up In Smoke struck again with a 4th place call & local favorite Wild Onion taking 3rd.  Next was the first of two 180 scores....Swiggin Pig takin 2nd.  Richard & I were lookin around the crowd to see who was left to get the other 180 call.  Then Arlie said it was a "Perfect-Perfect 180" meaning all six Judges scored it with a perfect score of 9-9-9.  Who the hell did that?  Holy Crap Batman the DoRagQ Gang did!!!!!!  We scored a "PERFECT-PERFECT 180" in frickin ribs & took 1st place!  No way Jose! I am still on cloud 9-9-9!!!

DoRagQ's first 180 was a "Perfect-Perfect 180" in ribs!

 PORK
With our hearts still beatin 90 to nothin Gooby's once again heard their name called finishing 8th.  Sounds like 8 is their lucky number!  Lotta Bull got the 7th place call & South Pork ran to the stage finishing 6th.  The DoRagQ Gang once again heard our name finishing 5th & Swiggin Pig got the 4th place call.  Warren County Pork Choppers slid in the 3rd place slot with The "Ragin Cajun" Danny Coogle of Pit Bulls Up In Smoke gettin another call finishing 2nd.  Team Allegro took top honors finishing 1st in pork!  Congrats to all!
BRISKET
We heard DoRagQ early gettin the 10th place call with the Q-Team finishing 9th.  South Pork was 7th & Team & Allegro got the 6th place call. Pitmaster's own Donny Bray of Warren County Pork Choppers took 5th with Lotta Bull 4th, Swiggin Pig 3rd. & Jackie & Sherry Price of Smoke On This taking 2nd.  First place went to Government Pork!  Congrats to all!
OVERALL
Starting out in 10th was Hot Coles BBQ, with 9th going to Team Allegro.  South Pork took 8th with Gooby's movin up to 7th!  Government Pork rode their brisket win to a 6th place finish with Warren County Pork choppers finishin in 5th place!  The DoRagQ Gang managed to score a 4th place overall with Lotta Bull taking 3rd.  Danny Coogle's Pit Bulls Up In Smoke took Reserve Grand Champion with the "Big Pig" himself Barry Johnson takin the overall Grand Champion!  Congrats Barry on another win!

So as we close the book on another "Smokin in McMinnville" I can reflect on an interesting weekend with a surprising ending.  But it was no surprise that Swiggin Pig & Pit Bulls Up in Smoke went 1-2, they are darn good cooks.  The biggest surprise for me was to get a 180 score!  And to top it off a "Perfect-Perfect 180" to boot!  Most of you know I am a humble guy but I just gotta say that I am so proud of that accomplishment and to do it with my BBQ friends & family there made it even more special.  On top of that to have Pam, David, & Richard there to be a part of it is just priceless!  Thanks for being the "Do" in DoRagQ!  Can't wait till we get to Nashville & get to do it again.  Hope we see you there on August 24-251  Come by & say "WasssssssssssUpppppp" We love company!

Foothills County Fair Results

July 28, 2012

DoRagQ made our first trip in the new & improved "Casa Do-2" to Cleveland, TN competing in the Foothills County Fair BBQ Bash.  Sixty-one Teams from all over were there to compete for cash & braggin rights.  When the dust settled my "Brother from a different Mother" Donny Bray of the Warren County Pork Choppers took the win & Jiggy Piggy taking Reserve Grand Champion.

Grand Champion Donny Bray Warren County Pork Choppers!

Long time DoRagQ member Richard "Old Hairy Man" Finley was back after his duties with "Garland Jack's Secret Six" BBQ Sauce were fulfilled  It was really great to have him back with us!  Since he was gone we had forgotten about our lucky "shots" we do throughout the weekend.  With Richard back I am sure we will not be missing any shot "opportunities"!  Choot it Richard, Choot it!!!!!

We managed to place 19th in chicken, 16th in ribs, 22nd in pork, & 18th in brisket finishing 11th overall!  Not to bad considering the level of competition.  Regardless Casa Do-2 was a huge success & we had a rather large time to boot!  Looking forward to "Smokin in McMinnville" August 10th-11th.  Hope to see ya there!   

Casa Do-2!

 

 

DoRagQ Swag is now available! Git ya sum!

We recently decided to get us a few DoRagQ T-Shirts made up.  In order to get a reasonable price we had to purchase in bulk.  So we ordered several in small, medium, large, Xtra-large, XXtra large, & BIG ASS LARGE!  Some we have given away, some we have traded with other teams, and some we have sold to our generous friends to help cover the cost. Here are a few DoRaggers sportin their new DoRagQ Swag!

 DoRagger Tom Curling from Roanoke, Virginia

 Bertie of Bertie's BBQ from somewhere across the ocean called the "United Kingdom"!

From the Louisville, KY chapter of DoRagQ James & Lisa!

 Todd & Jessica from "Once in a Blue Moon BBQ" from Lebanon, TN

If you would like to score some DoRagQ Swag, they are $15 + shipping each.  Shipping runs about $5 so for $20 bucks you can git you some DoRagQ Swag delivered to your very own Cell Block!  Sorry no sharp objects or Apple Pie can't be shipped with the Swag!  We have already tried it!  Just send me an email or hit me up on Facebook & we can make it happen.  BTW...our Design Team is currently working on some great new items that will soon be available like...DoRagQ DoRags, Sleeveless T-Shirts, Wife-Beaters, Husband-Beaters, Speedos (for those European types) & Thongs!  So as my friend "Killer Beaz" says...SAVE UP!

 

Wow time sure does fly when you’re having fun!  I can’t believe it’s already June!  I have neglected posting the DoRagQ Gang’s results so I will get you caught up with our results since the Tater Days contest back in April.

April 14^th – Smoke on the Falls – Gadsden, AL - 44 Teams

Chicken – 24^th

Ribs – 33^rd

Pork – 15^th

Brisket – 7^th

Overall – 22nd

April 21^st – High on the Hog – Winchester, TN – 54 Teams

Chicken – 6^th

Ribs – 19^th

Pork – 17^th

Brisket – 5^th

Anything Butt – 2^nd

Desert – 1^st (Perfect 180 Score)

Overall – 5^th

May 5^th – Mississippi Springfest – Ashland, MS – 38 Teams

Chicken – 21^st

Ribs – 4^th

Pork – 21^st

Brisket – 2^nd

Desert – 1^st (Perfect 180 Score)

Overall – 5^th

May 26^th – Prichard’s BBQ on the Rocks – Lewisburg, TN – 34 Teams

Chicken – 8^th

Ribs – 7^th

Pork – 5^th

Brisket – 8^th

Overall – 3^rd

June 2^nd – The Varity Club BBQ Bash – Memphis, TN – 50 Teams

Chicken – 15^th

Ribs – 16^th

Pork – 7^th

Brisket – 2^nd

Desert – 1^st

Overall – 7^th

June 9^th – Sam’s Club BBQ Tour – Huntsville, AL – 30 Teams

Chicken – 3^rd

Ribs – 1^st

Pork – 5^th

Brisket – 7^th

Overall – 2^nd Reserve Grand Champion

June 23^rd  - Queen City Cookoff – Clarksville, TN – 39 Teams

Chicken – 3^rd

Ribs – 14^th

Pork – 1^st

Brisker – 21^st

Overall – 5th

         

Be sure and check out my "Brother from a different Mother" Donny Bray's Blog about the Warren County Pork Choppers @ Warren county Pork Choppers Blog!  And be the first on the block to have a WCPC T-Shirt!  You can order them on the WCPC website Warren County Pork choppers Website

Thanks & we hope to see you soon!

"Tater Days" Results!

The DoRagQ Gang just returned from our first competition of 2012.  Benton, Kentucky was the sight of the annual "Tater Days" festival.  Now I know your are wondering WTH is "Tater Days"? Well thanks for asking!  "Tater Days" was started in 1843 as a celebration of spring, and a time when all of the townsfolk would get together and trade in sweet potato slips, used to grow the plants.  There are many local events and the Kiwanis Club also hosts the annual BBQ Competition.  This year there were 41 BBQ Teams from several states competing & the DoRagQ Gang was darn proud to be one of them!  This year occasional DoRagQ Gang members Pam & David Wilson will be joining us on the entire 2012 "Pigs & Pie Tour".  David is in the "Music Biz" and with relocating to "Music City" was thinking of putting BBQ on hold until things settled down.  About that same time "DoRagQ Gang" member Richard Finley accepted an offer to cook BBQ & sample a new BBQ sauce on the market to the public.  "Garland Jack's Secret Six" sauces should be hitting the Nashville area markets soon!  Richard will be in and around the Nashville area sampling "Award Winning Pork" featuring Garland Jack's Sauces!  I will post a schedule soon.  We hope you will pay him and Jeff McPherson a visit when they are in your area.  Richards gig will keep him busy from April to August and the samplings will occur mostly on weekends which meant he would not be able to attend any contest during that time.  During a night to intense consummation of adult beverages I had a vision!  It was somewhat blurry but a vision none the less!  I made a phone call to David and shared my blurry vision with him...then I told him I would pay him to help me...after some shrewd negotiation on David's part we decided to join up and help each other.  So the "New" DoRagQ Gang Rides Again!

Ok enough BS....back to "Tater Days". Forty-one BBQ Teams converged on Benton, KY to compete in for most their first contest of the year.  The weather cooperated and made for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.  We arrived late evening on Thursday & quickly unloaded.  We were right next to our good friends Sherri & Jackie Price of  "Smoke On This" and we headed out to the local Mexican restaurant for some Margaritas & some Tex-Mex!  Only one problem....no Margaritas!  Seems we were in a dry county!  We enjoyed the food and company none-the-less and headed back to the contest site for the evening where we finished setting up and had a few "adult beverages" cleverly disguised in "red solo cups"! 

After a good nights sleep we began to see more familiar faces such as "Blues Hog BBQ", "Old Man Larry's BBQ Team", "ShadeTree Cooks", "Rub-Won-Out", and "Team Allegro".  It was great seeing all our friends after the winter break.  After inspection we got down to work prepping our meats, getting the smokers positioned, and going over our BBQ Plan!  With the business stuff out of the way be commenced to continuing our sampling of adult beverages until it was finally time to call it a night. 

Saturday morning started out great only to find our brisket was a bit stubborn on getting up to temperature. We fought it right up to turn in time and it still wasn't where it needed to be.  We made the best of it and seemed to get everything else turned in on time.  We felt good about chicken, ribs were a bit salty, still not happy with the brisket, and not sure about the pork.  Regardless of how we felt it was in the hands of the Judges now!

We made our way to the awards and settled in for the news.  "Pappy Q" took the win in chicken with our good friends "Son Seekers" in 2nd.  The Judges must have liked our entry as "DoRagQ"  got a 4th place call with "Rub-Won-Out" taking 5th place.  In the rib category our friends "ShadeTree Cooks" got an 8th place call and surprise surprise, "DoRagQ" placed 3rd!  Weeeeeeeeeeeee!  I will say we were a bit surprised!  Takin the win in ribs was "4 Smokin' Butts"!  "Rub-Won-Out" placed 6th in the pork category with "Bubba Joe's BBQ" taking 1st place.  Some questions were answered about our pork as "DoRagQ" came in 27th (bummer)!  In the brisket category "Smoke on This" got a 8th place call with "Rub-Won-Out" placing 5th and "Team Allegro" taking 4th place.  "Bubba's Tennessee Smokers" took first place.  "DoRagQ" managed to place 17th. Better than I expected!  Overall top 10 went like this: 10th "Son Seekers BBQ", 9th "One2bbq", 8th "Gilly's BBQ", 7th "DoRagQ", 6th "Q2NV", 5th "Rub-Won-Out", 4th "Bubba Joe's BBQ", 3rd "Smokin' T's", 2nd "4 Smokin' Butts", and Grand Champion "Eat Mor Butt BBQ"!  Congrats to all!

Well it could have been worse!  Hell it has been worse!  I think this is the best the DoRagQ Gang has placed at "Tater Days".  We know we could have done better and hopefully we can improve on those things and do better next time.  Regardless we had a great time seeing our BBQ Friends and Family! We look forward to our next event in Gasden, Alabama and hope to be back at "Tater Days" next year!  Hope we see ya soon Peckerwood!

Here is a link to the complete results on the KCBS website!  http://www.kcbs.us/events.php?year=2012&month=3&id=3172

Click the kink below for complete results.  Full recap coming later this week!
Benton Kiwanis BBQ Kookoff Results

DoRagQ's 2012 "Pigs & Pie" Tour Update!

Hey DoRaggers!  Made a few changes to the "Pigs & Pie" Tour schedule.  We waited to late to make the Whistlestop contest in Huntsville so we are headin down to Ashland Mississippi for the Mississippi Springfest May 4-5.  We also added "Chip & Penny's Annual July 4th Pool Bash" on June 30th!   
 
  The DoRagQ Gang has been bizzy gettin "Casa DoRag" ready to roll out this weekend to "Tater Days" in Benton, KY.  The "Tater Days" contest marks the 5th year anniversary of "DoRagQ".  Tater Days was the first contest that Gary "Nickelback" Lackey & myself competed as DoRagQ! Along the way we have met some really cool peeps & on occasion cooked some purty good BBQ!  I hope the next 5 years is as fun as the last!

DoRag 2006 (yes that is Gatorade)

"Nickelback" @ Tater Days 2006!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  We are workin with a local printer to design & print some cool DoRagQ "Swag"!  T-Shirts (sleeveless of course) & DoRagQ DoRags are both in the works. We hope to have some to show you soon! 

So good luck & safe travels to all my BBQ Friends & Family who are competing this coming weekend!

DoRagQ's "Pigs & Pie Tour 2012"

March 30-31    Benton KY Kiwanis Barbeque Kook-Off

Benton, KY

April 13-14      Smoke on the Falls Noccalula BBQ Fest

Gadsden, AL

April 20-21      25th High on the Hog Festival

Winchester, TN

May 4-5          Mississippi Springfest 
                       Ashland, MS

May 18-19      Cotton Pickin' BBQ Cook-Off

Hartselle, AL

May 25-26      Lewisburg Rotary Club BBQ Cook-Off

Lewisburg, TN

June 1-2          Variety Children's Charity Barbecue Bash

Memphis, TN

June 8-9          Sam's Club National BBQ Tour

Huntsville, AL

June 22-23      Queen City BBQ Cookoff

Clarksville,TN                                               

June 30             Chip & Penny's Annual 4th of July Bash
July 27-28        Foothills Country Fair Backyard BBQ Bash

Cleveland, TN

August 10-11   Smokin in McMinnville

McMinnville, TN

August 24-25   Music City Festival & BBQ Championship

Nashville, TN

Sept 7-8          Cookeville Cookoff

Cookeville, TN

Sept 14-15      18th Annual Decatur Jaycees Riverfest

Decatur, AL

Sept 21-22       TBA

October 5-6     Jim Beam BBQ Classic

Springfield, KY

October 12-13   TBA

October 19-20  Big Buffalo Crossing BBQ Cook-Off

 Munfordville, KY

October 26-27  Visiting Friends @ The Jack Daniel World 

 Championship Lynchburg, TN

Nov 16-17        The National BBQ Cup

 Cumming, GA

 

DoRagQ Update!

After a long period of no activity I have decided to re-commit myself to posting regularly to "The Life & Times of a BBQ Man".  While I thought no-one read my alcohol induced ramblings apparently there are a few that find  them humorous and entertaining.  I actually received several emails asking me "WTF happend"?  So over the next few weeks I will try to catch you up on "WTF" is goin on with the "DoRagQ Gang".  I hope you will tune in & check it out! 

"Bro's Cajun Cuisine" Review

February 16, 2012
Had lunch at one of my favorite places in Nashville today,  Bro's!  Not much on atmosphere but if you want some good cookin then it's your place!  I ordered the Gumbo which had both chicken & Andouille sausage over rice.  The "rue" was dark and full of flavor.  The chicken was tender and the Andouille has a slight amount of heat!  Very good, very filling!  I also had a 1 lb, side of Crawfish.  Tons of flavor!  I wanted to stay and order more and make an afternoon of it but you know....gotta bet back to the Grind!  As always it was full at lunch time.  The layout is crazy and as I said the decor is bare minimum.  Darrell Breaux is always there with a quick joke and a smile.  The service is sometimes slow but today it was quick (except for the Crawfish)...but they arrived shortly behind the Gumbo.  I left with a full stomach and an empty pocketbook!  It's a bit pricy for lunch but well worth it IMHO!  I can't wait to return.  Hope to see you there!

"Monkey Wrench" Review (Louisville, KY)

February 15, 2012
Paid "Monkey Wrench" a visit on a recent trip to the "Ville".  Stopped in because it looked like a cool place to hang out.  Beer was cold, music was at conversation level, bartender friendly, & the food was good (I had the Wings).  Love the "Dive-Bar" decor & atmosphere.  Had to call it an early night due to finishing up some work.  When we were leaving the "Band" was setting up.  I will defiantly pay "Monkey Wrench" another visit!

"The Pharmacy" Review

February 2, 2012
Checked out the Pharmacy today.  It was packed but we were seated after only a short wait.  The staff was very friendly & took our drink order quickly.  For the beer connoisseur there seems to be a good selection.  I ordered a Shiner which was delivered with a small cold but not frosty mug.  The menu was easy to read & understand.  I ordered The Pharmacy Burger (hold the onions) & sweet potato fries.  While waiting we check out the surroundings.  I saw the Biergarden area which looked like a great place to hang with friends.  There were picnic style tables outside which during warmer & drier weather looks like fun.  My burger arrived in a basket & looked quite impressive.  the bun was large & fit the burger perfectly.  I could tell the beef was hand formed and was not some mass produced frozen patty passing itself off as hand made.  i like to cut my burgers in half....(I guess I am weird) and  I could see the burger  was properly cooked to about medium.  The burger was juicy, tender, and flavorful.  Just the way I like my burgers.  The Sweet potato fries were  good & crisp.  Not soggy as some sweet fries tend to be.  Overall it was a pleasurable experience at a reasonable price.  i can see the charm of the area & look forward to checking it out again during better weather.  All in all I would recommend Pharmacy to friends & family as a place you can go with the kids or with your Peeps & have a good time.  I can't wait to try some of their specialty sodas.

DoRagQ Update!

Once again I have fallen behind on posting our contest results!  I guess I have too many hobbies.  Between BBQ, Motorcycles, Music, & yard work there is not much time left to do anything but work!  But I am so thankful to have a job & enjoy what I do.  Of course I could enjoy not working also as long as the $ kept coming in!  I keep playing the lottery...hey some one's gotta win! 

"Run For The Ribs" Louisville. KY

May 5-7, 2011

Ok...we were preparing to head north to Louisville back in May when I posted last.  We had a great time at the "Run For The Ribs" contest during Derby Week.  The field was packed with "BBQ Stars" & we were just hoping for a decent finish.  It was good to see our BBQ friends Warren County Pork Choppers, Moonswiners, Lotta Bull, Shigs In Pit, Smoke On This, Son Seekers, Quau, & cancersuckschicago.com.  We also met some new friends....Squealers Award Winning BBQ from Indianapolis was right next to us & we shared a few adult beverages with Jim & Jeff!  Great guys! 

Friday prep went off like normal with the high point of the evening was grilling Oysters with Donny of WCPC!  Donny got the idea when we were in "Nola" back in February & they were awesome!  They went great with the Bloody Marys that our friends "Shigs In Pit" fixed for us.  We were fit to be tied for sure! 

Saturday was normal for the most part at least until I made a "rookie" mistake of cutting the brisket with the grain making it tough as leather. I was crushed!  We had a beautiful brisket & I just ruined it!  We made the decision to turn in a box with burnt ends & pulled brisket.....no slices....that's what I said.....no frickin slices in the box!  It was damage control at this point!  Needless to say we were not very confident on our way to awards.  We figured we would just lick our wounds & root for our friends!

As the chicken winners were announced we were surprised to hear our name called for 8th place but surprise quickly turned to reality when we received no calls for ribs & pork.  So as they called the top 5 for brisket I joked to Richard...."we're gonna get called for brisket"  we both laughed...then we hollered when they called "2nd place brisket....DoRagQ"!!!!!  WOOT WOOT! No frickin way!  Everyone could tell were were genuinely surprised.  I had already told our friends what I had done so they were all giving me hell! 


"No Slice" Brisket



We were still chuckling as they called out the top ten overall.  At this point I was really not expecting any more surprises.  Our friends "Son Seekers" came in 10th, with "Shigs In Pit" in 9th.  "Smoke On This" was called 8th, & in 7th place was DoRagQ!  No way!!!!!!!!!  Cancersuckschicago.com was 6th, Quau 5th, Uncle Chets BBQ 4th, Bourbon Barrel BBQ 3rd, Brutus and Company Reserve Grand Champion, & Moonswiners took the Grand Champion!  We just finished 7th place & three of the top six were former "Jack Daniels World Champions"!  And we did it without a slice of brisket in our box!  Holy Crapola Batman!

Well the ride home was certainly a cheerful one!  While I don't plan to make a habit of turning in burnt ends & pulled brisket I did confirm that even a blind squirrel can get a nut once in a while.  A good time was had by all & I have a few stories to tell along the way.  We are looking forward to "Derby Week" next year & plan to return.  Hope to see you there! 









Updated 2011 Tour Schedule

July 8-9 - Birmingham, AL - Blues, Brews and Barbecue

August 5-6 - Birmingham, AL - Sam's Club BBQ Competition (Qualifier)

August 12-13 - McMinnville, TN - Smokin in McMinnville

August 26-27 - Nashville, TN - Music City BBQ Festival

September 2-3 - Bardstown, KY - Bourbon City BBQ Festival

September 9-10 - Cookeville, TN - Cookeville Cookoff

September 16-17 - Decatur, AL - Riverfest

September 23-24 - Owensboro, KY - Grillin & Chillin

Fall Schedule To Be Determined.  Will update in early August.