PORTUGUES BAND OF SAN JOSE

It was a fun weekend full of BBQ. It almost seemed like a normal weekend. We actually judged Saturday and Sunday at two different events. We would like to share images of Sunday from the Portuguese Band of San Jose. This is a club that rents out their facilities for weddings and holds dinners. Thirty three bbq teams were present to cook bbq ribs and tri-tip. The hungry public was invited to attend and they showed up. It was quit the scene to see so many people outside mingling and just plain having a good time.

We judged two sets of six entries of both tri-tip and ribs today.. I was a little out of practice and did not pace myself. The first set of ribs tasted so good that I finished several of the ribs in their entirety. After judging I ate even more. I had some delicious Atomic Buffalo Turds and a bacon cupcake. The belt was loosened when I made it safely home to my beloved couch.

 

This day was so much fun. We did have a sobering moment which I would like to share with you. A good BBQ friend Richard Holquin was involved in a terrible motor cycle accident. He is alive but has a very long and hard journey with recovery. He lost a leg. Richard and his wife Michele are loved in the bbq community. This is his bbq rig that was brought to the even. Funds were being donated to help with his medical cost. We all hope and pray for Richards speedy recovery. 

 

PHO CRAZE

 

How do you pronounce Pho? I am not sure. It is a filling bowl of beef soup with noodles, spices and thinly sliced beef. We went to a restaurant called Pho Craze. It is very popular. The restaurant was pretty non-descript. You walked in the door and were assigned a numbered table. The server who was not really fluent in English took your order again by number. I ordered the number one with; rare beef, tendon, brisket, flank, tripe and meat ball. The soup was served with a plate of bean sprouts, sliced peppers, fresh cilantro and mint. It was very filling. The broth was seasoned with cloves and cinnamon which was a flavor profile I was not familiar with. The sliced beef was initially served raw but cooked in the hot broth. I have to admit, I did pick out the tripe. It was very filling. We did order some familiar chicken wing to accompany. Ms. Goofy and I tried something a little different today.

CLEARMAN’S NORTH WOODS INN

While in La-La land we discovered Clearman’s North Woods Inn. This is a fun and tasty restaurant /bar that is a cross between a faux ski chalet and Sam’s Town. Walking through the door you are greeted with a sign; Throw Peanut Shells on the Floor”. This sets the festive mood. Once your eyes adjust to the dimly lighted kitschy decorated multi roomed dining area you will feel very welcome. The menu has something for everyone with bottomless salads, red cabbage (quit tasty) and cheese bread included. The food was satisfying with quick, friendly service. Clearance’s has three locations in La-La land and we were at the San Gabriel venue. We shall return

 

 

9th Annual Winners' Circle BBQ Championship & Spring Carnival

Grand Champion Saturday Loot'n Booty