Memphis in May: Lessons Learned From Rocky

So we’ve spent some time licking our wounds, watching Rocky III, and eating humble pie in the Apple City Barbecue headquarters. Have you seen Rocky III recently? You know, the one where Rocky gets so caught up with accolades and press that he doesn’t fare so well? Yeah.

The mood grew more somber as we waited … and waited … and waited some more for the results.

Sprinkled with our famous Magic Dust® dry rub, these Compart Duroc ribs were tender and delicious.

Our goal was to cook savory, delicious, authentic barbecue without relying on the current tricks of the trade, namely honey, agave nectar, brown sugar, and squeeze margarine. Thanks to our sponsor, Compart Duroc, we used the finest quality of ribs available. And they were delicious. So delicious, in fact, that we had very high hopes, right up until the end. However, when we heard one of the top three teams describing the peach preserves, applesauce, orange marmalade, fig preserves, and cinnamon they used on their winning ribs, I knew we weren’t even in the running.

That’s okay with me … Mike, however, is still not pleased. “I did not enjoy getting my ass whipped,” was the direct quotation.

Compart Duroc … the best pork ever!

It takes a village to put together an event and we feel very fortunate to have the best team of supporters ever. We cooked delicious pork donated by our sponsor Compart Family Farms. Townsend Spice & Supply blends our Magic Dust® and they have the best spices on the planet. Huge thanks to them for sponsoring our sharp team shirts. Arthur Agency designed our graphics and Silkworm, Ink. printed/embroidered our t-shirts and team shirts. We’re so grateful to all of you for being part of our team and helping us look good!

The Townsend Spice & Supply family and partners. Incredibly fine people.

No matter the outcome, we had a terrific time competing at Memphis in May. I’m pretty sure you’ll see the Apple City Barbecue team competing again.

Read more about our Memphis in May adventures: filming The Chew and Danish National Team shirt exchange.

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Cook-Off, Words of Wisdom
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17th Street BBQ

After an 18-year hiatus, we wanted our booth to have a nod to our heritage and reflect our present. We cooked on the pit Mike and Pat made out of an old propane tank. They spent hours test cooking and drilling holes to make sure the air flow is just right.

Memphis in May booths run the gamut from very elaborate and multi-storied to very plain. We tried to keep it simple and uncluttered. We knew we’d have a lot of guests and we’d need room to move around.
Apples are everywhere … a nod to Murphysboro, also known as Apple City. We served fresh apple juice to the judges and there’s a hint of apple in our sauce as well. Captain Applesauce and Miss Apple Festival joined us, too. We used some of our old signage mixed in with the new. And I love the giant photo of Pat, Mike, and Captain Applesauce.
Gentlemen, I do believe RED is your color!
Read more about our Memphis in May adventures: filming The Chew and Danish National Team shirt exchange.