ABSAROKEE – Skilled chefs brought their best to The Montana Barbecue cook-off in Absarokee on Sunday.
“It’s awesome down here,” said Billy Norris of Rocking N BBQ. “A lot of good people, a lot of fun, a lot of good music and everything.”
“We just love what we do,” said Zane Wood of Rolling Stone BBQ. “It’s just fun. It’s laid back. It’s a great beer drinking hobby.”
With the cook-off being a competition to enter into a nationwide event in Kansas City, every cook has a special contribution.
“Hands down the beef brisket,” said Wood. “It’s Waygu beef. There’s absolutely no propane, no electrical. Everything’s done traditionally.”
“Two-hundred fifty degrees,” Norris said. “Low and slow and make sure it comes up to the right temp. And have good rubs and good barbecue sauce to go with it.”
Live music, shopping, drinks, and of course bbq treats help this event draw people from all around the world looking to try something new.
“Given I haven’t had any barbecue yet, my favorite thing is the beer,” said Allan Mackey. “Being Australian, that probably makes a lot of sense. “
Great food, cold drinks, music, and a whole bunch of smiles show a great future for the 17-year tradition.
The Montana Barbecue cook-off has awards in several categories: overall, chicken, pork, brisket and anything goes.
Parrothead Smokers is the Grand Champion.
Smokin Hot Butts BBQ is the Reserve Champion.
