Seven competitors battled it out at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment's third annual BBQ Battle this past Saturday (July 14) and all were vying for $2,000 in prizes and bragging rights.
The BBQ categories were for best ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork, with a $500 prize to the winner of each category. A panel of five judges conducted a blind tasting for each tasting round. Each entry was judged on taste (1-15 points), tenderness (1-10 points) and appearance (1-5 points).
Doreen Rinaldo, known as Dr. Dor’s BBQ, defended her 2017 title and took home the $500 prize for her ribs. Rinaldo has created her own line of BBQ dry rubs which are available for purchase at drdorsbbq.com.
Kimchi Smoke’s Robert Austin took home the $500 top prize for his outstanding brisket.
First-time competitor Matt Worgul, of Gentle Giant Brewing Company, won in the best chicken category and earned $500.
Members of the Gentle Giant Brew Co., pictured at the Meadowlands Racetrack (Lisa Photo)
Carlito’s Trailer, which serves great central Texas-style BBQ, took home the $500 top prize for its pulled pork.
Three big weekends remain in the Meadowlands Racetrack’s Championship Meet. This Friday and Saturday is Corntastic Weekend, which will see $1,200 in prize money up for grabs. There will also be a special 8 p.m. post time for both nights. Saturday, July 28 will be the fifth annual Seafood Festival, along with eliminations for the Hambletonian Oaks. The meet will wrap up on Saturday, August 4 with Hambletonian Day.
Details for all events and promotions can be found at playmeadowlands.com.
(Meadowlands Racetrack)