Amateur backyard grillers are invited to apply for a barbecue competition on June 10 and 11 at ilani’s Smokin’ Hot Barbecue Fest, June 8-11, in the ground-floor parking lot at ilani, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield. The overall champion wins $5,000 with cash prizes awarded to first, second and third places in each category. The competition will be judged by celebrity chefs like Michael Symon, Jet Tila, Rocco DiSpirito, Kevin Bludso, Rasheed Phillips and Christina Fitzgerald. Award-winning chefs and pitmasters Rick Browne and Lynnae Oxley will serve as head judges. Up to 20 barbecue teams will compete in four categories: pork belly, beef back ribs, salmon and whole chicken. Dishes will be judged on creativity, taste, tenderness and presentation. The grand prize winner must compete in all four categories.
The registration fee is $50 per team and includes the opportunity to sell barbecue. The deadline to apply is May 19. Email Liza Ballantine at liza@360mande.com or call 917-257-3762. For complete information about the festival and to buy tickets for barbecue events, visit ilaniresort.com/ilani-bbqfest.html.
