I woke up to a bright, sunny morning, which was a pleasant surprise—I had bundled up expecting a chilly day. By 10 AM, it felt downright silly to be wrapped in so many layers, and I was itching to strip down to my t-shirt and enjoy the unexpected warmth.
However, around noon, the day took a dramatic turn. The wind began to howl, stirring up a frenzy of sand, flipping aluminum pans, and sending napkins and plastic cups flying like leaves in a storm. Just as I thought it might be a typical windy day, a single raindrop fell. Then another. Suddenly, a downpour erupted, soaking everything and everyone.
There I was, rib in hand, faced with a choice: seek shelter or keep eating? The rib was too good to put down—juicy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned by expert BBQ pitmasters. So, I stayed put, letting the rain drench me as I savored every bite, right down to the bone. The rain washed the sticky BBQ sauce from my lips, and in that messy, wet moment, I knew: this Battle Of The Ribs was something truly special.
Let’s rewind to when I first arrived at 9 AM, before the wind and rain, ready for a day of great food and fun.
The Fiery Kickoff
The day began with a spirited energy thanks to Jesse Cortez, the heart and soul behind Grillmasters BBQ. His opening prayer not only set a hopeful tone but also rallied everyone for the fiery competition ahead. As the prayer concluded, the air buzzed louder with anticipation; the contestants, fueled by the promise of hefty prizes—$1,500 for first place, $700 for second, and $300 for third—hurried to their grills, igniting flames under the watchful eyes of an excited crowd.
A Festival of Flavor and Fun
Beyond the fierce competition, the event was a festival of family fun. A DJ spun upbeat tracks that had kids and adults alike bobbing their heads and tapping their feet. The air was festive, punctuated by laughter and music, as faces were painted, balloons twisted into whimsical shapes, and raffle tickets shuffled in eager hands. Amidst this, a live band added a soulful soundtrack to the smoky symphony of barbecues.
Meeting the Maestros of Meat
The pitmasters were artists, their canvases the ribs that sizzled before them. Each one had a story, a secret spice blend, and a smile that welcomed questions and shared techniques. Shelby from Racks, her booth adorned with trophies, was a hive of activity, her ribs drawing long lines of eager fans. Her mastery would later earn her the grand prize of $1,500, a testament to her skill and dedication.
A Symphony of Flavors
The judges, seasoned connoisseurs of the BBQ world, were a fount of knowledge, offering insights into the delicate balance of flavors and textures that could crown a winner. Their approachability turned the event into an impromptu masterclass in rib perfection. As 11 AM struck, Silverio Montoya’s soulful rendition of the National Anthem soared high, and with it, the event officially kicked into full gear. The crowd swelled, excitement bubbling over as attendees exchanged tickets for a chance to taste mastery.
The Culinary Carnival
The tasting began, and with each rib, it was a plunge into a new depth of flavor. Smoky whispers, spicy shouts, and sweet murmurs danced across my palate. The ribs were not just cooked; they were crafted, with layers of flavors as complex and compelling as any gourmet dish. The pitmasters not only served food; they served stories, each bit a chapter of their journey. Romero from LFQ, who later clinched the People’s Choice, served up ribs that were a revelation, the meat falling off the bone, each bite a burst of barbeque bliss.
Rain or Shine—The Show Must Go On
The skies eventually opened, but not even the sudden downpour could dampen spirits. Umbrellas sprouted like mushrooms among the crowd, sheltering rib-lovers as they continued their culinary pilgrimage from one booth to another. Jesse Cortez’s voice rang out over the rain, a robust thank you to the competitors and the community for their spirit and support.
The Prizes and Praise
As the competition heated up, so did the stakes. Second place, with a prize of $700, went to Nice from Nation of 1ne, whose innovative techniques wowed the judges. Rudy from Sweet Ribs and Tasty Butts claimed the $300 third place, his ribs praised for their perfect balance of smoke and sweetness.
A Smoky Sunset
As the day drew to a close, soaked yet elated, I couldn’t help but wish it wouldn’t end. The rain had turned the event into an impromptu dance, a celebration of flavor, community, and resilience. Driving home, the taste of perfectly charred ribs lingering on my lips, I was already anticipating next year’s battle. If this was what a day at the “Battle Of The Ribs” felt like, then I was hooked—hooked on the heat, the flavor, and the indomitable spirit of Fresno’s BBQ scene.
For anyone who missed this epic showdown, make sure not to miss the next. Jesse Cortez and the vibrant community at Grillmasters BBQ are not just throwing a BBQ battle; they’re kindling the fire of community spirit, one rib at a time. Here’s to many more!
