What to expect

How does a Kansas City BBQ Society event like the Morgan Hill No Bull Cook Off work?

 The official KCBS rules for 2011

1) We cook 4 meats in KCBS competitions:

1. Chicken
2. Pork ribs (spares or backs)
3. Pork (Shoulder/Boston Butt)
4. Beef Brisket

2) We cook a lot of food to find the best samples for turn-ins. For example, many teams will cook 6, 8, or more racks of ribs just to find the perfect 6 bones for tuning in to the judges.

Chicken is the same - 12, 18, 24 or more thighs are typical - again, searching for the perfect 6 samples to turn in. Brisket is no different. 2 briskets, each weighing around 12 pounds are common, just for six slices.

The judges will eat a lot of food on that day - they will typically take only one small bite of a sample to form their score. It is critical that a competitors samples be as perfect and flavor packed as he or she can produce for a high score.

3) Turn-ins: Teams have a ten minute window to turn in their sample box. That's five minutes before, and 5 minutes after the published time, typically only 30 minutes between turn-ins.

Most teams will have atomic clocks on their premises, and they will carefully measure how much time it takes to walk their turn-in to the designated judging area. Why? Because if a team is even 1 second late getting their box on the judging table, they are DQ'd. It is really  that strict.

4) Scoring: The judges will then score entries on three criteria:

1. Appearance
2. Taste
3. Tenderness

The judges will assign a score for each sample in each criteria. The score can range from 1 through 9 with 6 being average and 9 being the best ever.

These scores, when tabulated are weighted. The taste score is the most important, tenderness is second, and appearance being third.

5)  Once all the turn-ins are done the teams have a little down time. You'll be able to tell when that is, because they look a lot more relaxed and willing to talk. Most teams are more than eager to talk to the public about what we do, but we cannot do that during turn-ins.

6) Awards: The awards ceremony usually happens mid afternoon, once all the scores are tabulated. This is a fun time, and you're encouraged to cheer and holler if your favorite team gets a call.

It's great time for the entire family, a great way to spend what will no doubt be an awesome spring morning and afternoon in Morgan Hill.

P.S. If any of this is confusing, please don't be shy about approaching any of the teams with your questions. BUT! please be aware that during the rush of turn-ins, they will not have time to talk. Please understand and try again a little later when they look a little more relaxed and willing to talk.