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Each contestant was entered into four different classes – fish, poultry, pork and beef – and was required to bring their own barbecue equipment, including a card table used prior to judging as a prep table. Judging was based on the quality of the entrée, which included flavor, tenderness and juiciness; the contestant’s knowledge of the entrée, side dishes and general knowledge of equipment; use of side dishes cooked to complement the main course; and the appetizing appearance of the whole meal. A copy of the recipe was also used as part of the judging process.
Among the panel of judges were: Daniel Warfe, head chef of Pachanga Casino; Vern Lanegrasse, known as “The Hollywood Chef”; Neill Foster, restaurant critic; Jackie Olden, cookbook author and radio/television host; Bob Gorley, food critic; and Steve Knight, radio host.
In the fish category, Shawn Shadburn, of Fullerton, and his partner Joe Barrett won first place for their Seared Albacore after competing in the Weber challenge for three years. Shadburn and Barrett also took home the grand prize, which is awarded to the best contestant(s) out of all the classes. Edward Bell, of Riverside, who won grand prize in previous years, received second place as well as a wood merit award for his Smoked Honey Glazed Salmon. Debra Brabo, of Corona, took home third.
In the poultry class, Robert Daniels and his wife Pam, of San Dimas, took first place for BBQ Chicken after competing for six years, while Reed McKissick, of Anaheim, and his girlfriend Andy Goettimger took second. Ken Slater and his wife Rosemary, of Covina, won third place.
In the pork class, John Hudson, of Corona, took first place for Apple Molasses Glazed Pork Loin Chops. Ron Marquez and his wife Lydia, of Downey, won second place after competing for 14 years, and Glenn Garcia, of Pomona, won third.
In the beef class, John Sitz, of Covina, was able to place first for Keoni’s Killer Tri-Tip Steak.
All contestants received participant ribbons along with rosettes according to placement. First place winners received $50, and the grand prize winner won an additional $200 along with a Genesis Gas Grill and rosette. In addition, all winners received special plaques with a miniature Weber grill attached.
To access photos of the winners of the Weber Barbecue contest, please visit the Web site at fairplex.com. Click on the About Us section and scroll down to Fairplex Newsroom. The username is media@fairplex.com, and the password is “fairplex.”
For more information on the L.A. County Fair, call (909) 623-3111 or visit lacountyfair.com. /b.js>
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