There’s nothing quite like BBQing in the summer, but this Saturday, June 4 is no backyard hangout. This Saturday is serious. Hotel Congress’ Smokin’ Showdown will pit nine local pitmasters against each other to vie for the title of Tucson’s top barbecue.
Now in its second year, the event will feature Chillin ‘n’ Grillin, The Cup Café, Brother John’s, Brushfire BBQ, Red Desert BBQ, Acacia and more, adding two more competing slots than the inaugural event. Proceeds will go to benefit Steele Children’s Research Center.
Smokin’ Showdown kicks off at 6 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Tickets are available for $35 in advance or $40 the day of the event, which includes two ounces of barbecue from each vendor, two sides and one draft pint from Catalina Brewing Co. Guests are also invited to vote for their favorite ‘cue in the People’s Choice awards for the event.
You can snatch your spot at the Smokin’ Showdown and find more information on the event by visiting the Hotel Congress website.
This article appears in May 26 – Jun 1, 2016.
Heather,
Do you know the rules? Do they all have to cook on site or are they allowed to just bring it there from their kitchens? I am asking because a number of those restaurants cool their meat in computerized industrial kitchen smokers and then call it ‘barbecue’. The technology does the work for them, not the pit master.
Either way it sounds like fun but it would be nice to know if this is really a competition or just en excuse to eat some meat. Hopefully both!
Hi,
David from Congress here. Not all of the competitors are smoking on site. There are no industrial kitchen smokers involved with these competitors, but because of the space limitations and the fact this is a charity event we allowed a handful of contestants to smoke off site. Next year when we expand, we are going to tighten the competition rules as we gear up to be a nationally sanctioned BBQ Competition. Do note that several of the competitors are rolling into the Congress plaza on Friday to start smoking the BBQ on premises. So either way, It’s going to smell great downtown Friday and Saturday!
Wow David! Thanks for the answer! Sounds like it will be an awesome event and will continue to grow into something special for Tucson. Thanks!