Estel’s 5th Annual Ribs Cook-Off: There’s A New QUEEN in Town

What a way to spend a Tuesday afternoon.  A gorgeous day on Ambergris Caye.

Texas singer/songerwriter Jerry Jeff Walker in town and his huge crew for sold-out Camp Belize (his yearly two week concert set in San Pedro.)  And 6 grills going filled with delicious pork ribs.  6 grillmasters.  3 from San Pedro, 3 from the states.  At least 10 musicians.

7 judges.  And 100 lucky ticket holders to judge the “Peoples’ Choice”.

And the Dead Ass Last Bobble-Butt Donkey award.

It’s on.

Just a morning and early afternoon of good clean fun.  Well…for the most part.

This year there were two female chefs.  Jennie Staines from Elvi’s Kitchen and Amy Knox from Wild Mango’s.  Two FAVORITE restaurants in town.  Here’s Amy…

She was dabbling secret Mojo Sauce.

Jim next door…more traditional brown sugar and BUTTER.  Yum…

Rick (he made the almost perfect looking ribs above) and Jim…both the Original Member of the Fat 4.  They have been in each of the 5 annual competitions.  And they are GOOD TIMES.

Robbie and Gary overseeing the proceedings.

Charles and Rick.

A pirate.

And thru the porthole.

Sammy – working his butt off serving drinks.

Part of the ticket price – and the raffles – were all for the Sunshine Foundation.  Which raises money for scholarships for kids on Ambergris Caye.

Barrington was the MC and Eve, helping with the foundation.

Fans were taking a front row seat for the massive jam session that was about to begin.

Ladies selling raffle tickets.

Helping out…

Just beautiful.

Hurray!  My table awaits.  Oh…didn’t I tell you?  After being passed over last year, this year, I’m a JUDGE!   And I’d be sitting next to Mr. Jerry Jeff Walker.

And tables were filling up quick…

Hey Charles…what’s that odd shaped piece of meat on the barbie?

Oh of course…a gibnut.

Jerry Jeff surveying the grills.

We judges were seated.  And presented with a SERIOUS plate.

And an even more serious scorecard.

Dustin enjoying his ribs.

Coconut Leo enjoying a song that he’s mentioned in…

I really needed to walk…HARD WORK and the food was just so good.  All the ribs were delish.  The beans were a 10.  The roll, the tortilla…yum.

And then music…from the blues to a great performance by JJW’s son Django to a bit of Elton John…

DRUM ROLL!  The winners were announced!  Peoples’ Choice.  #3.  Jim (Green toothpick)  #2. Charles (Red)  #1. Jennie (Grey)

Judges’ Choice:  LAST PLACE and the coveted bobble butt – JIM!  #3. Amy (Orange) #2. Charles (Red) and #1.  Jennie (Grey)

Go Jim!

And Jennie!  Congratulations.  One year as queen of ribs.