Third Annual Sizzling Summer BBQ Contest
GET YOUR GRILLS: The Santa Barbara Independent’s third annual Sizzling Summer BBQ Contest (inaugural-year winner Edie Robertson pictured above) is now accepting entries from both pro chefs and amateur grill masters. This year, instead of separate entries for entrées and side dishes, we’re combining those categories into full “plates,” so entrants can decide whether to just deliver the grilled meat or add some side dishes and special touches to the dish. The three cooking categories are as follows: Best BBQ Plate Professional (meaning cooks who use a commercial kitchen); Best BBQ Plate Amateur; and Best Vegetarian BBQ Plate. Once again, we’ll be hosting a cocktail contest, but we’re keeping it to amateurs for the summer, with a plan to host a professional cocktail showdown in the fall. To enter, send your recipes or detailed descriptions to food@independent.com by May 30. Finalists will be called to prepare their dishes and drinks for a panel of judges in mid June, and winners will receive prizes and a spread in The Independent’s June 28 issue.
