Robert Howe and John Oates of team Bam Bams BBQ placed in the top three in three out of four categories at the Southwick Rotary’s Grill’n Daze BBQ and Chili competition yesterday. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
SOUTHWICK – The results are in, and they are delicious!
The Southwick Rotary’s Grill’n Daze was a hit with judges yesterday, who had the enviable task of sampling every item offered by contestants in the annual BBQ and chili cooking competition.
When it came to chili, Dragon Fire Family took the first place prize, followed closely by Alison’s Awesome Chili in second place, and local favorites Fat Dawgs took the third place prize.
Alison Saccoccio was happy to earn her $100 prize for beating out the competition, which included her husband Mario.
The couple, of Enfield, Conn., ladeled out chili in tents right next to each other and said they have a friendly competition.
“I’ve been doing this seven years and she used to help me,” said Mario, who served up his signature green chili under the name Mad Hatter Chili, while wife Alison offered a sweet, red chili.
The pair said they enjoyed the other’s chili but couldn’t agree about who had won more competitions. In the end, Mario said Alison took home more “people’s choice” nods from those attending the contests they compete in, while has has received more judge’s awards. Not so in Southwick where Alison’s traditional chili reigned supreme over Mario’s.
The Saccoccios are both registered members of the International Chili Society and often serve as certified judges at various competitions.
When it came to chicken, Fat Dawgs took the first place award, while Bam Bams came in second, and Congamond Flying Pigs BBQ earned a third place prize.
TAC, a local team headed by Southwick’s own Kelly Magni, took first place in the pork category. In second place was Bam Bams, and Congamond Flying Pig BBQ took third place again.
The main event for many seasoned grillers is the beef competiton, where brisket shone as the saucy star. Bam Bams BBQ received the top award, with TAC taking second and 2nd Hand Smokers earning third place.
Bam Bams BBQ, of Granby, Conn., was the big winner, earning a place in three of the four categories. Friends John Oates and Robert Howe began grilling together about eight years ago and have entered all but one of the Grill’n Daze competitions.
Oates said they do it for fun and to support the Rotary, and to try some good BBQ.
“My dad grew up in Arkansas and my mom came from Kansas City, so there is a little of both influences,” said Oates of his BBQ style. He cooks the pork and brisket while Howe mans the chicken and chili.
Oates believes the flavor of the meat, the seasoning, and the sauce all need to work together to make a successful dish.
“It has to be balanced,” he said.
Oates said he enjoys pulled pork the best and sometimes struggles with his brisket, but obviously the judges enjoyed the result of his efforts yesterday.
Howe said while he enjoys creating his own BBQ chicken, making the chili is more fun.
“We make everything for the chili right here on site and it keeps me busy,” said Howe.
From roasting the peppers to cooking the meat, his chili is a little smokey and a little spicey.
“It should have a beginning, middle, and end,” he said.
Although Howe’s chili did not earn a place in the top three in Southwick this year, his chicken hit the spot for the majority of judges.
Winners in the chicken, pork and beef categories earned $300, $200, and $100 for first, second and third place, while the chili winners took home $150, $100, and $50.
The Best Decorated Booth prize went to American Inn, and the winner of the Napolean Grille was Jessica Bishop.
