West Coast News…

November 15, 1999

By Melanie Jones, KCBS CA District Rep

The Southern California BBQ Association (SCBBQA) hosted yet another successful California Q-Fest on November 5^th - 7th!  Held in Southern California at a private campground overlooking a lake, around 100 Q-Fest attendees from California to Texas gathered to enjoy a weekend centered around barbecue!

Melanie, Jay and Joelle were among the attendees at the Q-Fest.

Early Friday evening, Smokin' John Burke gave a seminar - "Whole Hog - Hands on Instruction.”  John is a long-time barbeque competitor who has competed on both KCBS and MIM circuit for almost 15 years.  A  Five State Champion,  John and his wife Linda are still active in bbq - catering, competing or teaching others.  No stranger to cooking large animals, “Henrietta #214” was soon to be the centerpiece of Saturday’s potluck.

John Burke's creation, 'Henrietta' the pig.

Late Friday evening, Dan Cannon (SCBBQA President) gave a seminar, "Sausage Making - Start to Finish."   Famous for his sausage-making skills, Dan shared his secret recipes and conducted a hands on demonstration.

 

Steve Clark, Scott William assist sausage instructor Dan Cannon with another batch of sausage.

 

A big “THANKS” to Longbranch BBQ & Catering Co. for their donation of pork butt!  With their help, 25lbs. of sausage was ground, stuffed and ready to go!  Thanks Longbranch!!

Saturday morning, the learning continued.  Moving in slow-motion (it was a late, late night!), Gary Vineyard, owner of Longbranch BBQ & Catering Co. conducted a seminar, "BBQ Catering - Starting Your Own Business."   Originally planned as a 60 minute class,  Gary shared his knowledge and experience for over 2 hours!  His entertaining style and willingness to share was appreciated and enjoyed by all!

Noon arrived quickly and I must admit, "Henrietta" was the star!   The trough was overflowing!  Sausage, brisket, chicken, pork butt and deep-fried turkeys were surrounded by dozens of sides!  From barbecue beans to garlic mashed potatoes to homemade spicy coleslaw there was something for everyone.  And desserts, wow! -  cheesecake, upside down cake and cookies.  Everyone left satisfied!

 

Steve Clark's traveling smoker featuring a pit by Klose of Texas.

The afternoon quietly winded down…but not for good!  After a quick nap and a fresh beverage, many decided to stay the night once more!  Leftover bbq was thrown on the grill, tortillas were warmed up, and drinks were tossed back!  Sitting around the campfire making plans for the next qfest, many friendships were made.  Finally, and regretfully, Sunday morning came.  After a large potluck style breakfast and a few good-byes we loaded up our trailers and headed for home.