Meatocalypse 2011

My Baby is a wizard of meats.  You often heard me brag about his brisket, prattle about his pulled pork, and resound about his ribs.  Brett grew up in Texas and appreciates the beauty of pampered meats.  I grew up with Paul Ramquist and appreciate culinary works of art.  At least once a week, Brett spoils me with steaks rubbed with love and grilled to perfection.  Just another reason why I’m lucky to be marrying Brett Rafuse.

(Anne, our favorite Hostess)

For the last four years, Brett has competed in the annual Meatocalypse.  Brett’s Groomsman, Joe, and his girlfriend, Anne, host the event with unrestrained enthusiasm.  Their backyard becomes a circus of meats and side dishes.  They invite upwards of 60 meat-aholics to sample and select the finest of BBQ competitors.  Brett has always been a stringent competitor, setting the bar high. 

(Pleva, Cyn, Kyle, Brett & Me)

This year, Brett woke up at 2:00 am the night before the competition.  He stoked the coals (or whatever it is that you do to coals) until placing the brisket on the grill at 3:00 am.  Around 4:00 am, I awoke to an empty bed, a house filled with smoke, and the wafting of meat scents.  Of course, I instantly thought that our house was on fire, the firefighters had given up, and they were now grilling hotdogs on what had been our home-sweet-home.  I soon realized that it was not an emergency, but the makings of Meatocalpse.  I drifted back into dreams of saucy meat buffets.           

Brett spent the day relentlessly tending his brisket.  The digital thermometer would beep every so often and he would leap into action.  Meanwhile, I supplied a steady flow of refreshments for my hard working hubby-to-be.  I also painted my nails and addressed our wedding invitations.  Very important tasks for the competition. 

 (Even our indoor cat, Snow White, can't resist the luring smells of BBQ)

(Sneak preview of our wedding invitations!!)

Brett removed the meat from the grill a few hours before the competition to allow it ample rest and recuperation.  He massaged it, spoke sweet nothings to it, and wrapped it ever-so-gently.  We arrived to Joe and Anne’s Meatocalypse thirty minutes before the competition began.  I was responsible for the Sweet Tea and lemonade cocktails (“John Dalys” are my specialty), while Brett focused his attention to the task at hand: the presentation of the brisket.  With the care of a surgeon he cut the brisket into thins slices.  The pink ring indicated the smoky edge surrounding the tender center.  He finished the dish with his AMAZING sauce (it is seriously the best sauce ever) and set it upon the competitors’ table.   

The competitors ranged from chicken wings, to pork ribs, to beef tri-tip.  And of course, Brett’s famous brisket.  I was also thoroughly impressed by the side dishes that included chili, mac & cheese, stuffed & grilled avocados, devilled eggs, and picnic salads.  Delicious! 

After all of the guests had consumed and voted, we anxiously awaited the results of the competition… I hope you are sitting down… this part of the blog is painful… Brett didn’t win.  He was robbed!  The trophy went to Andrée’s divine pork ribs.  To be fair, she earned the win with pork that fell of the bone and a sauce that was sweet, yet zesty.  Her pork ribs were truly amazing.  Not as amazing as the brisket, but I’m only sorta biased.

A bitter sweet end to a fantastic day of meat and bonding with the Love of My Life.  Perhaps, we didn’t take home the trophy this year.  But, everyone is a winner when Brett’s brisket is on the menu.  I will take mine with an extra side of ooey gooey love.  Bon appétite!          

(Cynthia's adorable and yummy Cow & Piggy Cupcakes)