How to Judge the BEST BBQ IN THE WORLD! #spon
**Discovering Kansas City: A Vibrant Journey Through Food, Music, and Culture**
It was 7:30 a.m. in Kansas City, and Jamie and I had just booked Barry for a surprise that turned out to be nothing short of extraordinary. The first thing we noticed was the unique location of our stay—right between two iconic stadiums, home to the Chiefs and the Royals. It was an exciting start to what promised to be an unforgettable trip.
As we prepared for our 5k run, we couldn’t help but admire the vibrant colors on display. Jamie had jokingly mentioned that he might not want to change out of his running shoes after seeing how bold the colors were, but we both agreed it was worth the risk. After all, we had made sure they looked good enough to avoid any fashion faux pas.
Our day took an unexpected turn when we stumbled upon a real barbecue competition organized by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. The event was in full swing, with meats already cooked and ready for judging. We were eager to learn more about the judging process, but what followed was nothing short of remarkable. One of the gentlemen stepped forward to give the oath, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.
The judges explained their criteria for evaluating barbecue—objectively and subjectively. They assessed appearance, taste, and tenderness, scoring each entry on a scale from 1 to 9. Interestingly, a score of 9 simply meant "excellent," not necessarily perfection. This approach added a layer of authenticity to the judging process.
As we watched, the barbecue teams were given five minutes before and after specific times (12:00, 12:30, 1:00, and 1:30) to present their entries. Each piece was brought to a table, labeled only with a number known to the contest organizers. The table captains, responsible for six judges at each table, ensured fairness by keeping the identity of the entries hidden until scoring was complete.
After the scores were tallied by the computer operator, the results were checked by a few judges to ensure accuracy. We learned that judges look for the "wow factor" in their evaluations and that inedible food—somethingbloody or unappetizing—could disqualify an entry.
Before leaving, we were invited back into the kitchen to sample some ribs, which turned out to be a highlight of the experience. The flavors were so exceptional that we couldn’t resist trying more.
Returning to the Color Run, we found ourselves at the finish line, where our energetic group was still full of competition spirit. Afterward, we made our way to City Market, a bustling hub filled with shops and street food vendors. It was here that we decided to test our skills on a college basketball court nearby. Despite some initial hesitation about Jamie’s hat choice, we ended up dominating the game, even managing to go an entire sequence without letting the other team score.
As we left the basketball court, we couldn’t help but reflect on how much Kansas City had already surprised us. The city’s charm and hospitality were evident in every interaction, from the warm welcome at BB’s Barbecue to the live blues and jazz performances by Mama Ray, who had been part of the local music scene for 25 years.
BB’s Barbecue turned out to be a true gem. The burnt ends, in particular, were outstanding—so good that we would have been disappointed if they hadn’t lived up to the hype. This experience solidified our belief that Kansas City is a destination where great food, music, and hospitality come together effortlessly.
Reflecting on our journey through the city, it became clear that Kansas City was indeed a game-changer. From its iconic landmarks to its culinary excellence and friendly locals, every moment we spent there was a testament to its unique appeal. The footage and experiences we captured during our visit only reinforced this conclusion.
In conclusion, Kansas City is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that leaves you wanting to return again and again. Its blend of history, culture, and charm makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking authenticity and unforgettable memories.