Click here for more pictures

The first ever BBQ competition on the west side of the island was held on Saturday, July 16 at Mendez Company in Añasco. Mendez is an importer of fine wines. Teams competed in the categories of churrasco (steak), ribs, and chicken. Sweets & Cuisine from Ponce was crowned the Grand Champion.

It was a beautiful summer evening as teams from around the west gathered to put their cuisine to the test against the other chefs. Represented were Mayagüez Resort, La Garita Cigar, Party Rental, Rincón Beach Resort, Capriccio Restaurant, Sweets & Cuisine Catering, and Ponce Paramedical College. I was privileged to be a judge at this event and sample the fine food presented by the competitors in an effort to determine the best of the best. It was a challenging job but someone had to do it.

Tickets were sold to the public that provided unlimited sampling of barbecue from the competitors and gourmet wine selections from Mendez. Live music added to the festive atmosphere. This was a great event that Mendez hopes to make into an annual tradition. Don't miss it next year!

Sweets & Cuisine Catering - Ponce
Grand Champions

Full Results

Steak

Chef Roberto Rivera - Capriccio Restaurant
Chef Damian Hernandez - Brazas Restaurant At Rincón Beach Resort
Chef Francisco J. Murphy - Sweets & Cuisine

Ribs

Chef Francisco J. Murphy - Sweets & Cuisine
Chef Solange Ortiz and Staff - Ponce Paramedical College
Mr. Luchy Falto - La Garita Cigar

Chicken

Chef Francisco J. Murphy - Sweets & Cuisine
Chef Solange Ortiz & Staff - Ponce Paramedical Collage
Mr. Rafa Torres - Party Rental

Sauces

Chef Damian Lorenzo - Brazas Restaurant
Chef Roberto Rivera - Capriccio Restaurant
Chef Efraín - Mayagüez Resort

Click here for more pictures

Click here for the recipes - Coming Soon!