June was the month for a cook-off in Truckee, from ribs to chili, hundreds of cooks and hungry attendees filled their faces at two different locations. Sunday June 20 marked the date of the first annual Truckee Rib Fest. Over 550 people attended the event, which also served as a benefit for Relay for Life. People’s choice and first place winner from the judging panel was the Resort at Squaw Creek Sandy’s Pub BBQ baby back ribs with coleslaw. Earning second place honors, Farmhouse Creations of Tahoe served up Memphis Style smoked pork ribs featuring ‘Truckee #1′ spice rub and a spicy/sweet sauce with candied garlic, accompanied by a roasted sweet potato, butternut squash and corn hash.’
After a week of recuperation from the dreaded meat sweats, Sunday June 27 saw the second annual Truckee Chili Cook Off get down and dirty. Winners at the event included a first place tie in the restaurant category between Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn and Royal Gorge’s Ice Lakes Lodge. Tahoe Forest Church Fire from Heaven team took first place in the non-profit category with U.S. Forest Service taking second; Porter Simon Red Hot Chili Chicks received first place in the individual category beating reigning champs Poets on Payday, who took second. Full Belly Deli was the resounding winner, sweeping both the Grand Champion and People’s Choice awards. Congratulations to everyone who had a chance to participate.
~ Jackie Varriano
