After four years of competing against the toughest barbecue teams in the country, we finally won our first GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP! Our rib category entry was good enough to carry the big trophy home! BBQ & Brews Cadence Fair started like any other competition for us. Arriving in our huge rig, proved to be a slight challenge for organizers. Those who do not participate in competitive barbecue are not aware of the hard work, organizers and promoters endure to pull off one of these events. Gary Lamb, Kristen Cash-Raines and the entire BBQ and Brews team work to put on the best festival event in North Georgia. We look forward to…
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Smokin J’s in the GBA
Smokin J’s Barbeque has completed our FORTH year in the Georgia Barbecue Association. Although we did not cook in any competitions this year, both of us enjoyed judging at several contest this year. Smokin J’s Barbeque will kick off the 2017 – 2018 season by competing at Smokin Up The Mountains in East Ellijay, Georgia, Labor Day weekend. Smokin J’s Barbeque Team Smokin J’s Barbeque consist of husband and wife team, Doug and JoAnn Johnson. We compete and cook exclusively on ceramic, Kamado-style vessels. A kamado is a traditional Japanese wood or charcoal fueled cook stove. Pit Master, Doug started cooking on this vessel after attending a cooking festival, which…
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Cartersville’s Hidden Gem: Appalachian Grill
Smokin J’s Barbeque will be judging this weekend’s (March 31 – April 1, 2017) Georgia Barbecue Association sanctioned event in downtown Cartersville, Georgia. Sponsored by BBQ & Brews, this will be a family event featuring great food, music and fun. Click here for address and festival info Please, if you decide to attend the festivities, make sure to visit some of the locally owned businesses. One of Cartersville’s hidden gems is a great steak restaurant, Appalachian Grill. Here is a review written by freelance writer, JoAnn Johnson. Appalachian Grill in Cartersville, Georgia Located just 40 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Cartersville can lay claim to one of the most quaint, romantic…
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Georgia Barbecue Association 2016 Banquet
The Georgia Barbecue Association closes another season with its year end banquet for 2016 As some of you may know, Doug and I relocated to South Carolina last fall. Because of the distance and Doug opening a new branch, Smokin J’s Barbeque was only able to participate in three competitions this year. The level of competition is so high in the GBA, only participating in three competitions doesn’t really give you a good shot of the top 10 in the Team of The Year challenge. However, we really enjoy the family atmosphere the GBA provides and we felt obligated to return to the end of the year banquet to greet…
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Smokin J’s Barbeque Recap of City Fest 2016
Smokin J’s at Dallas Inaugural City Fest 2016 Had a great competition weekend at the first City Fest 2016 in Dallas, Georgia. Fifteen professional Georgia Barbecue Association teams competed for the top team in ribs, pork loin, and pork butt. Some teams competed in the “People’s Choice,” category. The weather started gloomy Friday morning, but skies cleared and residents came out to enjoy a beautiful Saturday. A car show, craft vendors, and activities for kids were surrounding the downtown Dallas Square; however, the main event was the barbecue battle. Barbecue Competition is Tough The competition was fierce but points leader, Rescue Smokers took the Grand Champion trophy for the day…
