Yesterday pitmaster Frank, team president Clay, and team vice-president Erik attended the official BBQ Fest judging school at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Memphis. All three passed the final exam and are now trained judges!

None of the three plan on actually judging, but the information provided was valuable nonetheless. The team received plenty of information on what judges look for when they come to BBQ team booths: The bark, the texture of the meat, the presentation. The Moody Ques finished less than 7% apart in score from the first-place shoulder team in 2015, and we now have lots of valuable information to narrow that gap.

Next up is a very important practice cook. On Sunday, December 20, the team will cook for Frank Chin. You may recognize that name as the photographer who does great event coverage for the Memphis Flyer and other publications. Frank Chin is also a certified Memphis in May judge. He and another certified, experienced judge have offered to attend a practice cook on the 20th, going through the presentation as if it were official BBQ Fest judging. We will receive feedback on what we did well and what we need to improve.

Here are some photos from the judging seminar.