LICK MY RIBS

Where are yuh gonna find the best darned-tootin' BBQ ribs in America?

Why, at the 23rd Annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Sparks, Nevada! How do we know that? We were there!

Daughter Kathie had back surgery Wednesday, and we visited her both Wednesday and this afternoon, at the Northwestern Nevada Medical Center in Sparks. On the way home today, we stopped off at In-N-Out Burger for a quick lunch. As we were eating, we were watching folks going into a street fair just opposite, and decided we'd take a look. We found a perfect free parking spot within a half block of the fair, and headed in.

At the first booth we asked what was going on and learned it was the BBQ Rib Cook-Off we had read about. And there were rib samples to be had (Tickets were available, $7 for four samples), and 24 of the best high-volume BBQ cookers in the country were there offering sandwiches, plates, full- or half- racks! And we had just eaten a double-double at In-N-Out!

Not to worry, we had a fine time walking around, taking pictures, and drinking a strawberry margarita. While I was ordering the margaritas, a lady walked up to Suzy and asked if she was having a good time. When I got back, Suzy introduced me to Irene, part owner of Paddy and Irene's Irish Pub, whence I had just come carrying a brace of margaritas. Just then we were joined by the other owner, Irene's husband Paddy, so I had to take a picture!

Irene and Paddy giving Suzy a big welcome!

On the other side of the street (about four blocks of the street were closed off for this affair, sponsored by John Ascuaga's Nugget, but the saloons and restaurants and many other stores were open for business) I asked a lady handing out advertising fans about the ribs she was promoting. Turns out this lady was Donna Rice, owner of Desperado's.

Donna Rice, owner of Desperado's, the Pride of Ohio!

When I asked Donna if she were the boss, she said, "Yes, it's mine. I'm the Pit Mistress." At my reaction, she commented, "If the guys can be Pit Masters, I can be the Pit Mistress!"

Here are some of the other competitors at the Cook-Off:

Some of Famous Dave's trophies

In addition to the major BBQ competitors, there were the usual street fair vendors:

This fellow was air brushing original tee-shirts to order!

What else did we do? Why, we bought a full rack of ribs to bring home for dinner!

One full rack from Famous Dave's

Were they good? You'll have to come and taste them for yourselves. The Cook-Off will be in effect from now through Monday!

Will we visit again? Golly, we are thinking about going back Sunday, this time BEFORE lunch!

Oh, daughter Kathie's surgery? It went off like clock work. I can't begin to tell you what all they did for and to her, but she is up and walking around the place like she owns it, and will come home Friday! Fortunately, her son Sam will have a football game in Pocatello, Idaho. so he's out of the picture for a few days while Kathie recovers at home. Our daughter Deb will be up to spend several days as major caregiver, so husband Shawn can get back to work, and we'll be on the sidelines for a while to assist where we may.

So here we are, celebrating another day in ... Our Life on Wheels!