Today was our first day of judging. But before heading over to the park for our 10 AM check-in we went to our favorite Memphis breakfast place, the Blue Plate Cafe. On the table they had this:
I thought they were worms in a bottle, after all this is the South. But I was wrong they were just this.
Patrice had waffles, I had eggs and pancakes. Erica shared both of our meals. There was plenty for all of us. We did have to compete with an occasional critter.
After a yummy breakfast we headed over to the park to register. Although the committee is always running late we like to be on time. Unfortunately some bees had another idea. We were stopped by security from passing since they had to remove a beehive along the walkway. Check out this 8 second YouTube video.
Today we had what’s called “blind judging”. Judges are seated 4 to a table and 6 boxes of food are brought to you. Judges first view the food for appearance then dig in and eat. After judging is completed you are free to eat whatever is leftover. I am what they call a finisher for obvious reasons. I wore the shirt today to let everyone else know my mission.
At the check-in table you receive your assignments. I was assigned only one session and it was poultry. Patrice was given two sessions: beef and seafood. What this means is that Patrice gets to have filet mignon and shrimp and I get chicken! She gets to go to the wedding at the Beverly Hills hotel and I’m invited to the one at the Residence Inn. Needless to say I was not happy especially after hearing her report “Two of the filets were okay but other four were spectacular”. I wouldn’t let her speak when she started to talk about the shrimp.
Tomorrow we will both get pork. Right now we are just resting at the hotel waiting for Lindsay and Robby to arrive. See you tomorrow.
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 