Freefallin': Podnah's Pit in Portland; Grill Kings Fallout

Some big news brewing in the local bbq community, folks. As reported by WhiteTrashBBQ, the Grill Kings contest has been cancelled. This was a pretty big contest (one of a few NY state championships sanctioned by KCBS) that was held on Long Island each year. The main reason being whispered about in the last week or so was the harsh criticism that the contest received after last year's debacle. Apparently bloggers and bbq forum members had been too mean in their comments and accusations and the contest's main backer (a wealthy businessman) opted to pack up his marbles and hit the road. Sad.

Even more sad is the toll this has taken on at least one local area team that also hosts it's own national bbq discussion forum. The team and website's founder put a lockdown on discussion of Grill Kings-- particularly negative comments, which has caused the team to splinter and two members to exit the group.

It's unclear whether a new contest will arise to fill the gap left by Grill Kings, or whether there will be additional fallout. I will say that the amount of intrigue fueled by rumours and 'backroom' discussions has been nearly comical, were it not for the fact that so many hurt feelings have been caused. It's only bbq people. Right?

Lastly, I've been holding off on a review of a new Portland, Oregon BBQ joint named Podnah's since Thanksgiving. I'll have the full review up tomorrow, but let me just say that anyone in the vicinity of Portland should get their (pork) butts over to Podnah's Pit real fast for some tremendous oak-smoked ribs and brisket.