First Annual Napa Valley BBQ Battle

Previous Napa Guerilla Gay Bar missions have proved that the troops love their BBQ.  They also love helping their community.

Well, here's a two-fer!  Chef Brian Whitmer from the Napa Valley Marriott has personally invited us to the 1st Annual Napa Valley Barbeque Battle.

It all takes place on Sunday, October 3 at the Napa Valley Marriott.  Hosted by Judd’s Hill Winery and Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa, this barbeque cook-off will benefit the Napa Valley Education Foundation’s Music Connection Program.  Music Connection has been equipping student musicians with quality musical instruments to begin their musical journeys in the Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) for more than 12 years.

On October 3rd from 1 to 4 pm guests will be spoiled with great wine, food and entertainment.  Highlights of the event include:

• opening reception featuring Judd’s Hill’s delicious current release Sauvignon Blanc and Rose paired with BBQ Oysters from Tomales Bay Oyster Co.
• sit-down BBQ meal featuring side-by-side tastings of smoked ribs, brisket and chicken paired with Judd’s Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Petite Syrah
• both People’s Choice judging as well as celebrity judging from James McNair, internationally recognized food author-stylist-photographer, to determine who has the best BBQ
• live music throughout, featuring Education Foundation Teacher of the Year, Alan U’Ren

The Battle features two highly regarded barbeque enthusiasts:

• Napa Valley Marriott and Characters Bar N’ Cue, Executive Chef Brian Whitmer.  Chef Brian's career began at Sammy’s Barbeque in Kansas City, Missouri.  He'll use his life-long passion for all things smoky and his signature recipes currently featured at Character’s for the people to decide.
• Pat Burke, Hospitality Director at Judd’s Hill Winery, is a recognized award winning barbeque competitor and a member of the famous “Barnyard Roasters” BBQ Team and team captain of “The Vineyard Roasters”, who took 1st Prize in the Rib category at the 2006 West Coast BBQ Championships.

This will definitely be a battle for the ages!

Guest Emcee and musician, Judd Finkelstein of Judd’s Hill Winery, will oversee the competition and offer his unique flair of commentary and insight as the battle builds to a crescendo with single category awards going to best Beef, Chicken, Pork and Sauce.

In addition there will be a Silent Auction and Raffle to benefit the Music Connection with packages featuring hotel stays, spa indulgences, winery tours and tastings and even the famous Characters Bar N’ Cue pool table!

Tickets to The Napa Valley Barbeque Battle are $60 per person and can be purchased by calling 707-253-8600, ext 3317.