Islandpacket.com: Smoking the competition: Rib Burnoff and Barbecue Fest veteran bottles award-winning sauce
For several years, Eric Anthony has won bragging rights at one of Hilton Head Island’s most mouthwatering food contests — and he’s not shy about exercising them.
“I challenge anyone in this state to come out and beat me,” Anthony said of his chances at Saturday’s 13th Annual Rib Burnoff and Barbecue Fest, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Hilton Head. “There may be better barbecue and ribs out there, but I haven’t had any.”
The confident cook, whose Iron Pig team includes local blacksmith Kevin Lawless, has won accolades seven out of 10 times he has entered the amateur division of the competition, which also includes a professional category for restaurants. A panel of judges decides winners from each grouping for ribs and barbecue, while ticket holders determine the popular vote champions. This year’s contest includes 16 competitors.
“Even if you don’t want to come and compete, at least come and let us feed you,” said Anthony, a contractor whose meat-soaking and smoking skills have come a long way since his first Rib Burnoff and Barbecue Fest 11 years ago.
“I showed up my first day with this little Brinkmann cooker that I bought for $100 and about 20 racks of ribs. As people started getting there, I noticed there was no way I had enough,” he said. “I sent my wife to the store and she bought every rack of ribs they had. We cooked probably 70 racks of ribs that day and won first place amateurs and people’s choice. This year, we’re probably going to do 200 racks of ribs and 300 pounds of pulled pork.”
Through the years, Anthony said more and more people have approached him about catering events and parties for them, but he never thought about turning his favorite backyard pastime into a business until last year’s competition. A gentleman from an advertising company in Cincinnati was vacationing on the island, stopped by the food festival and told Anthony, “For fun, why don’t we try and get this sauce in a bottle?”
The sweet and tangy concoction, which goes by the name Crescent Moon Sauce, will be available at several local stores beginning this month, along with Palmetto Seasoning Rub. Free samples will be offered to the public at Saturday’s Rib Burnoff and Barbecue Fest.
“It’s been a lot of fun pursuing this, and I’ve got a lot of big things in the works,” Anthony said. “Hopefully the business will work out, but if it doesn’t, I’m not going to be upset. I enjoy what I do, and it’s good food regardless. Come to the rib burnoff and find out for yourself.”
- Maureen Simpson