968 Park Hotel Fall BBQ & Wine Event

I first met Chris Minnes, the GM of the stylish and hip 968 Park Hotel during a stay at the hotel several months ago.  Chris and his staff are on the cutting edge of the hospitality market.  If you’re tired of typical “Hotel Speak” and policies – this crew has the market cornered.  Don’t get me wrong – they are true professionals and take their jobs seriously – they are just really creative and fun in the process.

Carrie and I shared coffee with Chris one morning in the lobby bar, made chiefly with recycled lumber and decor,  hatching a plan to link up one day for an event.  We were both Eco-aware businesses that were doing right by the environment in our individual pursuits…why wouldn’t we put something fun together and create an event for locals and guests to enjoy…it just made sense.

October 17th began with the Traeger Pellet BBQ’s slow smoking Tri-Tip, French Cut St. Louis Spare Ribs and Chicken Thighs on a skewer.  Zucchini, Mushrooms and Pineapples were prepared or stuffed with a secret blend of goodness – all of the food was cooked outdoors on the BBQ.

The 968 Park Hotel wine bar, stocked with a nice selection of wines from the local region was set up and managed by Mike, the always affable member of the 968 Park Hotel crew. He poured all evening without a break – I think he was having more fun than the guests.  People were checking in from all over the county and sharing in the festivities, excited to see what was going on. Many couples that were headed out for a dinner reservation, canceled their plans and stayed to sample the BBQ and sip the wine.

Each of the BBQ foods was designed to eat while holding a glass of wine – and either complimented what was being poured or cleanse the pallet so other wines could be tasted subjectively.

Green Leaf BBQ is proud to have helped 968 Park Hotel create this event.  I’m sure that you’ll see us working together in the future. Please visit the hotel website at www.968parkhotel.com to book your next stay in the Tahoe area.  They offer a wonderful array of massages in an Eco-friendly environment that will please the most discerning client.

2009 Fall BBQ Classic Competition

Santa Maria BBQ

Many have heard about our BBQ Competition on November 14, 2009.   We are still taking enrollment for the contest at www.greenleafbbq.com for any interested individual or team.

This contest is open to all with no fuel restrictions – bring your best skills and grills to win a trophy and some cash.

Competitors will be using Traeger Grills, Big Green Eggs, Drum Smokers, Gas Grills, and perhaps even a few Weber kettle or WSM smoking all day.

If you’re interested in learning to BBQ or smoke meats, this is the place to visit and ask questions.

Our BBQ shop will be open during the competition, offering special deals on Big Green Egg, Traeger & Weber products in addition to our great line-up of BBQ rubs and sauces.  Check out our website to shop early in our online store.

Here are the details:

Who: Professional and Amateur BBQ Enthusiasts and Teams

What: Three (3) Meat Contest – Tri- Tip, Pork Spare Ribs, Chicken Thighs

Where: Green Leaf BBQ Parking lot: 2054 Canal Drive, Turlock CA 95380

When: Saturday November 14, 2009 Set-up begins at 6:00 am Turn-Ins begin at 2 pm – Awards to follow

Signups: Email Tim at: oakpit@rocketmail.com – Please write “BBQ Team Sign-up” in the subject line.

You can also stop by or call our store @ 209-668-2452

Fees: $50.00 per meat category or $125.00 for all 3 categories

Prizes: $100.00 CASH per meat category & notoriety and publication on our website plus other great prizes being added weekly.

*No Fuel Restrictions – Charcoal, Gas, Pellet, Electric or Wood Allowed.

Thanks to all teams that have already committed to joining us!
-Tim