Ribstock 2012: Top chefs to compete for title of Great British Rib Champion
Ribstock is the first event of its kind to hit the UK. Competitors, including barbecue restaurant Barbecoa, Goodman steakhouse and chef Ben Spalding will head to St Anne’s Churchyard on 28 April to cook their own version of ribs which will be blind tasted by a panel of judges.
Mark ‘The Ribman’ Gevaux, who sells his infamous rib meat rolls every Sunday at Brick Lane, is also taking part, and is the inspiration behind the event.
Gevaux said: “When I started at Brick Lane over three years ago, I was the only person selling proper, slow-cooked ribs in London. BBQ is going to be the biggest thing in food in 2012, with so many great new places opening, so it’s time to find out who really cooks the best ribs.”
The panel of judges for the rib cook-off includes restaurateur Russell Norman, TV cook Gizzi Erskine and Rushmore Group owner Jonathan Downey. The day will be hosted by television presenter Richard Bacon.
Tweat Up
The event is run by Tweat Up, which held the UK Chilli Stand Off last October, and organised by Pete Butler, the 23-year-old behind some of London’s most exciting food projects, including last December’s The Mince Pie Project.
Spalding, who recently departed from Roganic, is using the opportunity to trial an Inka Charcoal Oven. He said: “I have seen fantastic results both in terms of the quality of the food I am able to produce and the variety of different ingredients that can be cooked using the equipment. I am so impressed with the Inka that I will be using it in the forthcoming Ribstock event in London on the 28 April.”
Guests of the event will have the opportunity to sample six chilli sauces in the Hot Sauce competition and there will also be a mini beer festival featuring craft beers brewed from within the M25 and bartenders from Soho speakeasy Milk & Honey.
Ticket giveaway
Ribstock has already generated a great deal of interest among foodies on twitter, with tickets selling in just three minutes. All the action can be followed on twitter @Tweat_Up, and further information can be found at www.ribstock.co.uk.
Inka Barbeques, which is one of the event's key sponsers, has two tickets to give away to a BigHospitality reader. To enter, just send your name and contact details to offers@rlpltd.co.uk with the subject line 'Ribstock Tickets'. The deadline for entries is Wednesday 25 April and the winner can collect the two tickets on the gate.
