Hello, I am Jack Morrissey and an 8th grader in Naperville. I am Positively Naperville’s new youth contributing columnist and I will be touring our local eateries to provide a few tips on taste for the kids in our community.
My first taste test for PN was at the Naperville Exchange Club Ribfest. To what every Rib lover refers to as a “hmm hmm moment,” I realized that I had the world of ribs at my fingertips. The 25th Annual Ribfest turned out to be another huge success for Naperville, and I was fortunate to have represented the “kid” voice and stomach, as a judge for the 2012 Rib contest.
Despite the morning thunderstorms and having to relocate the competition, we quickly found shelter for both the judges and the ribs.
This was my first time judging for Ribfest or anything, for that matter, but I was determined and hungry. One thing I know and appreciate is the taste of a good rib. The pressure to find the best rib fell upon me and my peers’ shoulders.
This is how it all went down… There were 15 different ribs from 15 different vendors. We received one rib at a time, and that rib was assigned a number (no names were used). Our job was to rank in order our favorite tasting rib and continue to rank until we were had 1-15 numbered. This was not an easy job, but someone had to do it. During the competition I was looking for two specific things—how easily the meat fell off the bone and taste of the sauce. I prefer a more sweet BBQ sauce with a hint of sour. The Kids Choice and overall winner for the 2012 Rib contest was Porky-N-Beans BBQ. If you were not able to make the event, make sure you attend in 2013!
My next journey will be the Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling at Rotary Hill. With over 20 food vendors from pizza to wings, it’s sure to please the entire family! Hope to see you there!