2010 Tri-Tip Competition - all the mouth-watering details!

Ahhh...tri-tip. We take great pride in this ahem choice cut of beef, unique to the Central Valley (it's not, but we'll claim it). This Saturday, May 15, we're challenging you to step up to the grill in a friendly Tri-Tip Cookoff at Kearney Park. For those out of the loop, here are the details:

• When: Saturday, May 15, 2010
• Where: Kearney Park, Lakeview area
• When continued: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (judging is at 2:00 p.m.)
• How much:
  • Contestants - $13 (we provide the meat, you provide seasonings and tools)
  • Spectators - a side dish for the potluck (something tasty, please)

Sign up to compete | Sign up to eat

The Sizzle on our Sponsors

The idea for this event started over a year ago, and we're grateful to several partners for helping to make it happen—and for making it fun, tasty, and affordable to the TasteFresno community!

Whole Foods Market has provided all of the tri-tip to be grilled so that each contestant starts off from the same page. Of course, they've selected only the best tri-tip (meeting superior standards in the supermarket industry). They monitor how the animals are raised—under well-managed living conditions—and what they are fed. Whole Foods Market offers many options of meat and poultry that are raised and processed locally and they have full-time, in-house butchers on hand to cut fresh daily.

Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company thinks we might work up a thirst after all that grilling (or playing while the contestants grill). The Fresno-based brewing company is providing some of their favorite award-winning brews for the 21 and over folks to try out. Tioga-Sequoia's brews and brands reflect the greatness of the Southern Sierras. They're on their way to becoming the San Joaquin Valley's favorite local brewery. This is a good start, don't you think?

Special thanks to:

The Sizzle on our Judges

Winner of Saturday's competition will be crowned aproned Tri-Tip King (or Queen—but we need female contestants...)! Everyone can vote in the People's Choice Award, and an Ultimate Chef's Award will be decided by and expert judging panel:

Maribel Anaya will be representing downtown Fresno's Joe's Steakhouse. She is the owner, as well as Head Chef. Maribel has a passion for cooking and preparing creative recipes.

Martin Franco is a graduate of Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon, where he received classical training and a degree in the Culinary Arts. His experience comes from working in various kitchens in Portland, the Bay area and his hometown of Fresno. Most recently, he was Chef de Cuisine at Pangea Restaurant at Fig Garden Village.

Cisco Duran, Whole Foods Market Prepared Foods Team Leader, has been cooking professionally for 15 years, 7 of which have been with Whole Foods Market in 15 different stores throughout California. Cisco was born and raised in Fresno and is now married with two young daughters. Cisco loves to barbecue and eat great food.

Chris Shackelford grew-up where Tri Tip grilling began, California's Central Coast. Since then he has spent 20 years in the restaurant business, and the last four years as co-owner of Trelio Restaurant with his brother, Chef Mike Shackelford. Chris is a sucker for well smoked, perfectly seasoned and correctly cut meats or all kinds.

Robert A. Diaz is the Chief Cook for TOPS BBQ Competition Team & Caterer. He has 20 years experience cooking tri-tip & takes BBQ/Grilling seriously. He claimes he may be the toughest judge. He is pictured with his daughter sous chef, Emiko.