Grilling Grate with GrillGrate: An Open Letter to Candy Weaver of BBQr's Delight

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

An Open Letter to Candy Weaver of BBQr's Delight

Grateful for My Barbecue Education at the 2011 American Royal from Candy Sue Weaver

Candy preparing the baked beans turn-in with tour group watching.

I had the privilege of working the 32^nd annual American Royal in Kansas City with Candy Weaver of BBQr's Delight. Candy is also the current President of the KCBS so I saw her not only cook great barbecue but also saw her literally on her feet for 4 days representing this organization. The KCBS team and the staff of the American Royal ran a fabulous event and Candy was right in the thick of it.

Jeffrey Saad of Cooking channel and Candy really hit it off.

Her itinerary was non-stop too:

She entered all four sides contests- showcasing her talent beyond the standard meat entries
She participated in 3 “Tours of the Royal” where the public and VIP’s are led on a tour to meet and greet with certain teams for demonstrations, tastings and tips. The public got their money’s worth from Candy!
She cooked the open on Sunday
She was constantly greeted by team members and KCBS staff
She conducted business on behalf of the KCBS
She was even filmed by the Cooking Channel!

The smoke ring looks more like years on a tree. Candy was not happy, she thought it was over-cooked.

Talk about getting an insiders look at all that goes on at a major event like this. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face all weekend—you still can’t! I don’t know how she managed it all and still cooked some great barbecue and we made every turn-in.

It seems everyone knows Candy—and loves her. She has a sterling reputation among the teams and her fellow KCBS members. Paul Kirk told me she is the best president the KCBS has ever had. Paul should know.

Candy- Thank you for inviting me to be your wingman and for allowing me to keep my nose pressed on the window to the wonderful world of competitive barbecue. I learned so much about cooking and competing from my ringside seat, but most of all I learned what a wonderful treasure you are to this great American tradition, and to the KCBS.