Grilling the competition

NEWS

There was local flavor in the winner’s circle at this month’s Stephen Starr/ Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge.

By Jermar Perry

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Sep. 2, 2010

The Bomb Bomb Barbecue Grill, 1026 Wolf St., placed at this year's Stephen Starr/Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge.

Photo by Greg Bezanis

One of America’s greatest summer pastimes besides baseball, is barbecuing. On a recent warm Saturday evening at Citizens Bank Park restaurateurs and individuals — in separate competitions — battled it out for grill master bragging rights at Stephen Starr/Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge. Meanwhile, the patrons walking around One Citizens Bank Way had the tough task of sampling all the offerings.

In the end, two locals groups grilled the other contestants in this year’s installment of the cook-off, which consisted of 65 other contenders coming from as far as Delaware.

The Bomb Bomb Barbecue Grill, 1026 Wolf St., placed first in the restaurant/caterer field and third in the rib competition for restaurants. The group consisting of family members Deb, Frank and Franky Barbato, who are no strangers to the event, placed first for their ribs last year and third in 2005.

The team dropped somewhat of a surprise attack on the opposition by bringing its fairly new brisket to the competition — the aptly titled the bomb-bomb-bomber. It was introduced to restaurant patrons earlier this year.

Grays Ferry resident Kevin Sprago and his team titled Rhapsody Blue Smoke led another group with local ties.

Sprago along with six of his family members placed third in the Pit Master contest for amateurs and was a runner-up last year in the event.

Spago, a five-time participant, said,” We just love doing it for fun. A lot of trash talking takes place.”

The event helped raise $57,000 for the Youth Golf & Academics program founded by Garry Maddox, which provides academic support for children who reside in troubled neighborhoods.

An all-star group of judges were on hand for the event that included former Phillies Greg Luziniski and Bob Boone along with broadcaster Tom McCarthy.