Turning south on Coxwell off Queen, I point the ’82 Cannondale towards the lake and sniff the air for the intoxicating aroma of burning pork flesh. I’m headed to the Friday afternoon opening of Rib-fest (beachribfest.com), the seventh annual local meeting – and meating – of professional ribbers (aka middle-aged white guys), but I’m not really sure what I’m looking for other than a barbecue in Woodbine Park.
Spotting what at first glance looks like some medieval fayre, I find the ‘fest in an amphitheatre just north of Lakeshore. Picture 20 or so booths set up in a circle about two grassy blocks across chuckwagon-style. Each booth stands in front of a huge marquee of banners and flags some 40-feet high that advertise the crew’s expertise (“Best in Show, Poughkeepsie 1992”). Trophies are abundantly displayed.
The big pig attraction is Camp 31 (camp31.com), the Paris-based (Ontario) posse that some say have the tastiest ‘cue in North America. A full rack of sauce-basted ribs goes for $22, a pound of correctly pulled pork and half a chicken both $10. Get the Tree Hugger’s sampling of all three for $20. Throw your change into a ceramic pig tip jar, and the very cute staff oink in unison. You don’t get that at Canoe (oliverbonacini.com/Canoe.aspx
The Smoke’s poutine truck is also in attendance, there’s a gazebo with bands (Paul James plays Saturday from 3 to 4:30 pm), the Beatles on the PA system in between, and a grilling demonstration tent. But no beer. Remember to pop a couple of cans in your knapsack, and Rib-fest is pure pig perfection.
Rib-fest continues Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday 11 am to 8 pm. Admission is free. [rssbreak]
