Amsterdam Class & Contest

A couple of years ago I contacted Harry Havinga (A wonderful person) who puts on the Tony Stone Low & Slow BBQ Contest about coming over and competing in his contest. It didn't work out but I knew I wanted to go sometime down the road. Fast forward to January of this year. I emailed Harry about doing the contest and teaching a class and he said he would help me with supplies and all logistics. We scheduled the class for April and it was sold out within a week after posting it on facebook. It was a great group of people who I hoped learned a lot. I got great feedback which made me feel good as you are always nervous when people are paying for your services and or product that they will like it.  I learned a lot about Belgium beers and how good they are!

Next up the contest last weekend. What can I say but it was the most fun I've had in many years at a contest. Everyone was so enthusiastic and genuinely excited when they got calls. It made me realize that comradery is the most important part. Don't get me wrong I always want to win! I was fortunate enough to get 3 top ten calls which was great but I had more fun watching other people's reactions when they got called, as this is still a new sport to them. 

I have so many people I need to thank for their new friendship and supplying me with cooking tools so I could cook that if I listed names I know I'd leave someone out by accident. We borrowed from at least 8 different teams and got a ride across a country from one. Ate local foods Kroquettes, homemade Apple Pie, and beers? Thank everyone over the pond for one of the best experiences I have ever had in bbq and life. I look forward to seeing you all again.