This Weekend: Barbecue In Atlantic City

If you love barbecue but feel you’ve got to leave the area to get the super legit stuff — you know, the meat that gets cooked outside for days by a true medal-winning pro who slogs over some serious equipment and would sooner kill his mama than divulge his rub recipe – here’s some good news.

First, you’re wrong. There’s some good ‘cue in this town if you know where to look.

Second, if you’re still not buying it, this weekend all you have to do is drive down the expressway to AC to find what you’re looking for.

On Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 pm, more than 100 pit masters and grill teams will converge outside the Golden Nugget for the DO AC Smokin’ Hot Atlantic City BBQ Championship. For a $5 admission fee, you can buy food from the teams and sample ribs, chicken and brisket cooked by Glenn Gross, from Destination America Network’s TV series BBQ Pitmasters, who will also be leading demonstrations.

Part of the proceeds benefit the South Jersey Food Bank. There’s sorta big money and status for the winners, too. The Grand Champion gets to represent New Jersey at the Jack Daniel’s World Championship in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and takes home $4,500, the largest monetary prize offered on the East Coast. Runners-up win between $50-$1,500.

Do AC BBQ Championship [Facebook]