When someone asks you to eat BBQ and drink beer for free, you say yes!

The ‘Smokin’ the Ute Pass Summit’ was a celebration of food and community. Here’s our experience as secret judges!

Our owner, Samantha, and one of our Tour Leaders, Amber, were invited to attend the 5th annual BBQ festival in Divide, CO as secret judges. Their mission? To uncover the team with the most spirit, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship. With more than a dozen teams, it made it difficult to choose as they were all very passionate about their food!

The event benefited two wonderful local non-profits including Community Partnership Family Resource Center and Focus on the Forest.

But First…Beer!

Paradox Beer Company hosted the 250+ guests on their lawn with beautiful mountain views. Included in every ticket was a beer ticket. Amber got the IPA while Samantha went out of her comfort zone with a strawberry rhubarb sour.

Eating Their Way Through 12 Stations

It was a tough job, but someone had to do it! Samantha and Amber made their way through 12 tents as undercover judges, eating some of the best brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage they’ve ever had. Each tent offered at least two, sometimes three or four, different types of proteins seasoned, smoked, and grilled to perfection.

Unexpected Meats and Combinations

Many of the contestants displayed their creativity with some truly unique dishes. Smoked halibut ceviche, jalapeño mouse sausage (Amber’s favorite!), Kailua Pork with sautéed onions, and even a smoked chicken curry made the menu. One of Samantha’s favorites was the spicy smoked prosciutto on french bread…who knew BBQ could be so fancy!

Fantastic Side Dishes

Not only did our secret judges get to indulge in tender brisket and saucy pork, but they also enjoyed delicious sides as well. Creamed corn, macaroni and cheese, marinated pineapple, corn on the cob, and more!

Mouthwatering Desserts

Who could forget dessert after all that savory meat? Samantha and Amber got to sample a delicious peach cobbler and an apple crisp, which was passed out while waiting in line.

Plus…They Met Some Super Adorable Dogs

What’s so great about BBQ lovers and beer drinkers? Lots of them own dogs and brought them to the event! They were pretty adorable.

Lots of Team Spirit and Energy from the BBQ Contestants

Those who BBQ are definitely passionate about it! As our secret judges went though the field meeting pit master after pit master, they were impressed by how friendly, informative, and enthusiastic everyone was. The judging criteria they were given consisted of three categories: (1) “Team Spirit” (having fun, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship), (2) “Cheerleader” (interacting and engaging with attendees), and (3) “Team Booth” (most creative decorations, customs, and team name).

But Ultimately, the Winner of the Spirit Award Went To…

Broad Acre! Not only were they dressed as Vikings and had matching flame aprons, but they also went above and beyond with their customer service. At Rocky Mountain Food Tours, we are all about the experience, and Broad Acre showed Samantha and Amber that they feel the same way. While they were waiting in the long line to try their BBQ (which won awards as well!), two members of their team brought out a tray of their yummy apple crisp and passed them out individually. A very nice touch! Congratulations, Broad Acre!

A Fun Afternoon with a Great Cause!

Samantha and Amber had a great time and want to thank Community Partnership Family Resource Center for inviting them to participate! And just in case anyone is wondering, they will happily accept invitations for free food and drink should any more opportunities arise.

Cheers, Your Rocky Mountain Food Tours Team

(So, what’s a food tour, anyway…?)

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