2nd Annual Barbecue Battle!

September 18, 2011

Hosted by Judd’s Hill Winery and Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa

All Proceeds Benefit the 

Napa Valley Education Foundation Music Connection Program

August 15, 2011, Napa, CA -- The Napa Valley Education Foundation is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Napa Valley Barbeque Battle taking place the afternoon of Sunday, September 18th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa, located at 3425 Solano Avenue in Napa, CA. Hosted by Judd's Hill Winery and Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa, the barbecue throwdown will benefit the NVEF’s Music Connection Program. The Music Connection has been supporting students of the Napa Valley Unified School District with musical instruments and opportunities for over a decade.

Guests attending Napa Valley Barbecue Battle will be spoiled with great wine, food and entertainment, including live music throughout featuring Napa Valley Education Foundation Teacher of the Year, Alan U’Ren. Vote for your favorite at the People’s Choice judging, and celebrity judge and cookbook author James McNair will determine who has the best BBQ.

This year the Barbecue Battle will feature three highly regarded barbeque enthusiasts: from the Napa Valley Marriott, Executive Chef Brian Whitmer; from Judd's Hill Winery, Hospitality Director Pat Burke; and from BarbersQ, Chef de Cuisine Joey Ray.

Brian has an impressive culinary background that started in Kansas City and found him developing his trademark skills and techniques in a wide variety of kitchens, from New York City to Carmel, CA. Chef Whitmer showcases his Kansas City roots with the culinary finesse and expertise that has won him national accolades.

Pat Burke is the Hospitality Director at Judd’s Hill Winery and a recognized award winning barbeque competitor, a member of the famous “Barnyard Roasters” BBQ Team, and team captain of “The Vineyard Roasters”, who took 1st Prize in the Rib category at the 2006 West Coast BBQ Championships. Pat Burke was declared the winner of the Inaugural BBQ Battle last year by a narrow margin. 

The newcomer this year is BarbersQ Restaurant's Chef de Cuisine, Joey Ray.  Joey Ray’s passion for food began at his Grandmother’s table in Erin, Tennessee. He spent his childhood summers exploring the 2 acre garden she worked by hand; digging under rocks for Crayfish and sampling the nectar of the honeysuckle from the vines. BarBersQ inspired him to reclaim his roots and embrace the American Heritage Fare that was such an important part of his years growing up in Tennessee. Joey Ray’s passion and integrity involving food is consistent with the Concept of BarBersQ; local sources, including our own home gardens, simple American Fare with Southern sensibilities.

Guest Emcee and musician, Judd Finkelstein of Judd’s Hill Winery, will oversee the competition and offer his unique flair of commentary and insight as the battle builds to a crescendo with single category awards going to best beef, chicken, pork and sauce.

The Barbecue Battle features a Silent Auction to benefit the Music Connection with packages featuring hotel stays, spa indulgences, fabulous meals, and winery tours and tastings. In addition, a live auction item featuring an opportunity for guests to enjoy a private party for 12 with the BBQ chefs Brian, Pat, and Joey personally preparing a BBQ meal beautifully paired with Judd’s Hill wines will be presented for bid. 

Tickets are $65.00 per person in advance, $75.00 on the day of the event and are available at http://napavalleybbqbattle.eventbrite.com.