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August 2007 Monthly Meeting Report |
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It was a hot August night but that was no bother to the Party Masters of Ruth’s Chris, or the members and guests, as they gathered at Porto’s Food Court in Isla Grande to enjoy one of the best Texas style brisket dinners I can remember having.
Mercedes Olivares, head Party Master & Executive Chef of Ruth’s Chris, assisted by their Sales Manager Wilmarie Robles, long time friend Victor Merced, and several more chefs and staff of Ruth’s Chris, arrived with the Texas style brisket. The hardest part for us was keeping all the early birds from snatching a sneak preview of the brisket before serving time.
Yes I had an early sample because it is part of my job description to taste test every meal before we serve it to our members and invited guests. I must tell you BBQ fans it was great. The brisket was dry rubbed and allowed to marinate and soak up all the flavors of the dry rub overnight. This is a key component or element in any great tasting BBQ. It takes time for the meat to absorb the flavor of the rub and it takes time to cook it. Low and slow is the way to go don’t you know! Chef Mercedes slow cooked it with a touch of smoke for about 12 hours at 180 degrees. This Chef knows what she is doing. The only thing fast about the whole process is how quickly the brisket disappears when the serving lines open up.
Ruth’s Chris staff prepared an excellent BBQ sauce to complement the brisket. It was smoky in flavor, not too sweet and the texture and color were a perfect example of an award winning BBQ sauce. Now that was backed up by some home made biscuits, which I haven’t had in ages. MMMMMMMMMMM good business as we always referred to it when cooking on the boats for the men.
Now Ruth’s Chris being the first class operation that it is knows that appetites are meant to be teased and whetted a bit before serving the main course so they hit another home run by serving the entire group a great home made salsa and chips. Yea they won the prize for best appetizer that night as well.
Our members and guests did a fantastic job bring in the side dishes too and this is a key element in making the family style dinner complete. It’s kind of like going back home to a big dinner with family and friends where everyone brings out something good to add to the host’s fine dinner.
Kudos to Ruth’s Chris Steak House and the team of Party Masters for serving up one of the finest dinners we have ever had the pleasure of wrapping our lips around.
Now if you want a treat that can’t be beat get on over to Ruth’s Chris Steak House any evening and enjoy top notch service and the best steak you may ever put in that mouth of yours. You will find them at The Inter-Continental Hotel and San Juan Resort @ 5961 Isla Verde Carolina, Puerto Rico. Call ahead for a reservation (787) 253-1717 or learn all about them at www.RuthsChris.com. Tell them you heard about them through the CBBQA.
The side dish winners for the evening were:
Best Appetizer / Ruth’s Chris / Homed salsa & chips
Best Salad / Rita Rodriguez / Spinach Salad
Best Side Dish / Michael Compton / South of the Border Spuds
Best Dessert / Sharon Humbert / Chocolate Volcano Cake
Congratulations and thanks to everyone who brought a side dish for all of us to enjoy.
We owe a debt of gratitude to several members and sponsors that contributed to the success of the evening. A special thanks to my friend Paco Morales who almost always helps us decorate and get the place set up for you to be able to enjoy the evening even more.
Weber Grill was there and gave a sample can of a great new grill product. It is a non- stick grill spray. Nothing new you say? Oh, but I must disagree my BBQ buddies. This is new spray that is non-flammable! SPRAY IT ON WHILE THE GRILL IS HOT BABY! IT DOESN’T FLAME UP On YOU. No more burnt arm or facial hair, not to mention a burnt bun or a nasty flare up on the ole chicken breast. Everyone that wanted a can got one so try it out and send us back a review or your evaluation of it soon.
Carbon De La Matta was on hand with bags of that fantastic charcoal and some T-Shirts for prizes and Fire Magic Grill was well represented by Rita and Enid. Need a new grill or an outdoor kitchen? Just see Super service Inc. and they will fix you right up. Call Rita or Enid @ (787) 783-2992.
Now on the business end of the stick the President gave a gentle message that the Board of Directors is up for re- election in January. The current Board has been on the watch for two years and we are looking for new blood. Want to have a say about what the CBBQA does and how it is done then get up off that fleshy part of the body that you usually sit on and get involved in your BBQ Association. No experience is necessary because we didn’t have any when we got into it either. “OJT” On the Job Training is standard with all positions. What we are saying is it is time for YOU to participate, don’t leave it for everyone else, do something about it yourself my friends. It’s fun! You will learn a lot, and sleep better at night knowing you did something good for the association.
From the evaluations we received, about 20 of some 80 people that went to last month’s meeting responded, we had a tremendous amount of good ideas sent back to us. I know you have a brain and we want to use it to further our association. All good ideas are a flop unless action is taken. Do more than spit out good ideas, put them into action and join the Board of Directors or volunteer to be on a committee to put these ideas into effect. All the positions of the Board are available for new blood so don’t be shy. Send me your request to participate to Mike@BBQPR.com
Positions available:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Head Party Master
Thank you all for coming to the meeting and being good BBQ Ambassadors. Spread the word about real BBQ and bring a friend to the next meeting.
God bless you & BBQ.
Michael Compton
President
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