Ribstock 2014

What is Ribstock you ask? Only the most magical place on Earth, and that my friends is a fact. Can you image a night of eating ribs and drinking whisky and cocktails? Well that is Ribstock. Organised by Tweat Up,  it's an outside street food event bringing together some of the best rib chefs around that are fighting for your vote for the best rib of the night. 

We went last year and it was amazing, you paid £50 for a ticket and had ten portions of ribs (usually just one or two per portion) and you voted for the best sauce and best rib. You also got beer and a cocktail to enjoy with your food. The only problem really was that it was quite difficult to finish ten portions, especially with all of the booze. I think I got to seven, I say seven because I got drunk and lost my scorecard so can't honestly say. But anyway, the whole Ribstock community had been on high alert waiting for tickets as they came out a bit late this year as it was all changing so we were all checking Twitter every day for any new updates, we were determined to not lose out as there's only so many tickets available.

So after being given days notice, we were all sitting on Twitter waiting for the link to appear, 10 seconds in and I got waitlisted, so I put in a few email addresses as I need two tickets. The tickets this year were £75, and a sharing ticket for two people. Seven portions of ribs, unlimited Frontier Lager and a Tincup Whiskey Old Fashioned. It's also part of a new weekend food festival called Pork Life where you also got another lager, shot of the whiskey and a limited edition Bacon Holy Fuck Hot Sauce from The Rib Man. The festival also had heaps of other street food on offer so those who missed out on tickets could also come along. 

I couldn't resist and got this Ribstock necklace made to show my love and I knocked up this harlequin race day theme top for the event, made from chef material so practically wipe clean...perfect.

So after about 20 minutes I got a notification I had a ticket waiting, 20 minutes after that I got another one. Knowing there were only 150 of these available I pretty much felt like an Olympian, it's what I imagine regular people feel like when they're waiting for Beyonce tickets to go on sale. Me? I'm all about the barbeque. 

So the four of us turned up at Dalston Yard, hungry and ready to feast.  It was me, two of my brothers and my sister-in-law. We originally decided to take turns on choosing which ribs to eat but it turned out that you could pretty much share each portion so you did get seven portions each! Bargain.  Dalston Yard was packed with various stalls for ribs, dirty but amazing burgers, more ribs, cocktails, brownies and hot dogs. If you left hungry you failed. 

We found an area surround by rib sellers filled with tables and benches and decided to start straight away. The ribs on offer were:

BREDDOS TACOS - Beef Short Rib
40 day aged Highland beef short rib, black mole, habanero pickled onions

HOTBOX - Scotch Bonnet Rib
St. Louis cut pork rib, scotch bonnet reduction, pickles

Q GRILL - Q Rib
'Q cut' pork rib, Q BBQ sauce

THE RIB MAN - Holy Fuck Rib
'London cut' pork rib, Holy Fuck rub, Holy Fuck slaw

ROTI CHAI - Himalayan Baby Back Ribs
Baby back pork ribs, Himalayan chilli rub

SMOKESTAK - Rib and Tips
St. Louis cut pork rib, rib tips, BBQ glaze, green chilli slaw

TEXAS JOE'S - Triple Porky Rib
St. Louis cut pork rib, bacon bits, pork crackling, wild or mild sauce

So we started with Smokestak, it was the first one we saw on our way in and to be honest, it just looked amazing. And it was! If you think of the typical huge and juicy BBQ rib, this bad boy was it. Smothered in BBQ glaze with some crazy hot chilli slaw....they said it wasn't hot - but it was. This St.Louise cut pork rib was already going to be a front runner. I could easily have eaten a whole rack, they had a great set up too...check the pig...and I hope they find themselves a permanent residence somewhere they were brilliant. 

Then it was time for Texas Joe's, when you think of ribs in America this ticks the box. It was actually huge, came topped with bacon bits and pork crackling which was a nice touch. We went for mild after the chilli slaw and it was really sweet and tangy and without sounding weird..had good fat. One rib each was more than enough. This was definitely a contender for the winner with Smokestak. Those are my favourite types of ribs, huge saucey American style is a winner for me every day. They also gave away some of their own Jerky (which you can also buy in Tesco) which was nice, everyone loves a freebie eh? 

After all that mild we decided to go for The Rib Man, a staple if you're hitting Brick Lane and we loved his pulled rib tortillas last year so was very excited to sample his menu. He's always a joy to see cook, always mucking about and chatting with customers it's part of the experience. But I have to say, I was a little disappointed. This time we got server some big ribs rubbed in his own Holy Fuck rub, and you get a choice of how much and how hot of a sauce you get on the side. His Holy Fuck sauce really does make you want to shout it as loud as you can so I didn't go for much. The ribs were almost cold and I couldn't taste any of the rub, and the sauce was so hot you then couldn't taste much after anyway. I was really looking forward to some pulled rib but he did server up a generous portion and I know his rib game is always strong so I just didn't love this version on a personal level and would still visit him again for more delights, it just didn't beat the other ribs on this occasion. 

Still not feeling full we decided to hit Q Grill next as there was a lull in the queue so decided to get in quick. Again we got a really decent portion, about five ribs, they weren't as thick as some of the others but I really liked them.  Loads of BBQ sauce and a big dollop of sauce I'd be happy to be served this in a restaurant or bought the sauce to take home. If the ribs had a bit more meat on them they would have been perfect but I really couldn't complain and all the chefs working there were really nice and friendly. 

It was time for a cocktail break and we decided to order one of the huge pineapple tequila cocktails to share between me and my sister-in-law, this got us pretty merry actually and even led to another old fashioned. I'm not a beer drinker so my brother got all my beer which worked out pretty good. Whisky and cocktails are more my thing anyway. 

During our rib break my brother got hotdog from Bubble dog, loaded with mac'n'cheese, it was amazingly disgustingly beautiful and rich, you couldn't eat two without having a heart attack but it definitely beats the mystery meat dog you get at the fair. 

 

Then we all got on the foosball table, a simple but great idea. Booze, food and foosball, these organisers got it bang on. I loved all the piggy touches everywhere, the wall of pig portraits, the inflatable pigs and especially the piggy lights. 

Then of course it was back on the meat, this time it was HotBox. This was a bit more difficult to share but I really enjoyed it, the chef talked you through the process of how they were cooked and the queue was always big so you knew it was going to be good. These had a scotch bonnet reduction, I  loved it! I've got a better taste for spicy things in the last couple of years and I really could have eaten a ton of these, my brother also got their pulled pork bun which to be fair, looked amazing and I just wish I had room for one myself. 

Pulled pork bun

It was good to go back to Roti Chai, they were brilliant last year and this year their baby back ribs and Himalayan rub was another winner for me. Again a good serving of about six I think, smothered in sauce and definitely brought something different to the table. They also served their cinnamon whisky again, which they just won't sell by the bottle. I could drink a litre of it...which is probably why I only made it to seven last year as they have us a tray of shots at one point.  

My brother....yep...

Finally it was time for Breddos Tacos. They were serving up a beef rib, I thought it was a little odd, no taco...no pork...at Pork Life... The rib itself I have to say was gorgeous, I'd never had a beef rib before and it was so tender and the sauce was rich and beautiful. So I loved it, just thought it was a strange choice. 

So who did we vote for? Smokestak! And they won, so pleased! It was such a good event I already can't wait until next year I would highly recommend it to anyone to get yourself down there and down to Street Feast when they start it up again. 

I actually think I'm still full...

The one real disappointment is that we didn't get to Bad Brownie in time, they had a delicious menu and we got there after they sold out so went home with no brownie, should have been keener. Will have to track them down another time!

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My First Week Of Summer

It's not even the weekend at the week has been pretty good so far if counting from last friday. The sun is finally out, I've been able to put the roof down in the Figaro (Elvis) almost every day which has been brilliant and when you have a convertible is kind what you live for. 

Sometimes it's the simple things in life...like making your own hair clip. I've ordered some bits from Janine Basil which I can't wait to turn up, check her out I'll do a post when I get them. It got me inspired to make my own so I used an only cherries patch and I just glued it to a crocodile clip and it worked pretty well I must say! Looks very good done up with my victory rolls. I wore it out to drinks with my friend and it looked pretty sharp, I won't lie.

On the Saturday I saw my cousin for a couple of hours and she was visiting for the weekend to see One Direction so I met her for lunch. I also managed to pick up some bits from Primark and this cute dress which only cost £7 in the sale, no bad! I just can't wear short dresses so it's nice to see some slight longer lengths being stocked. The sun was out again so couldn't resist a quick selfie 

with Big Ben. 

I wasn't very well on Sunday so I didn't do much but we did start watching Orange Is The New Black so that's what I'll be doing for a little while, it is my new obsession. I did however clean my car in the morning and I quickly put up the new sun screen I got for my car...come on, you gotta love it!

I got the new Passenger vinyl delivered this week which is simply STUNNING! I will have to do a post just for that on it's own, the sound is beautiful and the artwork is gorgeous, never been so in love with a vinyl sleeve. 

Couldn't resist posting a classic dinner photo, I will never be able to be a vegetarian, I mean seriously look at them.  Ribs from The Golden Lion in St Ives.

I picked up these little beauties in Tesco has anyone else tried them? I'm not too good with lipstick for day wear and get on much better with tinted lip balms like these Maybelline Baby Lips, I bought Pink Punch, Cherry Me and Peach Kiss. They're really moisturising and taste great, new addition to the satchel.  Have a great weekend coming up no doubt there'll be pictures coming soon!

Follow me on Instagram - victoryrollsandmixingbowls

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Ribstock 2013 - Photo Overload

This summer (summer, ha) is the first time we went to Ribstock. I found out about Ribstock earlier in the year when researching for BBQ festivals as my brother is obsessed with it. Luckily for us they decided to do it all again this year! Tickets cost £50, which you might think sounds a bit steep but it covers all ten portions of ribs, 2 beers and a massive cocktail. And if you think one rib from each chef doesn't sound like a lot...think again people...I didn't even finish. At least, I don't think I did... I was fairly drunk by the end and I think I made it to number 7 or 8 - I can't tell you the actual number because I lost my voting card on the train...I think.

So, organised by Tweat Up,  there's 10 chefs, 10 portions of ribs, free drinks and also a hot sauce competition and 3 lovely judges, one of which was the be Gizzi Erskine, I love her. So I was really gutted when she couldn't make it as she was really poorly, half the reason I went was so she could sign something like my face :) But to be honest the food, drink and atmosphere was all so amazing it was a brilliant day anyway. 

By the way, there's a lot of photos here.... just needed to warn you.

"We’ve invited 10 of the UK’s best rib chefs and restaurants to battle for the title of 

‘Great British Rib Champion 2013’. Each will cook their own version of ribs, which will be blind tasted by our panel of judges. Guests will be able to taste a rib from every competitor and place their vote for their favourite.

The winning chef will take home a £3,000 prize. Rib tasting will take place from 1-5pm, 

with the winner announced at 6.00pm."

So the competitors:

BBQ Whisky Beer

Blue Boar Smokehouse

Carl Clarke / Rotary

Cattlegrid

Nanban / Tim Anderson

Neil Rankin

Prarie Fire BBQ

Red Dog Saloon

Roti Chai Street Kitchen

The Rib Man

The first rib we tried was from Neil Rankin. Although this was the first one, it was by far my favourite. A HUGE fried rib, everything is better fried right? It was a Texas/Korean mash-up BBQ. Chicken fried pork spare ribs with Korean buffalo sauce and ginger & lime mayo. I literally can't explain how good it was... I actually want the sauce alone by the bottle. It was ridiculously juicy and the only downside was that it didn't come with a spoon...I had to physically restrain myself from licking the plate like an absolute fatty...though kinda regret that I didn't! #wantthatsauce

See below for the ultimate epicness. It also came with a tote of Kraken rum and cola.... and so the drinking began.

The next stop was The Rib Man. My brother's been going on about him for ever. He found him on Brick Lane once and has never been the same since. I was told to 'go and engage with him when you're there, listen to everything, then come back and tell me everything he said to you". He is seen as a rib god and I wasn't disappointed. Famous for his Holy Fuck sauce that won the hot sauce competition the previous year and this time around he kept the title too! You can see them here hand-making the fresh tortillas that are filled with slow-cooked baby back rib meat, apple, balsa mela & Holy Fuck... and I kid you not, without prompt the only thing I could manage to say was indeed 'HOLY FUCK', in fact, I mouthed it. So in addition to the wrap you also got two rib bones dipped in the two sauces for those brave enough to go for a second hit.

 Elvis bingo dabbers!! I actually have these.

Also check out the many stages of Holy Fuck below.

Next came Nanban/Tim Anderson - Spare ribs rubbed with brown sugar, sansho, & shichimi 

mopped with soy sauce, rice vinegar, pickled ginger, awamori, & katsu sauce. I like that they had the ingredients on the counter... and he was quite easy on the eye while shouting 'RIBS!', which never hurts does it? I got an end rib, so while it looks small, it's all about what they did with it ;) The mop sauce was incredible, I really didn't expect it, and actually it was quite nice to have a slightly smaller rib at times as you soon great extremely full. I've been wanting to try some 'mopped' ribs and it didn't disappoint!

Marvel in the beauty....

Testing the bite mark factor.

Hello to Prarie Fire BBQ:

Apple & hickory wood smoked pork belly rib, fire kissed in a Kansas City sweet 'n' smoky sauce.

Served with beans, corn bread and a little shot of jelly for dessert. I loved all of the little extras you get with the ribs, the corn bread was probably my favourite. This was probably my second favourite sauce, if you love sweet ribs then this is the one for you, I could easily have devoured a whole rack.

 

Ah Cattle Grid, another beautiful rib, another beautiful man... no photo unfortunately. 

They also served it with a wet wipe, very, very clever. I see what you did there. 

Thick cut baby backs slow-cooked and fast-finished with Cattle Grid sauce.  

It also came with some home made coleslaw, can't go wrong right? This was actually just a really good rib, everything you expect, the typical BBQ rib, covered in sauce, falling off the bone, 

pure filth (good filth)... ok I could easily have a rack of these. I also got two ribs for some reason, 

who cares right? I took it and ran.

Who doesn't love a blackboard.

Inside the tent. You do kind of forget there is a world in Merchant Yard outside the tent, you get caught up in the world of smoke, meat, pig masks and country music.

The free cocktails...one of my many downfalls that day. Seriously strong but delicious, 

leading you to buy more cocktails...and loose 4 hours of your life.

Blue Boar Smokehouse - Chunky and juicy baby backs with a fiery Blue Boar dry rub. Slowly smoked then slathered in a zingy barbecue marinade.

This is where things start to get a little hazey, all I really remember is that I LOVED it. The dry rub was brilliant and you got a pot to take home with you, along with a pig mask (of course) and a shot of gin granita which I could easily have had a few more of, strange but worked really well with the ribs. Clever move people!

I don't like it when they lock eyes with you.... but nice beard :)

Loved this ice cream truck... I've said 'loved' too much I know, but it was really funky and retro 

and if I'd been a bit more sober when I'd left the tent I would have had a picture of me in front 

of it with my victory rolls in.

 Cheeky pic of Rob Beckett... sorry about the bad pose, you photobombed me. 

Little view of the check list...before I lost it.

This is where things got seriously hazey... this poor man had to pose... and they kept giving me free tequila.. technically not my fault. 

 Carl Clarke/Rotary - Smoked Oxford Sandy belly ribs, seaweed & sesame crunch, ‘next level slaw’, chilli peanut praline. Also came with a tequila shot and chilli chaser.  The crunch really was interesting, in all the right ways and the sauce was spot on I didn't expect the praline to be as good as it was but it totally worked.

I'm upset I don't have better pictures of this one.

Roti Chai Street Kitchen - 'Plantation Pigs' British belly ribs, tandoor-smoked and slow-cooked, with pineapple & red Naga 'ghost pepper' chilli marinade.  I've never had ribs with these spices before, the sauce was to die for and I was sure they'd be a front runner for winning, an unexpected surprise.

There really aren't many more pictures after this... you can just about see a shot in this picture, 

I was told it was cinnamon whisky...all I know is that they gave me A LOT of them and this is where it all goes dark for a few hours.

I didn't even get to the winners! BBQ Whiskey Beer! Shameful, hopefully they'll be there next year.

Or Red Dog Saloon for that matter. But 8/10 isn't bad right?

So that was Ribstock 2013. Everything we expect it to be, and in a little yard in Hackney. 

 will definitely be back next year, with a spoon, wet wipes and a decent camera.

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