Multiple courses of culinary chaos ensued last Thursday at The Brewhouse, where The Santa Barbara Independent hosted two simultaneous events: the release of a hoppy red rye ale called Well-Read IPA, our first-ever collaborative beer that we made with The Brewhouse to celebrate the newspaper’s 30th anniversary, and the winners’ showcase for our 7th Annual Sizzling Summer BBQ Contest.
When more than 150 people showed up to drink the beer and sample the bite-sized versions of the winning dishes made by our hardworking grill masters, things got a little crazy. Lines of people snaked throughout the West Montecito Street brewpub and onto the back patio, where our four winners tried their hardest to keep the food coming to satisfy the massive crowd.
It wasn’t the most streamlined affair, and not all in attendance got to try every single dish. But we’re happy to say that most everyone had a great deal of fun, and the vast majority did chomp on George Levinthal’s chorizo-laced burgers, Emily Falke’s “umami” tri-tip tacos, “Texas” Rex White’s Central Texas pork shoulder, and Neighbor Tim Goebel’s smoky brisket.