Order in the pork! Bar is judged on grill skills

FAYETTEVILLE — Each judge had different criteria, but the four of them agreed on one thing: It was all good.

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks was the setting for the initial Washington County Bar and Grill on Oct. 16. Teams of amateur chefs from local law firms competed in the cook-off, arriving several hours before the Razorbacks’ game against Auburn and grilling and smoking meats worthy of the best tailgate parties.

Maudie Schmitt, the owner of the popular Cafe Rue Orleans in Fayetteville, as well as the brains behind the event, was one of the judges.Others were Joanna Taylor, John Cross and Monty Tyler.

All were charged with the very enviable task of testing everything the teams had whipped up.

“I’m looking for something smoky, appearance, the color of the meat,” Schmitt explained.

“For me, it’s tenderness and taste,” Tyler said.

The Barbie Q’s, a team of female lawyers from several firms, won best pork and the popular vote. Woods, Snively and Associates won best thighs and best ribs, and Odom Law Firm won best brisket.