Who won the Rib Burn-Off?

Give up a chunk of a holiday Monday to help raise money for wounded soldiers? Yes, I can absolutely do that. I was one of four judges who stopped by the Patriot Festival at SouthPark's Symphony Park to lend eating expertise to the first Rib Burn-Off competition. My compatriots: Taylor Mathis of the food blog www.taylortakesataste.com, Richard Gruica of Meetup's Good Eats & Meets and Charles Jenkins of South Charlotte Weekly and WBT-AM.

Yes, kids, it was very hot out there. Luckily, I carry a folding fan wherever I go. I believe the boys were envious of my ability to accessorize. Also, my ability to eat pork ribs in the heat.

Since this was the first time for the competition, we ended up with only six competitors. But they were worthy adversaries. Always amazing how many different types of ribs can come off grills. Dry ribs, wet ribs, smoky ribs, chewy ribs.

After we chewed them over and our scores were tallied, the rib winner was the team Brothers In Barbecue, led by Joe Pelone of Spicy Sunshine Catering & Deli, 5304 Sunset Road. For sauce, the winner was Bobby Rayfield of Indianland with the team Bobby's Joe's. The People's Choice award went to Jim & Nick's.

And I headed off immediately for a stop at YoFro. Frozen yogurt -- stat.

Eat and Tell: Ribs Day on Monday

What are you cooking on the grill Monday?

I will be eating ribs. But I won't be cooking them (not that day, anyway). I'll be judging ribs, at the Rib Burnoff at the Patriot Festival at Symphony Park at SouthPark.

The festival raises money for wounded members of the military and their families. It's 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and includes music, big trucks like firetrucks and Humvees, miltary maneuvers, a 5K, a Scout and service club challenge, and ribs. Tickets to the festival are $10 at the gate and $8 in advance at Harris Teeters with a VIC card. Children 5 and younger get in free, while military with ID are $5. Details: www.patriotcharities.org.

The Burn Off is a contest for restaurants and backyard cooks, beginning at 11 a.m. We of the judging team will give out awards for best rib and best sauce, while you of the eating team will get to name a People's Choice Award. If you're there and you spot me, say hey. Pardon me in advance if my mouth is full.

If you're not going to the festival, I'd love to hear what you end up cooking on Monday. Drop me a comment here and let me know.