West Coast BBQ Classic Returns to The Queen Mary

The third annual WCBC sets grills and appetites afire, inviting pitmasters from across the country to compete for “West Coast’s Best BBQ” on Saturday, May 10

[Long Beach, Calif.] – The Queen Mary welcomes back the West Coast BBQ Classic for an afternoon of finger lickin’ food for the whole family on Saturday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The West Coast BBQ Classic is where barbeque experts and amateurs convene for a showdown full of flavor featuring the best in smoking, grilling and all around BBQ.

BBQ styles from around the country sizzle over open flames, drawing on regional flavors from Tennessee, Kansas City, Texas and more. The competition is an official California-State-Certified, KCBS-Sanctioned, BBQ championship, and offers tasting portions from registered pitmasters for $2 apiece. Competition categories include chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket and will be critiqued by judges for a stake in over $10,000 cash prizes and the title of “West Coast BBQ Pitmaster Champion.”

Savory delights are not the only attraction at the outdoor food festival. The BBQ Classic will feature live entertainment, watermelon and cobbler eating contests, backyard games, a merchant market. Children are invited to enjoy Kids Country featuring inflatables and more fun.

General admission tickets for the West Coast BBQ Classic are $10 online or $15 at the door for adults, and $5 for children ages 4-11. Children 3 and under gain entry for free. Event parking is $12.

Pitmasters and their crews have an opportunity to create food that’s synonymous with filling both appetites and the soul. Team registration for the event is $260 and includes entry into all four food categories, plus the opportunity to win the coveted “People’s Choice” award. Teams participating in tastings will receive $0.91 back from each tasting ticket at the conclusion of the event. The Grand Champion will earn $2,500 cash, with places ranking from Grand Champion through 5^th. For more information, visit http://www.queenmary.com/bbq/.

The Queen Mary's Executive Chef Todd Henderson with BBQ 

About the Queen Mary

Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Glory Days tour, guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends show, and the ship is currently featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit and Tea Room. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 14 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 346 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, see www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach.