Suzanne Tubis is co-founder and producer of the Safeway National Capital Barbecue Battle happening in downtown D.C. this weekend. She and her husband, Allen, have been putting on the event for 17 years. It benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington’s Metropolitan Police Club Houses. (For information, go to bbqdc.com.)
How did the barbecue competition begin?
It started as a celebration of [Bill] Clinton and [Al] Gore winning the presidential election in 1992. They are both from Southern states, so we thought because there isn’t a lot of barbecue around D.C. that it would be appropriate to bring people together around barbecue in celebration.
Two of the major cook-offs are done in the Memphis and Kansas City styles. What is your preference for ribs?
I’ve had all different styles by different people, and it really depends on the preparation and time involved. But I do have a preference for Southern Memphis dry rub ribs.
What about barbecue, Texas or Carolina?
I like vinegar-based barbecue, which is the Carolina style. I believe it is the eastern Carolina style.
What is the most bizarre barbecue recipe you’ve tried?
I can’t remember where I got it, but I had some that was a chipotle barbecue sauce for beef brisket that had a chocolate ingredient along with some other exotic spices along the lines of cumin and turmeric. It was really good, very unique.
What are some of the scheduled highlight events?
We will have 30 bands coming, including Chuck Brown, who is known in D.C. as the “Godfather of Go-Go.” Gilbert Arenas and other NBA stars will be coming, and there will be several interactive games for kids. Also, several celebrity chefs from around the country will be doing cooking demonstrations.
– By Elinor Flynn
