BBQ chefs vie for grilling crown

One succulent slab of ribs Sunday was the difference between earning bragging rights and packing up to grill another day.

When the contest started, the sixth annual New York State BBQ Championships in Manorville had its share of self-assured cooks vying for the top spot.

Representing the Blazin Buttz Barbecue team, Frank Sacco, 46, of Patchogue said he was optimistic despite having never placed higher than seventh in the six years he has competed.

"This is our year," he boasted before seasoning his first batch of ribs.

Scott "Smokenstein" John- son, of Smokenstein and the Monster Crew, predicted destiny was on his side.

"I'm feeling lucky," said Johnson, 44, of Selden, who had dyed his hair green for the event.

In the end, the Jacked Up Barbecue team, of Forked River, N.J., took home the $1,800 grand prize. The team will now compete in the American Royal national championships in Kansas City, Mo., in October.

Organizer Phil Rizzardi said several entrants in the 40-team competition traveled from New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. A registered team from North Carolina didn't make the trip.

"Teams get one chance to convince judges this is the best barbecue they've ever had," Rizzardi said, noting the event continues to grow in popularity.

"It's like looking out your window, thinking I just threw a party for 5,000 people," said Rizzardi, 52, of Nesconset.

Proceeds from the competition will go toward the John Theissen Children's Foundation, which helps kids and their families pay for medical expenses.

Theissen, 41, said he launched the foundation 21 years ago with a toy drive after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, a condition that he is still battling.

He recalled watching cancer-stricken children -- some without family support -- during his hospitalization and that the "traumatic experience" drove him to create the organization.

Sunday, more than 350 people attended the championships, and as the crowd grew at The Maples Bar and Grill, the aroma of barbecued ribs and chicken hung heavy in the air.

"I want to taste and eat anything I can," said Joe Aiello, 57, of Massapequa, who enjoyed a bratwurst. It was his first time coming to the event. Setting his sights on a smoked brisket, he proclaimed: "I'm staying until I get full."