• Judging will be done by a small panel of neighborhood volunteers.

• Entries will be scored on appearance, texture, taste, and creativity.

• Due to limited seating at the judging table, not everyone who signs up will be selected. Judges will be chosen to ensure fairness and neutrality.

• Cooks and team members are not eligible.

• If selected, you'll receive details before the event. 

• Signup sheet is below the Judges Guidelines. 

Judging Guidelines

APPEARANCE (1–10) 

Appearance is your first impression of the dish. It should make you want to eat it. 

What to Consider?

• Color – Appetizing color from rub, smoke, glaze, or sear? 

• Presentation – Is it neat and well-assembled? 

• Moisture – Does it look juicy or dry? 

• Effort – Did the team take time to plate it well? 

You’re not judging garnish, containers, or extras—just the meat and how it looks in the box. 

TASTE (1–10 × 1.5) 

Taste is the most important part of the competition. You’re scoring the flavor of the meat, how it hits your mouth, balances, and lingers. 

What to Consider 

• Flavor profile – Is it bold, balanced, or one-note? 

• Seasoning – Salt, sweet, smoke, heat—do they work together? 

• Smoke – Pleasant smokiness or overdone? 

• Aftertaste – Does it finish clean, or is there something off?

• Taste is weighted ×1.5, so score it based on how delicious and memorable the bite was. 

TENDERNESS (1–10) 

Tenderness reflects how well the meat was cooked. It should have a clean bite—tender, juicy, not mushy or tough. 

What to Consider 

• Cook – Is it properly cooked through without being dry? 

• Texture – Does it pull cleanly with a bite? 

• Overdone? – Falling apart, mushy, or steamed? 

• Underdone? – Tough, stringy, or chewy? 

• You're looking for that sweet spot: tender, but not falling apart. 

CREATIVITY (1–10)

Creativity rewards originality. When teams try something bold, unique, or fun that still works and tastes great. 

What to Consider 

• Unique idea – Have you seen this before? 

• Flavor twist – Is the flavor profile different but delicious?

• Technique or presentation – Did they try something clever or new? 

• Execution – Did their idea actually work, or was it just “diƯerent”?

• Don’t reward weirdness for its own sake—reward creativity when it’s successful.

If two teams have the same total score:

First tie-breaker = Higher Creativity score

Second = Higher Appearance score

Third = Higher Tenderness score

Still tied? Coin toss