December 21, 2008 Hello BBQ Gang! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays folks, here's what's going on in the world of the Illinois BBQ Society... ~ Near Hibernation but still planning... ~ Illinois Barbeque News, Updates, eNewsletter & Team Info ~ Upcoming Non-Sanctioned/Backyard Contests... ~ Upcoming KCBS Contests... ~ Upcoming Classes... For additional information on these stories, and more, be sure to visit the Illinois BBQ Society online at http://www.ILBBQS.com . x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x This eNewsletter brought to you by: The Backyard Barbeque Store ~ Wilmette, Illinois At The Backyard Barbecue Store, our passion is bringing you the very best in barbecue grills and accessories, gas logs and fireplace accessories, patio furniture and products for all of your entertaining needs. If you are interested in an "Outdoor Kitchen" you need look no further. We can help you find the right equipment to fit your needs and can assist you in finding a contractor to build it. We like to think that we can help you find the grill that is right for you, the furniture for you to sit on while you are grilling and even the wine to pair with your meal. And if you need some pointers on using that grill, sign up for one of our grill classes and treat yourself to a wonderful evening full of good food, wine and recipes. Online: http://www.backyardbbqstore.com x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x Near Hibernation but still planning... The end of the BBQ Season in Illinois pretty much marked the beginning of what most is seeing as winter hibernation. Though we haven't updated the site too much, it should be noted that there have been some changes to the Contest/Events page, the BBQ Classes page, and BBQ Links page. We would also like to introduce you to one of our newest business members... Smokin' Jo Pellets ~ Mojopellets is headed up by Fred Grosse of Chicago. He has unique products not found anywhere else; as well as other favorites like grape and hickory wood. Their plan is to carry only the most unique of products for smokers and wood pellet grills. Coffee pellets are unique enough! They invite you to try them and let them know what you think! Mojopellets came about after Fred realized he could recycle coffee grounds and turn them into pellets. Their Coffee pellets are available to members of the the ILBBQS by calling Fred direct at 773-398-1992...be sure to let him know you heard about him through ILBBQS and he'll give you a 50% Discount Off Your First Order! You can find out more about the products at www.MojoPellets.com . *************************************** Illinois Barbeque News, Updates, eNewsletter & Team Info Membership in the Illinois BBQ Society is at an all time high...that's the good news. The OTHER news (we don't like the words 'bad news') is that with barbeque interest on the rise, it has been very difficult for just one person to stay on top of everything going on in the 'que world. WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you know of anything barbeque related going on in the state, know of anything newsworthy regarding any of our members, or have a little story, recipe, or idea you would like to share with your fellow cooks, judges, and enthusiasts, please email them to us. We are starved for info to place on this page and in our eNewsletter. Thanks for your continued help in pushing the barbeque movement forward! Onward & Upward! *************************************** Upcoming 2009 Non-Sanctioned/Backyard Contests... (All info & web addresses are posted on http://www.ILBBQS.com -> Contests/Events) ~ Please check http://www.ILBBQS.com for current updates. *************************************** Upcoming 2009 KCBS Contests... (All info & web addresses are posted on http://www.ILBBQS.com -> Contests/Events) ~ Please check http://www.ILBBQS.com for current updates. *************************************** Upcoming Certified BBQ Judge's and Certified Table Captain's Classes... (All info posted on http://www.ILBBQS.com -> BBQ Classes) ~ Shannon, Illinois ~ 2/14/09 ~ Instructors: Mike & Theresa Lake ~ Contact Information: Theresa Lake ~ Phone: 815-864-2679 ~ Email: rrribs@frontiernet.net *************************************** Upcoming BBQ Cooking Classes... (All info posted on http://www.ILBBQS.com -> BBQ Classes) ~ None Scheduled (That we know of...if you know of an upcoming class, let us know!) *************************************** These stories, and more, can be found online at http://www.ILBBQS.com . Most of the stories online have active links for ease of finding more information...be sure to visit the website for your full ILBBQS experience! If you have a BBQ related news item you would like to share with the group, be sure to send it in! There is an easy-to-use 'Submit News' button on our website at http://www.ILBBQS.com ...use it often! As always, if you have any pictures, stories, news items, comments, suggestions, questions, or ideas, let me know! Carpe 'Que, Jim Rhino