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John Wiley crowned Northside King of Ribs at Men Cook event
By: Staff 11/01/2007
The First Annual Taste of the Northside “Men Cook” BBQ competition on August 18 was a collaborative event for men to engage in healthy competition, encourage and uplift fathers/men and crown the Northside King of Ribs. The First Annual Taste offered opportunities for learning, fun, sharing, community building and connection to resources. Men were encouraged to become more involved their children’s education and the greater community.
The cool rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the families and eight chefs who signed up to showcase their culinary skills. Between rotating ribs, they strolled around North High’s football field visiting their competition: Todd Burmaster, Theo Griffin, Tony Henry, Willie Jones, Curtis Jordan, JC Payton and John Wiley (and team). Taste of the Northside supplied the ribs and each chef brought his own seasonings, skills, equipment, and friends to cheer them on.
The competition was judged by Kevin Davis (local restaurateur), Senator Linda Higgins, Clarence Hightower (Director, Minneapolis Urban League); Thandisizwe Jackson-Nisan (Student and poet), Woodrow Jefferson (Turning Point). John Wiley (and team — Keith Strickland, Gentaile Moore, and Reginald Jones) was judged the winner and Northside King of Ribs. Second place went to JC Payton and third place was won by Theo Griffen.
The music played as those attending “Men Cook” walked around the field, enjoying the food provided by the sponsors. State Representative Willie Dominguez welcomed the community. The sound of “uh” could be heard as adults sampled ribs, and watermelon juice dripped from the lips of adults and children alike. The children ran, played, were told stories by master story teller Northando Zulu, entertained by “Chicken Wing” the clown, face painting and a moonwalk. Entertainment included “Carl “Ovaeiel” Horton (spoken word/drums) and Michael (on saxophone), both members of the Freshwater Collective. Fuego Latino (a Columbian dance troupe) performed for the crowd, and Bound By The Truth (gospel Hip Hop duet) offered inspiration.
There was no disrespect, no arguing, no fighting, and simply healthy competition. At the end, they congratulated the winners and indicated they would be back next year. The Taste of the Northside Men BBQ Cook Off” is an example of what can be. The young men in the field witnessed their fathers, uncles and elders along with community members coming together for healthy competition and bonding.
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