Barbecue lovers, rejoice. The scent of burning coals, hickory, and slowly-cooking savory ribs will fill the air on Nov. 20, as the popular competition resumes after a pandemic delay, said Rib-Off committee member York Flik.
The last Rib Off, in Feb. 2020, was the first time the competition was not held on Memorial Day weekend — and it was one of the last big island events before a round COVID-19 lockdowns started.
“People became more open to it,” Flik said of resuming the competition.
People enjoyed the cooler weather — and with vaccination levels high in Key Biscayne, organizers felt a late November date would maximize safety and cooler temperatures, Flik said.
He expects 15 teams to compete in the charity event, which raises money for a medical student scholarship named after beloved Key Biscayne Dr. Robert Kemper. Music will be provided by Lou’s Dogs.
Details of the 2021 Rib Off are expected to be released this week, but organizers are not expecting many changes. “I’m a believer in ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fixt it,” Flik said. But he added the Rib Off council will be looking for an “island celebrity” to join the judging team.
Nonprofit News Builds a Better Town. Invest with a Tax-Deductible Gift Today.
Tony Winton is the editor-in-chief of the Key Biscayne Independent and president of Miami Fourth Estate, Inc. He worked previously at The Associated Press for three decades winning multiple Edward R. Murrow awards. He was president of the News Media Guild, a journalism union, for 10 years. Born in Chicago, he is a graduate of Columbia University. His interests are photography and technology, sailing, cooking, and science fiction.