The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook‑Off wrapped up this week in Reno, Nevada, after six days of nonstop grilling, long lines, and a palpable sense of community pride. Over 30 vendors set up in the parking lot of the Nugget Casino, offering everything from classic pork ribs to inventive sauces, but it was Chicago B.B.Q. that walked away with the coveted Best Ribs trophy.
Chicago B.B.Q. honors family legacy
When we spoke with the Chicago B.B.Q. team, they explained that this victory carries deep personal meaning. “This is the first year my uncle wasn’t able to handle it. He was a founder, the heart and soul of a lot of these times, and he helped a lot of these people learn how to do it, so it means so much to us to do this for him,” the team said. The win not only celebrates their culinary skill but also serves as a tribute to a family member who helped shape the local barbecue scene.
Big Daddy’s Sin City BBQ earns best sauce
Big Daddy’s Sin City BBQ, another longtime Reno favorite, captured the Best Sauce award. Their grand‑pa recently handed the sauce‑making reins over to his grandson, who admitted he was “super nervous” about living up to the family reputation. “He put me in charge to make all the sauce, and honestly, I was thinking, are the people going to like it? Am I not gonna make it right?” the young chef recalled. The trophy, he added, “speaks for itself” and validates the trust his grandfather placed in him.
Vendors praise community support
Across the event, vendors echoed a common theme: gratitude for Reno’s enthusiastic patrons. One vendor noted, “Each year we’re amazed by the people that come and show support and love towards what we do.” Another added, “When I go back in the front and restock the load, and I see all my people, my community ordering food and being happy, with every bite they take from the sauce, it just feels amazing.”
Participants also described the physical challenges of the cook‑off. “It’s mainly the sauce getting on the clothing, the batter mix for the bread, getting all over your clothes like a sticky mess. So it truly is harder on us, but it feels amazing at the end of the day, knowing that our people are well served and fed,” said a member of the Big Daddy’s team.
Looking ahead to next year
Vendors left the event energized and already planning for the 2027 edition. “We finish one season and leave even more excited for the next year to do it all over again,” one longtime participant said. The Cook‑Off not only showcases culinary talent but also reinforces the strong bonds between local businesses and the Reno community.
With families gathering around grills, children watching the smoke rise, and longtime patrons cheering on their favorite vendors, the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook‑Off remains a beloved annual tradition that celebrates hard work, family heritage, and the simple joy of sharing a good meal.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
