NEWS

THE BEST OF BBQ: Blues, Brews & BBQ (PHOTOS)

Jessica Coker

Kentucky resident Sonny Decker takes a break from "pigging out," during Saturday's Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival to pose for a picture with Jim 'N Nick's easily recognizable "Florida pig" mascot. Decker tells The Log his favorite BBQ of the day was Jim 'N Nick's, which took home the title of "Best Traditional BBQ" in the competition. "Everything is awesome, the food, the beer, the weather," said Decker, the first time guest to the festival on the harbor.

The Fifth Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ proved to be anything but "the blues," for the more than 1,000 guests the festival drew to HarborWalk Village on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guests spent their afternoon sampling and voting on BBQ from dozens of local restaurants, more than 25 craft beers and other spirits, all while tapping their toes to live music provided by Cadillac Willy and The DizzyJukes Band. The winners of the competition all received a donation for the nonprofit of their choice.

There winners were: “First Place People's Choice," Harry T's Lighthouse; "Second Place People's Choice," Poppy's Crazy Lobster Bar & Grill; "Third Place People's Choice," Crab Island Cantina and V Seagrove; "Best Traditional BBQ," Jim 'N Nick's; "Best Seafood BBQ," Grande Vista at The Emerald Grande; "Most Creative BBQ," Harry T's Lighthouse; and "Best Booth" Poppy's Crazy Lobster Bar Grill.

As part of their big wins, the first, second and third place teams will have charitable contributions made on their behalf. Harry T's will see $1,000 donated to the Destin History and Fishing Museum; a $500 contribution will be made to Nourish the Children on behalf of Poppy's Crazy Lobster Bar & Grill; and $250 will be donated to The Salvation Army and Children's Advocacy Center on behalf of Crab Island Cantina and V Seagrove.