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Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off Judges
Get to know the judges of the 2009 Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off:
Alan Zeman - Head Judge
A colorful character, Alan has judged the Rib Cook-off many times. This is his first year as head judge. A Culinary Institute of America graduate and former creator/owner of Fuego restaurant in Tucson, Arizona, The Z-Man currently hosts a weekly foodie radio show on KJLL The Jolt in Tucson among the many different projects he tirelessly works on.
 Mark S. Allen
Mark is the entertainment anchor for Good Day Sacramento, the capitol city's No. 1-rated morning television show. He commutes to L.A. and New York twice every month, on assignment, where he interviews the biggest stars in entertainment. His movie reviews appear in newspapers nationwide. He's also heard on over 175 radio stations coast to coast. This is Mark's first year as a judge.
 Troy Black
Troy is known throughout the world of barbeque as an accomplished, award-winning grill master. He'll also be doing cooking demonstrations during the event in conjunction with Southern Living Magazine's BBQ on Tour. This is Troy's second year as a judge at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off.
Rod Sanford
A first-year judge, Rod represents our wonderful main event sponsor, U.S. Bank.
 Tad Dunbar
Tad is a fixture in Northern Nevada and at the Rib Cook-off. A multiple-time judge, he has worked for 40 years as a TV news anchor in Reno, currently residing with KRNV-TV.
Jerry Friedman
As the entertainment guy at KGO radio in San Francisco, if it?s happening literally anywhere in the world, Jerry knows about it. A multiple-time judge, Jerry and his wife enjoy the Rib Cook-off so much they actually got married during the event almost 10 years ago—and celebrate their anniversary every year during the event together at the Nugget!
 David J. Latt
A first-time attendee, David is an Emmy winning television writer and producer (Hill Street Blues) who lives in L.A., cooks to stay sane, and writes a well-received food blog (www.menwholiketocook.com). Besides liking to cook, he loves eating, especially barbecue. He's here on assignment for Peter Greenburg (the travel guy for NBC News).
 Mike Dunne
Mike is no stranger to the Rib Cook-off. As the food editor for the Sacramento Bee, he knows what's up with good food, especially BBQ. He has been a judge at this event many times and seamlessly blends the gap between foodie and journalist.
Beryl Love
Executive Editor of the Reno Gazette-Journal and barbeque fan.
Mike Peters
New to the Rib Cook-off but a seasoned pro in the BBQ world, Mike and his wife Chris are here with the Kansas City Barbeque Society's touring demonstration, The Great American BBQ Tour. Mike is a welcome, well-respected addition to the judging panel.
Jet Tila
A first-time participant, celebrity chef Jet is the executive chef at Wynn Encore Las Vegas hot spot, Wazuzu. Oh, and he LOVES BBQ...
Robin Lehnhoff-McCray
Robin has been the head chef for the Heck Estates family of wines (Kenwood Vineyards, Valley of the Moon Winery and Lake Sonoma Winery) and Korbel Champagne Cellars for over 12 years. She is a proud resident of the Sonoma County wine country for over 25 years and emphasizes the use of fresh local ingredients with a Mediterranean flair. Food and wine pairing, grilling and cooking with friends and growing fresh herbs and vegetables are favorite past times. This is her first Rib Cook-off.
 Julien Perry
As the host of KOMO Newsradio's Go Eat! and Side Dish, Julien has been introducing Seattle listeners to local chefs for the past five years in hopes of sparking their interest in Nothwest cuisine. She also works as the Food Editor for WINO Magazine, a producer for Urbanspoon, and a contributing writer for Seattle Weekly to help support her wining and dining habit. This is Julien's second year here.
 Ken Shamrock
Ken is one of the most widely recognized MMA fighters in the world. He is best known for his participation in the Ultimate Fighting Championships, Pride Fighting Championships, the World Wrestling Federation, Total Nonstop Wrestling Action and Pancrase. No other fighter possesses the credentials that has rightfully earned him the title of The World's Most Dangerous Man. Who would've thought this four-time heavyweight UFC champion and Hall of Fame member would have a sweet spot for BBQ? This is Ken's first year as a judge.
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