Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off Judges
Get to know the judges of the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off:
Jim Heywood
A long-time participant, Jim is an integral part of the judging process. As the head judge, he dictates the process by which the rest of the group will select the winning ribs and sauce each year. A retired instructor at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America's New York campus, Jim and his wife reside in upstate New York, with frequent visits to their property in the Carolinas.
Dave Preston
Known locally as the "Guru of the Good Life," Dave knows barbeque can rise to the level of "really good." He's been a judge many times and, through a variety of local media outlets, keeps the area informed.
Ted Power
New to Northern Nevada and the Rib Cook-off, Ted is the recently appointed publisher of the event's newspaper partner, the Reno Gazette-Journal – and a big-time BBQ fan.
Alan Zemen
A colorful character, Alan has judged the Rib Cook-off many times. 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.
Ken Wayne
Ken is accomplished in the world of major-market television journalism. As a reporter and weekend anchor at KTVU in San Francisco, he has his finger on the pulse of the Bay Area. He'll be getting sticky fingers as a Rib judge for the first time.
Rueben Katz
Rueben returns to the event for a second time. He is currently an instructor at the Culinary Institute of America's campus in the wine country of Northern California. His culinary credentials are impeccable, lending a definite dose of added credibility to the judging process.
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!
Sara Schneider
Sara may have one of the best jobs in media, working as the wine editor at the venerable Sunset Magazine. In fact, she's the publication's former food editor as well, certainly qualifying her to be a first-time judge in Sparks.
Terry McQuattie
Terry joins us this year as a representative for U.S. Bank, the Rib Cook-off's major presenting sponsor. This is his first time judging the event.
Al Pierleoni
Al is a behind-the-scenes guy in the media world. As an editor for the Sacramento Bee's weekly entertainment publication, "Ticket," he knows what's happening in Northern California and Nevada. He also knows BBQ and is a repeat 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 first year as a judge at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off.
Dotty Griffith
With an award-winning career as a Dallas Morning News food writer in the rearview mirror, Dotty has turned her attention fulltime to the world of barbeque. She now travels with a multi-media troupe of BBQ gurus called, "Smokin' a Phattie," who traverse the country in search of the best. Patty has been a Rib Cook-off judge for many years.
Marianne McClary
Marianne wakes up the state capitol every morning as the co-anchor of the area's top-rated morning TV show Good Day Sacramento. A second-year judge and long-time BBQ aficionado, she takes her judging duties very seriously, and may even squeeze in a round of golf with her new husband while they're here.
Curtis Worral
Curtis is the proprietor of a local wine enterprise called "Whispering Vine Wine Company." He also knows BBQ and is a second-year participant.
Patty Burness
As a lifestyle writer/ travel columnist for Northside San Francisco, Patty has the enviable job of experiencing very cool things, and telling her readers about it. She'll have a first-time experience at the Rib Cook-off this year.
Rob Benes
Rob is the editor at one of the industry's most-read and respected publications, Chef Magazine. Based in Chicago, Rob comes to the Rib Cook-off for the first time.
Tad Dunbar
Tad is a fixture in Northern Nevada and at the Rib Cook-off. A multiple-time judge, he recently retired after nearly 40 years as a TV news anchor at KOLO in Reno.
Jim Heywood
A long-time participant, Jim is an integral part of the judging process. As the head judge, he dictates the process by which the rest of the group will select the winning ribs and sauce each year. A retired instructor at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America's New York campus, Jim and his wife reside in upstate New York, with frequent visits to their property in the Carolinas.
Dave Preston
Known locally as the "Guru of the Good Life," Dave knows barbeque can rise to the level of "really good." He's been a judge many times and, through a variety of local media outlets, keeps the area informed.
Ted Power
New to Northern Nevada and the Rib Cook-off, Ted is the recently appointed publisher of the event's newspaper partner, the Reno Gazette-Journal – and a big-time BBQ fan.
Alan Zemen
A colorful character, Alan has judged the Rib Cook-off many times. 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.
Ken WayneKen is accomplished in the world of major-market television journalism. As a reporter and weekend anchor at KTVU in San Francisco, he has his finger on the pulse of the Bay Area. He'll be getting sticky fingers as a Rib judge for the first time.
Rueben Katz
Rueben returns to the event for a second time. He is currently an instructor at the Culinary Institute of America's campus in the wine country of Northern California. His culinary credentials are impeccable, lending a definite dose of added credibility to the judging process.
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!
Sara SchneiderSara may have one of the best jobs in media, working as the wine editor at the venerable Sunset Magazine. In fact, she's the publication's former food editor as well, certainly qualifying her to be a first-time judge in Sparks.
Terry McQuattie
Terry joins us this year as a representative for U.S. Bank, the Rib Cook-off's major presenting sponsor. This is his first time judging the event.
Al Pierleoni
Al is a behind-the-scenes guy in the media world. As an editor for the Sacramento Bee's weekly entertainment publication, "Ticket," he knows what's happening in Northern California and Nevada. He also knows BBQ and is a repeat judge.
Troy BlackTroy 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 first year as a judge at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off.
Dotty GriffithWith an award-winning career as a Dallas Morning News food writer in the rearview mirror, Dotty has turned her attention fulltime to the world of barbeque. She now travels with a multi-media troupe of BBQ gurus called, "Smokin' a Phattie," who traverse the country in search of the best. Patty has been a Rib Cook-off judge for many years.
Marianne McClaryMarianne wakes up the state capitol every morning as the co-anchor of the area's top-rated morning TV show Good Day Sacramento. A second-year judge and long-time BBQ aficionado, she takes her judging duties very seriously, and may even squeeze in a round of golf with her new husband while they're here.
Curtis Worral
Curtis is the proprietor of a local wine enterprise called "Whispering Vine Wine Company." He also knows BBQ and is a second-year participant.
Patty Burness
As a lifestyle writer/ travel columnist for Northside San Francisco, Patty has the enviable job of experiencing very cool things, and telling her readers about it. She'll have a first-time experience at the Rib Cook-off this year.
Rob Benes
Rob is the editor at one of the industry's most-read and respected publications, Chef Magazine. Based in Chicago, Rob comes to the Rib Cook-off for the first time.
Tad DunbarTad is a fixture in Northern Nevada and at the Rib Cook-off. A multiple-time judge, he recently retired after nearly 40 years as a TV news anchor at KOLO in Reno.
