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Bosses of the Sauces
By Jamie Hetrick
Staff Writer|Troy Daily News
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COLUMBUS, OH, August 5, 2008 - The owners of Hickory River Smokehouse added a little flavor to the annual Ohio State Fair rib -off when they entered the contest and walked away with the grand prize.
The restaurant, which has offered diners "real Texas barbecue," since they opened in Tipp City in 2006, was awarded the grand prize Aug. 5 for best barbecue sauce and for best pulled pork sandwich for 2008 during the annual pork rib-off cooking contest.
Having never entered any sort of competition before, cooking or otherwise, owners Brad and Krista Bowman said they were surprised when they received entry information from the Ohio State Fair board.
"We are so proud of this," Brad Bowman said of the awards.
Besides a trophy - and the honor - the first-place winner also walked away with a $1,000 prize.
Bowman, who opened his first barbecue restaurant in Urbana, Ill. in 1995, said they didn't change a thing for the contest.
"We did it exactly the way we do it every day," he said.
The Bowmans were required to prepare the food ahead of time and take enough to provide both the judges and the public with samples.
"It was gone within 45 minutes," Bowman added of the 40 pounds of pork and the 10 slabs of ribs they prepared to give away.
Although he did not seek out the opportunity to compete in competitions of this sort, he said he wouldn't mind competing again.
The Bowmans, who reside in Tipp City with sons Brady, 12, and Jessie, 8, said they always |
Owners of Hickory River Smokehouse, Krista and Brad Bowman, stand outside their restaurant with their children Brady, 12, and Jesse, 8, in Tipp City. Hickory River was awarded the grand prize for best barbecue sauce and for best pulled pork sandwich at the Ohio State Fair. Staff Photos/Anthony Weber
Brad Bowman pulls whole pork butt from a shoulder Monday at his restaurant in Tipp City. |
have been in the restaurant business and saw a need for a barbecue restaurant, but not just any barbecue restaurant.
"Good barbecue is hard to find," he said.
Hickory River Smokehouse offers brisket - tender smoked beef - Bowman said, as well as homemade side dishes, most of which are made fresh in the restaurant.
The brisket is hand-carved in front of customers. The sauce, a long-time family recipe made more flavorful for the smoked meat, isn't added to the brisket until ordered.
The restaurant, complete with a large dining area, drive-thru, carry-out and catering for up to 5,000, is located just off Interstate 75 (exit 68) in Tipp City at 135 S. Garber Drive. Hickory River is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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135 S. Garber Rd.
937-669-BBQ1 (2271) |
1706 N. Cunningham Ave.
217-337-1656 |
2343 N. Dirksen Pkway
217-528-BBQ1 (2271)
2917 West Iles
217-793-2272
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2330 S. Mt. Zion Rd.
217-864-1864 |
5101 W. Holiday Dr.
309-683-1227 |
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