TAKING THE GRILL MASTER CHALLENGE
The Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project once again hosted the the Grill Master Challenge, as barbecue fans gathered for a cause Saturday at Wolf Creek Brewery.
Along the edges of the event, chicken and tri-tip were cooked atop eight grills, as representatives from a local bank, loan centers and more competed in a charity cook-off.
Saturday’s competition was put on by the SCV Escrow Association and began five years ago as a friendly competition.
“It started out with the two escrow companies (owned by) Jim Lombardi and Steve Corn in our parking lot—now, we’ve grown to eight cooks this year,” said Anita Lombardi, member of the SCV Escrow Association and wife of the association’s president, Jim.
“This is the second year that we have hosted the Grill Master Challenge at the brewery,” said Laina McFerren, cofounder of the brewery. “They’re great people to work with, and we’re happy to give back.”
Each team grilled tri-tip and chicken using their choice of marinade, rub and seasonings.
The meat was judged by a trio of professional chefs.
“I am a recent local business owner that owns a restaurant, and I got lucky enough to get invited after a catering we did,” said one of the judges, Eric Tovar-Plummer from Cathy’s Deli in Newhall.
Additionally, attendees were allowed to sample from all of the contestants and vote for the winner of the people’s choice award.
The eight grillers, each representing a different organization, all competed for the same goal: the raise funds for the SCV Youth Project, a nonprofit that serves youth in local junior high and high schools through outreach and individual counseling.
“It’s great for the Santa Clarita Youth Project. Raising a lot of money to help our kids,” said Ken Harris, who grilled for the First American 1031 Exchange. He competed in the event along with his family.
“I love barbecue, my husband barbecues,” said Anita Lombardi, “and it’s a great way to get the community together.”