Stakes have never been higher at RGV Cook-off

Most weekends Danny Luera smells like smoke and various meats. As a competitive cook, he seeks cook-offs throughout the state and country the way a pirate seeks booty.

If the entry fee is reasonable and the drive isn’t too far, Luera, 40, is likely at a barbecue competition trying to take first place. That is exactly what he did last year at the Fajita Cook-off, now known as the RGV Cook-off.

The RGV Cook-Off is a part of Palmfest, a two-day celebration of international folklife in McAllen. The Palmfest event starts Saturday, Oct. 3 at noon and ends on Sunday at the McAllen convention center. Admission and parking are free.

The barbecue competition is celebrating its 35th year in the Rio Grande Valley, and the name change seemed fitting because it is a sanctioned event. It now includes more categories than fajitas and is also a state championship cook-off.

Now the overall winner of the event, or grand champion, will have the chance to participate in the American Royal Invitational in Kansas City, Mo., and they will be included in the draw for the Jack Daniel’s Invitational in Tennessee.

Luera’s obsession with cooking began when he was about 7 years old, helping his father with barbecue at home. He’s loved cooking ever since. After earning a degree in culinary arts from South Texas College, the San Juan resident became a personal chef, preparing dinners for two either at his home or on location.

In 2005, Luera tried out competitive cooking and tasted his first small victory. At the Fajita Cook-Off, he nabbed third place in fajitas.

“I had a couple sticks of mesquite and a little backyard barbecue,” he said. “I did it just like I did at home, and I’ve been doing it that way ever since.”

While he doesn’t attend a cook-off every weekend, he averages 30 or more each year. This year he’s already been given the title “Cook of the Year” by the Rio Grande Barbecue Association.

His team, “Big D’s BBQ” isn’t really a team at all – he’s the only one there.

“It’s easier for me because I don’t have to rely on anyone else. And if something gets burned or dropped, I don’t have anyone to blame but myself,” Luera said.

Mary Contreras and her team, “Fast Lane BBQ”, secured the Reserve Grand Champion title for 2008, or second place, after scores from each category were tallied. It was the team’s first time at the Fajita Cook-Off, so the win was surprising.

“We got lucky last year, that’s what I think,” the 37-year-old said.

She and her husband, Joseph, got involved through his father, who has been doing barbecue competitions for more than 20 years.

“We helped him with a cook-off one year, and he had a minor stroke that day,” Mary said. “We had to automatically take over. He made my husband head cook at the time.”

Now the couple compete against Joseph’s father, the man who taught them what they know about barbecue.

They weren’t nervous last year, but this time around, “Fast Lane BBQ” has a title to defend.

“I know how it feels to win now,” Mary said. “It feels good. I’m hoping, but if we don’t win, that’s fine.”

Both winners have the same strategy – have a good time.

“Cook like you’re cooking at home,” Luera said. “When you cook at home, when you’re cooking for your family, you put so much work into it, and you enjoy it. It’s not a competition, it’s about fun. Those are the guys who always win.”

Last year 35 teams competed for the title of Grand Champion, but if things go as Fajita Cook-Off founder Christopher Julian expects, there will be 50 or more on Saturday – especially since this year there is $10,000 guaranteed in prize money.

This year the event will also span both days of Palmfest instead of just the one. Pan de campo and frijoles a la charra are part of a jackpot cook-off that is unsanctioned. The cost is $25 to participate with 100 percent pay out.

“We want to be the biggest, coolest, hottest cook-off in the state,” Julian said.

PALMFEST/RGV COOKOFF
WHEN: Noon, Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4
WHERE: McAllen Convention Center, Expressway 83 and Ware Road, McAllen
COST: Free
MORE INFO: www.mcallenpalmfest.com

Amy Nichol Smith covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4420.