So you may be one of my readers who’s SO OVER reading about the stupid barbecue contests that I compete in. “Big deal, who cares, I’ll never cook at these things anyway,” you say.

Well, if you love barbecue and don’t want to deal with the expense and stress of competing, why not participate in contests as a certified BBQ judge?

The California BBQ Association is hosting a judging class this Saturday August 25 in Burbank from 9am to 3pm. You will learn the rules of judging a Kansas City Barbecue Society contest, and as a CBJ (certified barbecue judge), you can participate in the many KCBS sanctioned contests across the country.

This class needs to have at least 20 people signed up to move forward. There are only 16 people paid up at this time, so if you’re interested, please don’t wait. Signup is quick and easy to do online. The class costs $30 if you’re already a KCBS member, or $65 to become one.

Please click through to the California BBQ Association site for details.

The Culinary Historians of Southern California are sponsoring a used cookbook sale in two weeks at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market. This food historians’ group is based at the Los Angeles Public Library, so my guess is their used book sale will be pretty good. Disclaimer: I haven’t been to one of their book sales, so save the hate mail if it turns out I’m wrong.

Go buy more books you don’t have room for. Better yet, donate some of your cookbooks that you don’t love any more, and send them off to a worthy new home. Proceeds support the Culinary Historians of Southern California.

For more information call 213-228-7201

Sunday August 26, 2007
8 am - 1 pm
Hollywood Farmer’s Market at Ivar & Selma Avenue
(between Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards)

Free parking available:
1) Doolittle Theater parking lot (1623 N. Vine St).
2) Cinerama Dome: 1 hour free or two hours for $1 with market validation
3) L.A. Film School: $3 parking (at NE corner of Ivar & Sunset)
4) Street parking is free on Sundays