Shame On Me! (and don't even mention the word chicken)

Oh, hello, there.

Remember me?

Yes, I know, it's probably a hazy memory but, hopefully it's not all lost!

Suffice it to say I've been burning the candle at both ends working on my film project, playing gigs and just general work and being worn out.  I thought about making a trailer for the film but how would I make a trailer for a 9 minute film without giving everything away?  So, the suspense is just going have to kill you in the meantime.  But I'll have another outtake up soon.

Haven't traveled as much lately as I would have liked but there are always in-between times that have to be endured so you can get to the good stuff, right?

First things first:  I still can't stomach chicken.  Period.  Don't want to think about it, don't want to look at it.  Can't eat it.  So don't even mention it!

Osyka is the last stop in Mississippi before you cross the Louisiana line.  It's a really cute little town and currently featured in Mississippi Magazine.  

The 1st annual Chicken-Fixin' Cook-Off kicked off during Osyka's Fall Festival that has been going now for about 25 years.  My friend Andi and I had a good drive down there and arrived around 10am.  We found the judging HQ and soon thereafter, chicken began arriving for judging.

Outside, the tents were buzzing with activity and the cookers were smoking.  Show time!  (Andi got to choose the best decorated tent.)

 

 

 

The smell filled the room and since it was around 11 at this point, our mouths began to water.   We judged on aroma, presentation/visual appeal, texture and taste.   

Here's the brain trust below, inspecting one of the entries.

 

 

Prepared, complete with chicken bib.  These were the nicest bunch of men!  And entertaining, as you can imagine.

Categories were Wings:  Amateur & Professional; Entrees: Amateur & Professional

 

 A close-up.  They were good!

One for tasting, one for looking.

 

The Osyka adventure was a lot of fun and the chicken judging went well up until a certain point.  Let me put it this way:  there were 5 of us judging (*and eating*) for 4 separate categories and each category had about 6 or 7 entries a piece.  Even if you have just a small bite or two to taste for flavor, it adds up.  And then sooner or later, it just all tastes like, well...chicken.

Once the judging was over and Andi worked on tallying the scores, I honestly thought it was going to be necessary at one point to just purge behind a bush or something.  I thought I was going to die!  It was the ultimate food baby...more like twins in this case.  UGH!  We were all pretty full, but the other judges had done it before and apparently had a 2nd stomach on retainer.  They did mention it would be good to have more people and split up the judging categories, so maybe next year, that will happen for the sake of future judges!

The official picture of the Osyka Chicken-Fixin' Judging Panel.

The Aftermath. 

Can you see the pain in my face??  

It was all I could do to smile...This is me (L) & Andi (R).

Overall, it was a really fun day.  We explored the fall festival.  There were so many good food vendors - not that I was in the market for more food - but we took a good bit home for later.  

Osyka was a railroad town and the tracks are still busy and run parallel to Main Street.  There's one going past as I took the photo of the pig cooker. 

 I bought some homemade pralines from a really nice man.  His wife made them and they were the best I've tasted!

At this tent below, they sold red beans and rice. 

 Look at how much they made in the cast iron pot!  It looked really good. 

And last but not least, there was a man and his family making fresh pork skins right then and there.  I got a little video of it, which I will post tomorrow.  It's fun to watch.  

Osyka was so much fun.  I love exploring new places.  Hope y'all are doing well!

The Chicken Strikes Back

Happy Saturday!

While you are probably sleeping in past the hour of 7 a.m. this morning, me and my friend Andi, will soon be on the road to the town of Osyka, Mississippi (pronounced O-sie-ka).

Where's that, you ask?

If you are traveling down I-55, you'll find it's just off Exit 1, right before you hit the Louisiana line.  The reason both Andi and I are so excited about this trip can be summed up in one word (ok, two and a half):  Chicken Cook-off!

Months ago, while I was in the midst of writing the Mississippi Culinary Trail, there was an email forwarded to me about this event that coincides with their Fall Festival and could I add it to the Trail?  I spoke to Kim with the Osyka Civic Club at length and she was was thrilled beyond measure about the festivities. She then asked me if I would be a food judge.  I didn't have to think twice about that.  Of course!  

Andi is getting roped into helping with some of the judging process and also helping pick the Best Decorated Kitchen set-up.  This experience is a no-brainer on so many levels...

The Chickin' Fixin' Competition teams have been meticulously preparing their dishes to present to me and three other judges who will be on hand to taste, smell and ultimately judge their chicken creations.

It's obvious to see why this is such an adventure for us.  Have you ever heard of Osyka?  Yeah, me neither really besides Culinary Trail entry.  Have you ever been?  Nope, me neither.  Small town Mississippi?  Yes, please!  

This is going to prove to be a fun day for sure!  Kim told us to fast for a couple of days because there would be so much food.  Whoa.

Osyka's Fall Festival is happening today from 8:00am to 5:30pm, with food and craft booths, free musical entertainment and kid-friendly activities.  And don't forget about the poultry extravaganza!

Another thing I'm excited to do when we visit Osyka is Nyla's Burger Basket.  It is a Culinary Trail entry, known for their burgers, hand-dipped onion rings and cajun fries.  I've never been before so the excitement is definitely building for me...(I'm hungry already)

Have a good weekend and I'll report back on Monday!  

Bok!