BBQ Cookoff in Breaux Bridge to Be Featured on Food Network Tonight

The annual Operations Smoke Sheaux BBQ cook-off is something that I have been lucky to be a part of since it started. It's a highlight of my year just getting to watch my good friend Blake Adams and his team of volunteers pull off a world-class event to benefit student veterans at UL Lafayette. But this year's event held back in March is getting a lot of attention as the food network descended on Cajun country to show this competition to the whole world.

The event will be featured tonight at 10p Eastern / 9p Central on Food Network's #BBQUSA. World-renowned Chef Michael Symon was on-hand at Poche's RV Park in Breaux Bridge to taste the best the competitors have to offer.

Each year, Operation Smoke Sheaux raises about $20,000 with a large portion benefiting UL Lafayette's Student Veterans association. The rest goes to the winners of the competition who are also trying to qualify for the world championship of BBQ cook-offs. This year's donation was $11,000 to support the work of the student veterans.

It is a family affair, with hundreds of people in attendance at Poche's RV Park in Breaux Bridge. There are three categories: brisket, pork ribs, and chicken. This year, I was at the judge's table with KTDY's Bernadette Lee and Lafayette Parish School Board Member Justin Centanni.

This year there was an added event... GUMBO. The Friday night is when a specialty competition happens outside of the actual events. This year, the Food Network crew was treated to the dark roux delicacy in the place where it was created. It will no-doubt be a big feature on tonight's show.

10p Eastern / 9p Central on Food Network.