MEMPHIS, Tenn. — This week the smell of Memphis BBQ is stronger than ever, and to several competitors, they would not have it any other way.
Teams have come from all over to compete in Memphis this week, either at SmokeSlam or the World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest (WCBCC). Some travel from other states, others from across the world.
Since 2007, the Norwegian National BBQ Team have traveled to Memphis, to fight to be the best pit master at the WCBCC.
“It’s kind of coming home in it’s own way,” said Craig Whitson, with the Norwegian National BBQ Team. "We have one competition every year, and it’s here.”
When Whitson first moved to Norway in the 1980s, he realized a lot of the foods he grew up with in the United States. This eventually inspired Whitson to open his first restaurant and explore a way to share his memories of BBQ, eventually forming the Norwegian team.
“For us, the most, best and biggest BBQ competition in the world,” said Bjørn Teigen, with the Norwegian National BBQ Team.
Compared to a lot of other competitions, Norway's main one is still relatively new, only existing for a few decades according to Whitson. However, Norwegian's are no stranger to a grill, often grilling burgers and sausage in the parks in the summer, and the record shows with the BBQ team.
Their first year the Norwegian National BBQ team made it to the main stage, a record they have continued thanks to the elite culinary talent on the team. Each member has a decent amount of cooking experience, whether it is in a restaurant or cooking for Norway's royal family.
“We also have chefs, and one works in Norway’s premiere butcher shop,” said Whitson.
For the team, what keeps them coming back to the Bluff City year after year is the comradery, and the bridge food creates between cultures.
“If you love people, give them tasty food,” said Teigen.
“Eating grilled foods are the most social way of eating anywhere, and every country has their own tradition for doing this,” said Whitson.