It seems as though Philadelphia is going through something like a BBQ revolution. The number of BBQ restaurants seems to have doubled, maybe even tripled in the recent months. This is a good thing for me and the owners of A Full Plate Cafe and Home Slice in Northern Liberties because together we're organizing the 3rd Annual Rib Cook-Off in September of 2009.

If you're a professional cook or restaurateur you can enter the Professional Division of competition to battle the BBQ prowess of El Camino Real and other local BBQ experts.

If you're not a professional, we have an amateur division where you can battle your neighbors to see who has the best backyard BBQ recipes and techniques.

Categories for Professional Teams include Ribs, Brisket and Vegetarian, while categories for Amateur Teams include Ribs, Anything Goes and Vegetarian.

We'll be setting the whole Rib Cook-Off up in The Piazza at Schmidt's and Stoudt's brewery and Sailor Jerry Rum have graciously agreed to keep the libations flowing throughout the day.

If you'd just like to show up and eat the wonderful samples from both Professional and Amateur teams, it's just 20 bucks for a ticket and a cup.

For details on rules and regulations or to download an entry form, please visit A Full Plate's Annual Rib Cook-Off official website.

Mark you calendars today and spread the word to your friends who think they have what it takes to compete to win First Place in the 3rd Annual Rib Cook-Off!