Barbecue contests for charity announced

Back Alley Blues and BBQ, opening next spring, has a unique plan for its menu that brings the community and charitable giving together.  Back Alley’s “Side Search” is a three-month series of monthly cook-offs where the community members  will provide their best recipes for pre-determined side dishes to be selected for the restaurant’s menu.

The entry fee for the event will be a $5 donation that goes toward The American Heart Association in memorial of Marcus Takach, who passed away from unforeseen heart problems during the Route 66 Half-Marathon in November.

“It’s all about community,” the restaurant’s ownership announced.
 
The food menu of Back Alley will consist of a Memphis-style, dry rub barbecue and traditional southern sides, but the musical offerings of Back Alley are equally as rare to Tulsa.
 
“Back Alley exists to celebrate Tulsa’s rich blues history,” the announcement said. “We have great blues talent—and following -- in our city but no real, reliable venue to showcase it.”
 
The Side Searches will feature live, local blues music in addition to the food competition. Bands for the first round, which will be on January 22, include Danny Buck, Scott Ellison and more.
 
 The cook-offs will be judged equally by a panel of local celebrity judges, the audience, and Ewing.
 
The first Side Search, which will be for a great beans recipe, will take place January 22 at the VFW. The tasting section of the event will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., but the music will continue until midnight.
 
The next Side Search will be for coleslaw in February, and then cobbler in March.