The HPBExpo in New Orleans: A big chance to compete and shine
The last time House of BBQ Experts and our founder Max Lavoie headed to the HPBExpo, we came home with a VESTA award for Best Accessory (All-in-1). We’re all excited as Max and Pierre-Luc Darveau will return to compete in the 2020 HPBExpo in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 12th.
The HPBExpo is a four-day event that features the annual VESTA Awards, cook-off contests, educational panels, keynote speakers and even a “New Product Pavilion.”
This year we’re doing something very exciting. We were lucky enough to claim one of just six spots to compete in the 2020 HPBExpo’s Big Green Egg Cook-Off, a ‘chef’s choice’ style contest where each team must use the Big Green Egg to wow the judges.
We caught up with Max to ask him about his upcoming trip to New Orleans:
House of BBQ Experts:
Why are you and Pierre-Luc competing in the Cook-Off?
Max Lavoie:
Everytime we go somewhere we want to compete and raise the bar for ourselves and for our company. We have a competitor’s mindset and we love to win whenever we can. Since we weren’t 100% sure if we’d compete in the VESTA awards, we knew we really wanted to compete in the Big Green Egg contest.
We’re going to do everything we can to win. As soon as the BBQ starts I think people will know how serious we are.
House of BBQ Experts:
What’s different this time compared to your last trip to the HPBExpo?
Max Lavoie:
Last time we were ready, but we weren’t ‘totally ready’. Now I feel it’s different – this time we’re totally, completely prepared and ready to go.
The HPBA expo is the biggest show in the industry, so it’s really nice just as a visitor. But to exhibit there is the greatest opportunity our company can have, so I’m really pumped.
House of BBQ Experts:
What was it like last year?
Max Lavoie:
Since it was our first time, we didn’t know exactly what to expect. Last year was in Dallas and I think there were less spectators and competitors than usual. But this year will be big. New Orleans is the biggest party city in North America, so everyone wants to go there. We heard there would be a lot of people so we’re very excited.
House of BBQ Experts:
Why are you so excited for the Big Green Egg Cook-Off this year?
Max Lavoie:
Because we didn’t cook last year! Last year I tried to register but it was sold out. This year I got one of the six spots. So last year we competed in the VESTA awards and we won for innovation/best product, for the All-in-1.
House of BBQ Experts:
You’ll compete against 5 other teams. What can you tell us about your strategy?
Max Lavoie:
That’s top secret information! But I can tell you I’ll be cooking some winning stuff. It’s not like a regular BBQ competition where you have to cook one of each meat. This is called a “Chef’s Choice” contest, where I can cook whatever I want. And that’s what I’m good at.
House of BBQ Experts:
You must cook it on the Big Green Egg. Does that present any challenges for you?
Max Lavoie:
You don’t cook with fire because you have to: you cook with fire because you love to.
I’ve never really worked with the Big Green Egg brand but it’s a BBQ and it’s fire, so I should be alright. I’ve grilled on a lot of egg-style BBQs so I’m excited for the challenge.
House of BBQ Experts:
Will you tell us what sauces and spices you’ll use?
Max Lavoie:
I’m probably going to make something with House of BBQ Experts Explorer and Montreal spice rubs. And I’ll probably finish it with our amazing Maple Bourbon sauce. I want to win this contest with our flavors!
House of BBQ Experts:
Are you going to hit up all the great spots in New Orleans?
Max Lavoie:
I’ve never been there before but I heard it’s awesome! We’re going to explore the city and I’ll be happy if we get to see some alligators. I’m definitely going to eat some gumbo, crawfish, Po Boys, and any of the best local dishes.
Editor’s note: With all that confidence, can we call Max Lavoie the Mike Tyson of BBQ? Even though the competition hasn’t started yet, he told us he’s already thinking of where he’ll put the trophy! 😁
But seriously, Max and Pierre-Luc are super excited to meet all the other teams and get to work. Let’s go!
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