Goldstar

• Rated 4.0
• Written on May 11 2009

This was my first year going to the BBQ fest. I had a BLAST. I've read several of the other reviews. I know a lot of people are saying it was over crowded, there wasn't enough places to sit and they didnt like the cover, the drink lines were too long... Blah blah blah... Bottom Line. You get a chance to eat good BBQ at one of the best beaches in the world. That isn't gonna happen anywhere else.

I liked that those who had tickets at will call got in one hour earlier than those who were paying the day of the event. We went in ahead of the line cruised around, bought all the beer tickets we were gonna need for the day (if your smart you buy several tickets early then go back to the servers and just ask for your beer) found a cool place to sit and started enjoying the day. Of course, you don't give up your seat till your ready to leave. Its a team effort at events like this. Someone stays at the table watching the drinks and seats while the other gets the food.

I really enjoyed the in & outs privilege. It let you go walk off some of the food. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You could even enjoy a carnival ride before heading back for more food.

I must admit I did my best to try as much as possible. I loved the Mac & cheese from Baby Blues. I think that was my favorite plate. I actually enjoyed it with a Mad Dog sauce from a booth out of Pasadena. The root beer float was pretty good too.

All in all this was a good day. The event is in its infancy. I have no doubt that those trivial little complaints people had will be addressed in the coming incarnations. I would recommend this event and I my self am going back as long as they have it.

Beach side BBQ. Who doesn't love that!!!

• Rated 3.0
• Written on May 10 2009

This was my first time to this event. I had seen a similiar event on the Food Channel and thought, "Why not?" I took my mother, as it is Mother's Day weekend, and we enjoyed ourselves.

If you know anything about Santa Monica, you know to park for free in Park Place and walk down to the beach (it's not far, and worth NOT paying $10). The venue is on a blocked area of the parking lot. It was well-situated. All the BBQ eateries perimeter the sit-down tables, with a stage for entertainment in the front. Because you may actually want to enjoy the beach inbetween meals, you'll get your wrist stamped for in-and-out privileges.

I didn't notice the line-up of food on GoldStar before I went. I don't think all of those places were represented. Someone had made a comment at the Fest that I agree with. More variety would be nice. I know when you think BBQ, one thinks ribs. But it would have been nice to have someone do chicken, links, burgers, etc. The bulk was ribs and beans. Two vendors did a play off cole slaw, and one with mac and cheese. You could only get bread by buying a Brazilian BBQ sandwich. Next year, Imma open up a stand just to sell bread by the slice/roll/etc. It's a lot of meat flowing without carbs!

The beverage line was crazy! But ask me, still not worth the VIP "front of the line" pass. But my philosophy is different than most. What else have you got to do? But once you reach the cashier, buy as many tickets as you think you'll need for the day, then going back is a hassle-free experience.

The entertainment was interesting. I think they should have bands of all venues, since the event seems to cater to all kinds. I can't stand rock, which is mostly what I got. Can I have jazz, country, R&B--you know, a mix. 5 hours of rock got on my nerves. But for the good company, I might have left off of that alone.

The dessert line was as bad as the beverage line, so I didn't even attempt it. I bought a root beer float from the non-alkie beverage line and called it a day.

We did two meals: one my Mom liked but I thought was awful (one of the Memphis ones), and the second from Baby Blues, who even though they ran out of BBQ sauce, had the most tender, pull-off-the-bone ribs ever!

Yep, it's worth going back. Next year, with a table of (6) friends and cards/dominoes.

• Rated 3.0
• Written on May 11 2009

This is my second time attending this event with my boyfriend and his cousins. Last year, we got two VIP passes and one regular admission and thought it was worth it because the line for LC's BBQ (which, if you ask me, is one of the two best BBQ's at the festival) and the beverage line was ridiculously long. There were less people there on Sunday this year, maybe because it fell on a Mother's Day, but it was good for us because we immediately found a table with an umbrella. It was definitely more organized this year. So I would assume in the following years, it'll become increasingly more organized.

As far as the BBQ goes, there were more restaurants being represented from out of state than last year, which is great. I love the fact that I can try BBQ from another state without having to travel there. As mentioned above, LC's was one of the best as well as the Chicago one, who had literally fall-off-the-bone, finger-sucking ribs and their sauces were fantastic too. The peach cobbler was my favorite dessert, but there was a really long line for it, but I thought it was worth it. I suggest not getting the cupcakes because they were of average size and cost $3.00 when you could get a dozen cupcakes for a little more.

I would definitely go again next year to see what vendors they'll have. I definitely think my boyfriend and his cousins will make this a yearly thing.