Maurice “Mo” Stewart, the man behind the underrated Brother’s Keeper BBQ popup, was named the best barbecue in the region. And not just by any judger. This was Compton native Kevin Bludso, a James Beard award-winning pitmaster, dictating the competition.
It isn’t just a win for Black food in a city that is seeing it slowly dwindle; it is a win for Long Beach proper.
Hold up—what is this Bludso BBQ competition all about?
Compton native, James Beard Award winner, and all-around masterful pitmaster Kevin Bludso decided to pull a Kendrick. He not only wanted to show off Compton with a festival at its airport—dubbed Smoking Out The Hub—but also invited a national lineup of pitmasters and food vendors. And, of course, a competition geared toward highlighting our local barbecuers. And not just any highlight: Bludso pitted city versus city in the competition, making it definitively representative.
“You had to get your city to back you first,” Maurice said, “so I had to go up against some pretty heavy local hitters like Axiom. Eventually, voters picked me, and I couldn’t leave my sister and brother [Qiana and Ian Mafnas of Axiom], so I invited them to work the competition with me.”
The other neighborhoods and cities Mo was up against was a cultural backdrop of SoCal and featured some of the most respected people in barbecue:
- Compton: Kitchen’s Corner
- Watts: Papa’s Kitchen
- Lynwood: Sal’s Backyard
- Inland Empire: Blacksmoke 187 BBQ
- Los Angeles: Ribs in LA BBQ
- South L.A.: Owen’s BBQ (who replaced AGL’s Craft Meats after they dropped out)
- East L.A.: Wagon Boyz BBQ
- Inglewood: Thee Phat Man BBQ
- Carson: Full Send BBQ (whose story should not be missed)
How Brother’s Keeper BBQ snatched the win
Ultimately, it came down to consistency. Each barbecue competitor was asked to cook three proteins in any style they wishes. Chicken, ribs, and brisket. Simple, straight-forward. Competitors could begin their smoking process the night before or the day of. They could use sauces or dry rubs. The only presentation requirement? Make ’em bite-sized.
“It was a style I wasn’t particularly used to—competitive-style presentation,” Maurice said. “Like some folks has their chicken cut from the thighs and then wrapped with breast skin. Things like that. And for a second, it almost made me step away from the competition because I was just there to show off my skills. After some talks with the judges, I just decided to stick with what I know and keep it straight-forward.”
Ultimately, sticking to his gut paid off. Maurice won second in every damn category. Surely, some placed first in one but none in the others—and Maurice’s consistency got him to the overall top spot.
Well done, sir. Well done. And thanks for reppin’ Long Beach and bringing home the gold. Or, in this case, that badass trophy.
For more information on Brother’s Keeper, follow their Instagram.
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