Festival vendors stick to their ribs Vendors compete to see whose baby backs are the best
By Gerry Smith
Tribune reporter
9:21 PM CDT, June 7, 2008
Calvin Woods doesn't just think he makes the best ribs in town.
"I
know I got the best ribs," said Woods, owner of Calvin's BBQ in Logan Square. "I slow-smoke 'em and only use baby backs."
But inside the cloud of charcoal smoke that hung over Lincoln Avenue on Saturday, many rib vendors tried to stake a similar claim.
Only Al Bovali had history on his side. Having won the distinction of Best Ribs at Ribfest for the last five years, Bovali said he knew the secret to pleasing festival-goers this weekend.
"Everybody's got the same ribs," said Bovali, owner of Cy's Steak and Chophouse at 138 Lincoln Ave. "It's the barbecue sauce that makes it special."
Once a humble block party started by businessmen on Chicago's North Side, Ribfest has blossomed into a large street festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend.
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