Political spin doctor Josh Cooper eyes fifth barbecue contest title
Chef Josh Cooper holds a plate of brisket and pimento cheese sliders, front left, truffle and mushroom mac and cheese, back left, potato skins with creme fraiché, caviar and chives, front right and watermelon salad. Image via Colin Hackley.
Tallahassee-based political consultant
Josh Cooper is familiar with both sides of the pork barrel. That’s why he’s headed to Memphis to compete at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Cooper, who is
perhaps best known for his record as a pitmaster, plans to take on 200 of the world’s best barbecue chefs for a chance at the $115,000 prize when the championship begins Wednesday. Cooper and his Memphis-based barbecue team, the Swinos, will compete in a series of contents during the competition that runs through Saturday. However, their target demographic will be judges in the ribs category.