From the Columbus Dispatch:
Beating them at their gameWhen he first entered the Cajun Hot Sauce Festival in Louisiana several years ago, John Hard, a Columbus maker of hot sauces, wasn’t feeling any Southern hospitality.
“They didn’t even think we grew peppers up here,” he recalled.
Then a funny thing happened: The owner of CaJohns won first place in three of the five categories, and a Buckeye was named grand champion in Cajun country.
“Nobody could believe (that) this guy they were making fun of (won),” said Hard, who sells his sauces at the North Market and online (www.cajohns.com).
Two years later, in 2006, he took three more first-place prizes, and again became the grand champion.
“We went down there and kind of smoked ’em twice,” he mused.
The OSU fan hopes that his team will do the same.
His advice for bayou beatings: “Just believe in yourself, and stay with your game plan.”
Written by CaJohn
Nick Lindauer founded Hot Sauce Blog in 2004, making it one of the internet's very first hot sauce review sites. After 20+ years of tasting, reviewing, and attending every major fiery foods event in the country, he's back behind the keyboard covering the hot sauce world he helped build.
11 responses to “It’s official. Ohio trumps Louisiana”
Congrats CaJohn !!!!!
Great Job CaJohn!!!
They didn’t tonight though, that’s for sure! 🙂
Hey, at least they played in the game rather than stinking it up like my team did all year.
I’d love to reply about how awesome CaJohn’s is, and how much of a gentleman and mentor John Hard has been to me….BUT I am still too bitter, ashamed, and crying over the Buckeye’s horrible loss last nite to be able to type. Maybe later I will be able to type more…..
Congrat’s CaJohn!!!! Sorry to hear about the Buckeye’s loss last night.
The buckeye flags are at half-mast over 2040 Oakland Park. Grief counselors are on hand at the former site of the Harold Hard Co to help employees with their loss.
They ought to be practiced at it by now 😛
Congrats CAJOHN!!!! All of your hard work and time spent developing sauces are now getting the recognition you deserve. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!
Thanks to all for the pats on the back! Buckeye fans are unfortunately used to the kicks in the butt our team takes in the finals. The good thing though is we have been there 3 out of the last 6 years, not to mention the NCAA tournament loss in the finals. We’re proud of our Buckeyes, and they will win the championship again, but we’re used to these setbacks…like the Cubs fans say, wait ’til NEXT YEAR!
CAJOHN is a big Buckeye Fan??? Why did I not know this??? =]
ButchT aka TigerB8
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I thought he was a gator fan. 😉
that is DOPE!!!!!