A familiar face in the national barbecue circuit is heading to Summit County to jump-start the excitement that always comes with the upcoming Frisco BBQ Challenge. At 12:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, author Ardie Davis will be at The Next Page Bookstore in Frisco to sign copies of his newest barbecue cookbook, “America’s Best Ribs.”

Davis, best known for his barbecue and his judging, documents tips and recipes for “lip smacking, pull-off-the-bone, pass the sauce, championship BBQ ribs” readers can make at home in “America’s Best Ribs.”

“It’s aimed at the home cook; the recipes are easy to prepare and good,” Davis said. “Your neighbors and friends will definitely be a fan.”

The book includes information on how to select ribs – lamb, pork, beef and bison varieties – how to prepare the ribs and how to cook them. Each recipe also has a story to go with it, so it’s not just a recipe book, according to Davis.

“It has eye candy; a lot of great pictures and stories about different barbecue cooks and the recipes inside,” he said.

Not only is Davis showing up to sign “America’s Best Ribs,” he’s also staying for the weekend to enjoy the Frisco BBQ Challenge. Before the challenge starts, Davis is administering the judges’ oath, but then he’ll be off to have fun.

“Judging is tough, and I like to socialize … I’ll give the oath, then I’ll go play,” he said.

Davis will make his way from team to team throughout the weekend, but don’t expect to see a normal guy. Instead, look for Remus Powers, Ph.B. (doctor of barbecue philosophy) – Davis’s barbecue persona. Remus always has on a bowler hat, a bowtie, tuxedo shirt and an apron displaying his famous name.

“That’s how people know me, it’s fun,” he said of his alter ego.

“America’s Best Ribs” can be purchased at the Next Page Bookstore for $19.99. The bookstore, located on Main St. in Frisco, will have the book available to purchase during the signing.

For more information about Davis and his co-author Paul Kirk and their three other barbecue cookbooks, visit http://www.cookbooks.andrewsmcmeel.com/?p=196.