If knowing when to delegate authority is in fact a hallmark of brilliant leaders, someone hand Sen. Angus King the keys to the Oval Office right freaking now.  

The Maine independent may not have taken any of the top honors Wednesday night at the March of Dimes’ annual Gourmet Gala, but he’s got our vote for most creative problem solver.  

Rather than wrack his brains for a family tradition that might have helped him surmount the culinary offerings presented by fellow solons, King threw red meat at the problem: barbecue from Kenny’s Smokehouse, to be exact.    

“Call Kenny’s Smoke House and order ribs … wait one half hour. Pick up food,” reads the rib-tickling recipe King supplied event organizers.  

He appears to have impeccable taste. President Barack Obama is no stranger to the Capitol Hill haunt. Some believe fictional POTUS Francis J. Underwood’s favorite eatery, Freddy’s, is likely modeled after the neighborhood hole in the wall.  

Alas, King’s genius appears to have been wasted on the philanthropic set.  

Lawmakers that wound up wowing the guest judges included:

• Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan.: curried chicken balls (People’s Choice Award);
• Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga.: chicken pot pie (Best Presentation);
• Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr., D-Ga.: lemon pepper chicken with chili peppers (Health & Happiness);
• Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska: salmon cakes (American Regional Cuisine);
• Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif.: brown sugar bacon skewers (Easiest Preparation) [You were robbed, Sen. King!]; and,
• Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del.: Bavarian apple tart (Best in Show)

Buck up, sir.  

Anytime you need help wolfing down unctuous hunks of smoky, bark-covered meat candy, don’t hesitate to give us a call.  

And if you’re looking to up your incredibly astute game next year, maybe consider working DCity Smokehouse into your “cooking” rotation.  

The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.