By Susan Smallheer, Vermont Country Magazine.
BRATTLEBORO — Chefs from all over New England will compete this fall in a charity barbeque event in Brattleboro to benefit Black Mountain Assisted Family Housing.
The 5th annual charity event, ‘Que for a Cause,’ will pit both professional and amateur chefs, cooking their best version of barbequed chicken, pulled pork, and ribs.
The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Retreat Farm, and will be open to the public from noon until 3 p.m.
Organizer and local competitor Peter “Fish” Case of Brattleboro said another category was added to this year’s competition — “anything wrapped in bacon.”
“The Northeast Barbeque Society is passionate about fostering the rich tradition of barbecue in the Northeast. Their mission is to create a vibrant community where barbecue enthusiasts from all walks of life can come together to share their love for grilling, smoking, and everything in between,” said Case.
He said the competition will explore “the diverse flavors, techniques, and stories that make barbecue truly special.”
Case said that he planned on entering the competition again this year in every category.
He said he finds the culinary requirements for traditional brisket daunting — 17 hours of slow roasting. “I’m still afraid of brisket,” he said, but he said the traditional barbequing motto is “Low and Slow.”
Case and Chad Farnum founded the competition five years ago in an effort to raise money for Black Mountain Assisted Family Housing, which provides housing for adults with developmental disabilities. Case said that his co-founder of the event, Chad Farnum, “is big in the smoking world” when it comes to barbequeing.
Case was closed-mouthed when asked about his secrets to barbequeing. “It’s all about the rub,” he said, declining to say what spice ingredients were in his rub, and how long he rubbed the meat before the cooking starts.
He said that this year there will be a “Kid’s Grilled Cheese” contest.
The money that is raised by the benefit comes primarily from sponsorships, and entry fees. Casella Waste is this year’s event’s main sponsor.
He said last year, the “‘Cue For A Cause” raised about $7,000, all of which went directly to Black Mountain Assisted Family Housing, which provides permanent housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. It has been in Brattleboro for 23 years.
The event was moved to the Retreat Farm this year, from the Brattleboro Commons, and he said the additional space will give them more flexibility.
He said he hopes to add food trucks and music to this year’s event, to make it a more festive atmosphere.
This year’s main sponsor is Casella Waste Systems, and Brattleboro Savings and Loan is providing the competition’s prize money.
As it was last year, the competition is sanctioned by the Northeast Barbecue Society, which will allow winners to go on to regional barbequeing competitions. Case said he expects between 10 and 15 different teams this year. Last year, competitors came from Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and one from Pennsylvania.
For additional information and to fill out an entry form, www.bmafl.org/join-us.
