Kansas City’s First Ever Kosher BBQ Festival

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of attending Kansas City’s first ever kosher BBQ festival. The weather was perfect, the crowds were pumped (well over 2,000 attended) and the food was smokin’.

Fifteen teams competed in three “events”: Chicken thighs, ribs and brisket. Some teams traveled from as far as Highland Park, IL – and yes, there was even a KOAB team – go Frankie, Chaim, Adam, Brad, Nate and Greg!

For those unfamiliar with true Kansas City style BBQ, the meat was smoked all night long! My husband and his friends left home right after Shabbat, with their wood chips, bbq sauce and t’fillin – prepared for an all-nighter of meat, meat, meat.

The results were well worth it! Even though the KOAB team didn’t win any trophies, my husband is now gung-ho on getting a smoker, so stay tuned – you may have some new recipes from me.

In addition to the BBQing fun, the event also featured great musical entertainment, including Kansas City native Sheldon Low, plus a face painting booth and balloon artist for the kids.

Adults and children alike could also participate in pickle or hotdog eating contests, sponsored by the KC Kosher Coop.

In fact, my nine year old won the kids’ hot dog eating contest (one hot dog, as fast as you could eat it). For those who know him, this wasn’t too surprising – the child can EAT! (That’s my bub, with a stuffed mouth – wearing an IDF t-shirt and Royals baseball cap.)

Kuddos to the KC Va’ad, Mendel, Jason and the legions of volunteers who worked so tirelessly to put on such an amazing event. It was AWESOME!

Next year’s Kansas City Kosher BBQ Festival is already in the works, so if you’ve been thinking about a visit to Kansas City – that would be a great time to come!

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