Local Lounge and Grill of Summerland was crowned Similkameen Barbeque King on Saturday night, July 12, at the Grist Mill in Keremeos.
Local Lounge’s offering of a cherry barbeque pulled pork taco, sorrel pickled zucchini, shaved carrot, pork sausage and cherry hot sauce, paired with Seven Stones Winery’ 2009 Pinot Noir was the people’s and media’s choice over eight other creative dishes and wine pairings.
The Grist Mill took second place in the people’s choice award. Chef Natasha Schooten prepared a stuffed pork loin with cherry barbequed pulled pork and zucchini scone with carrot butter. Sage Brush Winery provided their Pinot Noir.
The media award for second place went to Shayna and Shulman, who were paired with Orofino winery.
The Barbeque King event continues to grow in popularity, with this year’s version attracting over 400 guests. Organizers couldn’t have asked for a better night for the event. Clear skies and hot summer weather had people sprawling on the Grist Mill ground’s cool grass as they tasted the delicacies of the evening, drank wine and waited for the evening’s results . In the background the mellow strains of Ajna, headed by Keremeos musician Jonnie Bridgman, could be heard.
“This is just great,” said Grist Mill operator Chris Mathieson. “I’m seeing lots of locals, as well as visitors. There are a number of people from Vancouver as well.” Mathieson said several members of the national media were also attending.
“It’s great to get that kind of exposure for an event like this,” he said.
Other pairings for the evening included Walnut Beach Resort (Robin Ridge), Watermark (Rustic Roots), Miradoro (Eau Vivre), Hillside (Vineglass), Burger 55 (Forbidden Fruit), Delta Grand Okanagan (Clos Du Soliel).