Having positioned itself over the past three years as one of the most highly anticipated annual culinary and educational events in Texas, The Butcher’s Ball returns to Rockin’ Star Ranch in Brenham, Texas on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. With a mission to showcase the independent farms and ranches in Texas actively engaging in ethical and sustainable production processes, The Butchers Ball strives to make a stronger connection between the producer and the consumer.
For 2019, over 50 chefs, butchers, farmers, ranchers, educators, bartenders and other leaders in the culinary industry will converge for a day of chef tastings, competitions, demonstrations, discussions, entertainment and more. The day’s festivities will not only educate, entertain and feed the public, but also raise money for the Houston-based nonprofit Urban Harvest and their ongoing farmers markets that directly support the local farming and ranching community. Tickets start at $100 and are available at www.butchersball.com.
For Austinites wishing to drive, Rockin’ Star Ranch is approximately one hour and forty five minutes from Central Austin. A shuttle bus will be available that day departing from Mosaic Sound Collective in East Austin off MLK, one block east of Highway 183. Roundtrip cost will be $50 and more information will be sent to ticket buyers within a week of the event.
One of the highlights of The Butcher’s Ball is the Golden Cleaver Competition – a public vote for the “best bite” of the day. Participants in the Golden Cleaver Competition over the past three years were asked to nominate their favorite chefs in Texas that are passionate about supporting their local farm and ranch communities, and who are creating impressive cuisine using their products. The 2019 Golden Cleaver competition will feature 20 chefs from across the state who will utilize proteins and produce sourced exclusively from Texas farms and ranches.
Bramwell Tripp, Loro, Austin
Sarah Heard & Nathan Lemley, Foreign & Domestic, Austin
Callie Speer, Holy Roller, Austin
Cullen Holle, Jax Brenham, Brenham
Justin Manning, C&J Barbecue, College Station
David Uygur, Lucia / Macellaio, Dallas
Peja Krstic, Mot Hai Ba, Dallas
Mark Scott, Convenience West, Marfa
Brandi Key, Alice Blue, Houston
Dawn Burrell, Kulture, Houston
Evelyn Garcia, Decatur Bar & Pop-Up Factory, Houston
Jonny Rhodes, Indigo, Houston
Martin Stayer, Nobie’s, Houston
Monica Pope, Sparrow Cookshop, Houston
Tony Luhrman, El Topo, Houston (2018 Golden Cleaver Champion)
Wade Elkins, James McFarland, Mike Michna, Reveille Barbecue Co., Magnolia
Austin Simmons, TRIS, The Woodlands
Jeff Balfour, Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, San Antonio
Nicola Blaque, The Jerk Shack, San Antonio
Steve McHugh, Cured, San Antonio
In addition to the Golden Cleaver competition, a selection of chefs will be featured in the Open Fire Farm & Ranch Showcase, an opportunity for collaboration with local farms and ranches on unique and spectacular cooking techniques. Chefs participating in the Open Fire Farm & Ranch Showcase include (more to be announced in the coming weeks):
Adam Dorris, Coterie
Erin & Patrick Feges, Feges BBQ
Felix Florez, Black Hill Meats
Ryan Hildebrand, FM Kitchen + Bar
Jennifer Hoffman, Leeland House
Richard Knight, Atlas Diner
Graham Laborde, Killen’s
Dominick Lee, Poitín
Ara Malekian, Harlem Road Texas BBQ
Rebecca Masson, Fluff Bake Bar
Bobby Matos, State of Grace / La Lucha / Superica
EJ Miller, International Smoke
Joseph Quellar, JQ’s Tex-Mex BBQ
Gabe Medina, Click Virtual Food Hall
Jess DeSham Timmons, Cherry Block Craft Butcher + Kitchen
Max Torres, Cake & Bacon
Jeff Weinstock, Cake & Bacon
Johnny Wesley, HTX Nitro Creamery
For 2019, The Butcher’s Ball if offering a VIP ticket, giving patrons access to a specialty VIP Lounge as well as a behind the scenes opportunity to mingle with the chefs.
For the first time in Butcher’s Ball history, we’re offering the opportunity for guests to stay the weekend on Rockin’ Star Ranch and be treated to two days of food, music and drinks, all while enjoying the comforts of Rockin’ Star’s beautiful casitas.
Butcher’s Ball Chef Dinner – $150
An extensive multi-course dinner at Rockin’ Star Ranch on Saturday, Oct. 19 created by over a dozen Butcher’s Ball chefs complete with wine, beer and cocktail pairings and an exclusive afterparty.
Round-Trip Transportation from Houston or Austin to The Butcher’s Ball – $50
Kids Cooking Class with Monica Pope – $40 – An opportunity for your child, age 7-17, to learn from one of Houston’s most well-known chefs! Pope will teach the basics of cooking while also engaging the class to care about where their food comes from. The class will take place during the Butcher’s Ball festivities on Oct. 20.
For tickets and additional information visit www.butchersball.com.
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