MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Upper Michigan’s Chapter of the American Culinary Federation held its 2nd annual BBQ showcase event this past weekend. The community had 6 different types of barbecue to enjoy, from vegan ribs to Hawaiian barbecue. Mama Russo’s was also in the showcase, bringing Texas hot sausage to the plate.”It’s a sausage and a roll with some chimichurri and Texas and Argentina, a ton of beef so it made perfect sense to fuse that together and see what we came up with,” commented Mama Russo’s Kitchen Manager Micheal Spray.
The idea behind the event was to open the Marquette community to a bit more food art. Organizer Chris Durely commented that the variety of food can teach the community about trying new flavors. “You think back in our parents, parents, parents days, salt and pepper were a little too spicy right, but, we’re starting to see a huge variety in food trends, switch it up a bit and make it weird,” commented Durely.
“What we have here is I have a plant-based satan riblet topped with a grilled pineapple and onion slaw and avocado and it eats and tastes just like a little rib think like the McRib but like better,” said NMU Executive Chef Alden MacDonald.
When people think of Barbecue, some might say ribs or pulled pork, but the chefs say that it’s all about including even more. “Not only are there vegetarian options but there are meat options that’s kind of our whole thing is we really like to provide unique experiences and switch up what people know is normal,” continued Durely.
“Barbecue for us is kind of like a get-together so it’s all about coming into the community and showing people what we and what fun we can have with different barbecues and foods,” said President of the American Culinary Federation, Derek Estes.
“Sharing food is universal and it’s a great way to connect with people and it’s like you cook it’s all that grandma energy where you just wanna share and feed people and that makes it fun for all of us,” continued Spray.
The American Culinary Federation will be at the Blueberry Festival, serving up its Blueberry Brats. Click here, to find out more details on Marquette’s Blueberry Festival, coming up on July 28th.
