Complete Westport Farmers’ Market Chef Demo Lineup Reveal for 2015

Chef Carlos Baez is the man behind The Spread in SoNo. We think he has what it takes to take home Best in Show, how about you?

Westport Farmers’ Market is in full swing after a few weeks in session and it’s only getting better. Between the farmers, vendors, and food trucks, there’s something for every visitor that goes to 50 Imperial Avenue on Thursdays from 10 To 2. And, if you’re there early enough (10:15-11), you’ll get to catch some of the area’s hottest chefs giving their own cooking demos. They’ll be using local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients that you can find right at the market. Not too shabby, especially considering the demo and entrance to WFM is free . . . plus each chef will give you a recipe card.  

Here’s the schedule, people:

Pork in the Park Chef Demos and Event Schedule Released

Cute butts ready to race!

The Kansas City Barbecue Society Competition is back!

Stuart and Kris from That’s Our Que at last year’s Pork in the Park

Jason Maur “Power” Foodie at last year’s chef demos

Umm, Pork

Somehow we’re almost upon the weekend when Mill River Park in Stamford will transform into a swine-lovers paradise with the launch of the 2nd Annual Pork in the Park festival.  Whether you go on Saturday, Sunday, or even head out both days, there are plenty of things planned to not only whet your whistle, but to also satisfy those BBQ and food cravings.  So, let’s dig a little deeper and see all the great things planned for this event.  But first, here are the deets:  entry is $10, $5 for kids, and free for kids 5 and under.  The hours for 7/12 are 11 am – 9 pm and 7/13 from 12-5.

OmNomCT Cooking Demos on Saturday, 7/12

Chef Carlos Baez of The Spread, Norwalk – 1:45

Chef Baez is Executive Chef of award-winning and boisterous The Spread in Norwalk, CT.  He is known for putting his own touch on classic dishes and putting his own stamp on SoNo and CT dining with adventurous and flavorful dishes.

Chefs Pasternack, Cook, and Ostrander to kick off Ridgefield Farmers’ Market Chef Series

When we talked with Chef Forrest Pasternack as he and owner Sal Bagliavio prepared to reopen Bailey’s Backyard, he told us of one of his dreams.  Having grown up in Ridgefield, he missed the Ridgefield Farmers’ Market that had shut down in 2012 and wanted it to reopen.  His wishes came true when it sprung up again this year.  Now Chef Pasternack is able to visit the market whenever he needs to load up on the local goodies that fuel his menu.  

So, given how much he wanted the market to reopen, you could imagine how amazing he felt when he was asked to do two chef demos at the Farmers’ Market this October.  Giving demos with him this October is Chef Wirt Cook of Redding Roadhouse and Chef Scot Ostrander of Mama’s Boy Southern Table & Refuge.    You’ll be able to see Chef Pasternack demo on 10/9 and 10/30, Chef Cook demo on 10/16, and Chef Ostrander demo on 10/23 from 3-5 pm.  The market itself is open from Wednesdays from 2-6 pm, so you’ll definitely want to grab lots of fresh produce and goods from local farms while you’re there.  

Chef and Grillmaster Demos at Pork in the Park Announced!

The three bbq sauces at Bar Q B.B.Q.

Pork in the Park is just around the corner, July 13 (11-8) and 14 (11-6).  Can you smell the BBQ in the air? But, remember were not talking about just BBQ. Were talking food trucks, local restaurants, music, entertainment, family fun, an official KCBS cook off, and some amazing talent at the OmNomCT Chef Demos. Yes, organizer Bob LeRose asked us to put together a cast of some of our favorite chefs, pitmasters, and grillmasters for both days. You’ll definitely want to stop by and check out these great chefs as they grill up some of their favorite food. You’ll have a chance to talk with them, ask about their recipes, and try the food they are making. Here’s the most updated schedule:

Saturday, 7/13

12:15-1         Nick Type and Seth Leifer (co-owners) of Station Eats in Stamford
1-1:45           Gary Brown of Bistro 7 in Wilton
1:45-2:30   Nikki Glekas with mother-in-law Dina Glekas Loukrezis of EOS in Stamford
2:30-3:15   Kris Yeager, hardcore BBQ competitor.  His team, I.Q. BBQ won first place in ribs and desserts last year at Blues, Views, & BBQ and were named Grand Champion, coming in first overall.  This year they are competing at the KCBS event under a new name:  That’s Our Que.

Sunday, 7/14 (We’ll be around, so say hi)

11:30-12:15 Carlo Fuda, Final 10 Competitor from American Baking Competition on CBS, Official 100% paisano, Chef, Baker, Blogger.
12:15-1          Jason Maur Power Foodie, Competitor from Master Chef on FOX, Chef, Blogger
1-3:15            Break
3:15-4           Ryan Cuber of Savory Smoke Catering
4-4:45          Steve Costanzo of Olio in Stamford 

For more info on the Pork in the Park event, check our original post or the official Pork in the Park site.

Pork in the Park

7/13 (11-8 pm) + 7/14 (11-6 pm)

Cost:  $15 for adults, $5 for kids

Mill River Park

Stamford, CT

Smokin’ Hot Fun at 5th Annual Blues, Views, & BBQ Festival – Westport, CT

When we went to our first Blues, Views, & BBQ Festival last year, we had such an awesome time.  Not only did we get to check out some music, some cooking demos, and drink lotsa beer, but we also had the chance to judge in the Kansas City BBQ Society local backyard BBQ competition.  Well, this year seems like it will be even better and we’re judges again!  Check out the 5th Annual Blues, Views, & BBQ Festival from September 1 (11 am – 10 pm) to September 2 (11 am – 8 pm) and get your tickets online.  Pay close attention to the awesome deals such as a family early bird special, student prices, or buying tickets for both days.

Let’s give a breakdown of all the awesome things to expect on the grounds of the Levitt Pavilion and Westport Library: