BBQ Festival goes International Horse Town Brew n’ Que Fest co-produced First joint Sanctioned International BBQ Cook-off

Norco’s Horse Town Brew n’ Que Festival has gone international.

NORCO, CA—- Norco resident, Debbie Yopp and Perth, Australia resident, Jason joined forces to present Brew n Que Australia, the first jointly produced International barbeque competition sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. The event held October 5, had professional barbeque chefs from Australia and the United States turn the Ascot Race Course in Perth, Australia into barbeque nirvana in this first-time venture.  Australian teams Big Smoke BBQ took home Grand Champion and Tavoli Customs held down Reserve Grand Champion. with US team, Burnin’ n Lootin’ followed a close third in the overall competition as this unique competition opened new avenues in professional cook offs. 30 barbeque teams from Australia and the United states vied for cash, prizes and most importantly, bragging rights. Big Smoke BBQ will represent the Australia event as they compete in the 2020 Norco Brew n Que Festival. Norco representative, Jerry Aguilar of Burnin’ n Lootin‘ faced some of Australia’s most seasoned smokers to include top rated pit master Lance Rosen‘s of Big Boys BBQ from Melbourne, Rib Racks and Ribs ‘n’ Pigs BBQ from Perth.  The festival highlighted food demonstrations, classes, live entertainment and craft beer tastings from Australia’s top brewers.

The event also hosted a VIP Texas Experience lead by award winning pit master and restaurateur, Bill Dumas from Austin, Texas and United States expat, Joel Romo from Australia’s Gold Coast. Winner of Season One television show Barbeque Pitmaster and Master Chef, Harry Soo, presented his award-winning tips during a sold-out cooking class. Phillip Dell, winner of Food Network’s television show Chopped, lead creative cooking demonstrations that illustrated regional cooking styles which included tips for cooking kangaroo. Also included was a Kids Que for youth under 15 overseen by US pit master, Donna Fong.

Norco organizer and co-producer, Debbie Yopp, saw the event as a means to exchange ideas and develop better barbeque cooking skills. “It was wonderful to see teams exchanging rubs, sauces and cooking techniques with each other. “The event is a true ambassador program. Moreover, they are also developing relationships and gained a better understanding of Americans and our country,” said Yopp. “The Perth and Norco events are now an international showcase and an arena that allows us to learn from each other,” she added.

“The event moved competition barbeque in Australia to another level,” noted Jason Linto, president of BBQ Events Australia and an owner in the company presenting the event. It was exciting joining forces with the Norco barbeque contest to present this event. They are an all-American city. We have so much to share with each other and the unique arena makes this a great opportunity for all,” he added.  “We want to present the best that barbeque has to offer and we were thrilled to bring this experience to Australia,” he added.