Norco Cook-Off to send US BBQ Team to Australia

First joint Sanctioned International BBQ Competition 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— NORCO, CA— Professional barbeque chefs will vie for more than $10,000 in cash, prizes and international bragging rights at the 5th Annual Horse Town Brew n’ Que Festival, June 1, in Norco, CA. The barbeque cook-off is the first joint international barbeque competition sanctioned by the prestigious Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS). Norco’s winning professional team members will fly to Perth, Australia to compete in Brew n’ Que Australia, Norco’s sister cook-off, October 5, 2019. Australian barbeque team, the Rib Racks, will join over 60 teams participating in the Norco contest. The festival plays host to craft beer tastings from the southern California’s most prized brewers: live entertainment: on site classes: a kids cooking class and a kids barbeque competition. 

“We are very excited to join forces with the Norco barbeque contest”, notes Jason Linto, Australia’s organizer and president of BBQ Events Australia. “Norco’s facility is very unique and the festival represents everything that is all American.” Some the country’s best cooks will be there and we want to compete against the best. “I am thrilled to be involved with the Norco event,” he adds. 

Norco organizer, Debbie Yopp, sees the event as a means to exchange ideas and develop barbeque cooking skills. “The festival and the teams competing are barbeque ambassadors but they are also developing relationships,” says Yopp. “This is now an international arena that allows us to learn from each other.” 

Noted chefs Chris Ferrell, executive chef for Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que restaurant, Donna Fong, professional cook and barbeque instructor and television personality, “Bigg Dane” Florence will be on site overseeing a kids cooking class and kids barbeque competition. A vendor marketplace will include food and activities for adults and youth. Both craft beer and barbeque will be available to sample and attendees may cast a vote for their favorite craft beer or barbecue to determine the people’s choice awards. Additionally, a rare California Certified BBQ Judging (CBJ) class is also scheduled. 

Live entertainment includes: Country-Blues stylist, Wumbloozo; toe stomping, the Blue Henrys; local favorite, the Honeylickers and San Francisco Bay’s hot West Coast Caravan of All Stars who add to the festival’s flavor. Special guest artist Lucky Lloyd and the Blues Shockers will perform a special tribute to BB King both in Norco and Australia. 

Festival Hours: Saturday, June 1, 2019 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.: A Certified Table Captain’s and BBQ Judging Class will be held June 2. 2019. Tickets are now on sale and priced as follows: Advance tickets- General admission tickets, $12.00. BBQ Sampler tickets, $40.00, (includes 15 BBQ taste tickets). Beer Sampler Package, $40.00. Children 11 and under are free. For more information visit www.brewnquefestival.com or call (951) 444-1280.