May the best chef win in East Dundee
Fans of chef challenge shows can check out a competition in person when the village of East Dundee holds a "Pig-Nic Throwdown" Sunday, June 29, at the Farmers Market, 319 N. River Street.
At the event, which is open to the public, Jeff Turner from In The Neighborhood Meet Market and Buzz Doyle from Blues BBQ & Grill will put their culinary expertise to the test. The dueling restaurants will provide great cuisine and entertain the crowd as they try to out-cook each other.
A pig roast, pork loin, brisket and numerous sides will be the menu of the day. The friendly competition will begin at 11 a.m. The winner will be chosen by popular vote.
Water for the Pig-Nic will be provided by D'Angelo Natural Spring Water, which comes from a historic natural spring in East Dundee dating back to 1928.
"We are very excited about our first Pig-Nic," East Dundee marketing director Karen Blair stated in a news release. "We'll have a good mix of the old (D'Angelo) and new (Meet Market & Blues BBQ) East Dundee available for all to enjoy. This farmers market will be unique because we'll have five professional chefs that day, all doing what they love to do. We should start calling it a 'farmers market for foodies.'"
Turner is the owner of In The Neighborhood Meet Market, at 310 N. River St., East Dundee, that offers deli sandwiches, soups and salads named after historic Dundee landmarks. As a local business owner, in East Dundee and Elgin, Turner is very involved in giving back to the communities in which his businesses are located.
"This is just a simple way to get the community together and have some fun," Turner said in a news release. "What better way to welcome a new restaurateur."
Doyle is the co-owner of Blues BBQ and Grill. The restaurant is currently under construction and scheduled to open this summer at 102 N. River St., East Dundee. Blues BBQ fare will include ribs, pulled pork, burgers, Angus beef and "pit meats" smoked and finished on an open pit along with fresh-cut fries.
Doyle is also the co-owner of the newly opened Sweet Pop Fizz Candy Bar, 316 N. River St., East Dundee. Sweet Pop Fizz Candy Bar is a retailer of sweets, popcorn, gifts and adult beverages.
D'Angelo Natural Spring Water is at 9 D'Angelo Road, routes 68 and 72. D'Angelo Natural Spring Water was founded by Anthony D'Angelo, who started serving his spring water at Sunday dinners, deciding to bottle it after it became popular with friends and family. D'Angelo Natural Spring Water is still run by the D'Angelo family.
For details on the event, or on the Farmers Market, which is held on Sundays through the end of October, visit www.eastdundee.net or call (847) 426-2822.