MEMPHIS, Tenn. — People from across the country and internationally came to the Baron Hirsch Congregation on Sunday, Aug. 25, in East Memphis to celebrate the 33rd annual ASBEE World Kosher BBQ Contest and Festival.
"I've done this for a few years, but some of these guys have been here since probably 25 years," said Alex Evans with Temple Israel Brotherhood.
The World Kosher BBQ contest and festival returns from a four-year hiatus because of the pandemic, and cooks are excited to come back this year stronger than ever.
This carries on a custom of inviting BBQ chefs for a community-focused event by some different organizations and Memphis volunteers. An ABC24 reporter spoke with some native Memphians and around 40 teams competing from parts of North America like New Jersey, Florida and Canada, who all traveled solely for this festival and brought along some specialty dishes.
"We try to barbecue every Sunday," said Jaime Rapps, who traveled from Teaneck, New Jersey. "And today we came down. We did some ribs, we did some wings, we did some brisket, and of course, we got winning beans."
According to Jewish dietary laws, kosher meat refers to meat that has been prepared and slaughtered. Many say that this event means much more than just enjoying barbeque.
"It's so heartwarming, and it means so much to us, and really, it's been an amazing experience — everybody walking by, and it's the great feel of Memphis," said Rabbi Noah Karp with Memphis 'Chewish' Experience. "That's what Memphis is all about."
The winners of Sunday's competition received trophies and a grand championship belt. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will go toward benefitting local charities.