Kosher Barbecue Competition Comes to the Main Line

Hava NaGrilla Smoke Barbecue Festival will take place Aug. 27.

The Men’s Club of Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El will host the Hava NaGrilla Smoke Barbecue Festival, the mid-Atlantic region’s first kosher barbecue championship, on Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Twenty teams of barbecue aficionados and grill masters will duke it out on the grounds of Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El in Wynnewood, where four Philadelphia celebrity chef judges will assess them based on the Kansas City Barbecue Societys guidelines.

Other chefs you don’t want to miss out on include the “Wandering Que”—the 2016 Brisket King of New York City—and New Orleans native Alon Shaya, who was the James Beard 2015 Winner of “Best Chef of the South”. In addition to an array of barbecued and smoked beef ribs, brisket, chicken thighs, turkey legs, duck and kosher vegetarian options, visitors can partake in a scotch and bourbon tasting or visit the craft beer garden featuring local brews from Conshohocken Brewing Company and Cartesian Brewing.

Listen to the live music and explore the many activities and entertainment provided, including face painting, craft artisans, magicians, mechanical bull riding and Israeli dancing. Learn how to properly clean your grill, cook up specialties or turn your grill into a smoker at one of the many educational booths. Home Depot Kids workshops will also be open for little grillmasters in the making.And for any brave souls feeding off the spirit of competition, there will be a pickle eating contest.

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The festival, held in memory of Walter Hofman, M.D., is meant to kindle community spirit, as well as raise money for the Mitzvah Food Project of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. This food bank serves five food pantries local to the Philadelphia area, feeding those of all backgrounds. Bring a can of kosher food to donate to the Mitzvah Food Project or add your donation when you purchase a ticket. Non-kosher canned food will also be accepted for the Narberth Community Food Bank.

Tickets are $10 for individuals or $20 for the family, and may be purchased at the door with cash.

1001 Remington Road, Wynnewood, (610) 649-5300, www.phillykosherbbq.com.

Our Best of the Main Line Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!