By Max Willig:
As the signature event of this year’s Discover Amherst Street Festival XVI (Facebook), which is being held on Saturday June 15th, 2013, the Grant-Amherst Business Association, invites all Black Rock & Riverside pie bakers to enter this year’s competition. This event has been referred to as “possibly the finest pie baking competitions between New York and Chicago” and traditionally has received amazing community support.
This year’s event is being hosted by the always amazing Marti Gorman, a Buffalo celebrity and Buffalo Citybration founder and dynamo, who continues to showcase Buffalo’s assets, highlight opportunities and celebrate successes in order to retain our best and brightest and attract individuals and businesses to our community. In addition to being Buffalo’s best advocate, Marti publishes great books about Buffalo under the name of Buffalo Heritage Unlimited.
Assisting with the event is third generation Black Rocker, Judi Kubiniec, an Attorney whose practice is located on Amherst Street in the heart of downtown Black Rock, and Judi’s daughter, the wonderful Alison Kolaga, granddaughter of the legendary Black Rock Attorney Richard Kubiniec.
The judges for 2013 are being called “The Dream Team” of baking competitions. Rarely has a panel of judges ever been assembled with the experience, credentials, and amazing attitudes they displayed last year. We are so fortunate they have consented to return for this years competition.
The judges include (lead image):
Krista Van Wagner, a western New York native, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) & with her husband is the Owner & Award Winning Chef at Curly’s Grill & Banquet Center located on Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY. Curly’s, a 1935 Southtown’s landmark, is in it’s 3rd generation of ownership.
Jeff Rexinger, featured in the Buffalo News as last junes, “Cook of the Month”. While not formally trained, Jeff is an accomplished Chef & Entertainer. Jeff is the General Sales Manager for Black Rock’s Appliance Associates & Artisan Kitchens. They are members of the Grant-Amherst Business Association and very active in the design & supply of some of the finest Kitchens in Western New York.
Maria Whyte, is a 3 Time Winner of The Best Pie in Black Rock Contest. When not baking, she serves our Community as the Erie County Commissioner of the Department of the Environment & Planning. Prior to that appointment, Maria served the people of Black Rock, with distinction as our 6th District Erie County Legislator.
After the judging, the pies will sold off by the slice with the proceeds going to the Assumption Church Preservation Fund.
This year, all types of pies will be accepted. Through the generosity of Appliance Associates also known as Artisan Kitchen and Baths (learn more here), the event will have a commercial grade refrigeration unit to ensure that the pies remain safe. Entrants will only be able to have one pie judged, but additional pies are welcome as donations to the Church. Pies are due in the front lobby of Assumption Church, 435 Amherst Street between 9 & 9:30 am. Judging begins shortly after and the winners will be announced and prizes awarded at approximately 1 pm, after the events parade.
Everyone has a story about their best pies, but as the saying goes, “You Have to Be In It to Win It…..!!!”. Break out your aprons and rolling pins and let’s make this the most successful Best Pie in Black Rock Contest ever…!!!