At least that's what Chef/Owner JJ Richert told me when I called him last week. I was calling to verify the name of the upcoming, and obviously very competitive, barbecue throw down taking place on August 12th. The battle between Chef Kevin O'Connell of O'Connell's Hourglass and Chefs JJ and Kevin Richert of Torches is sure to be heated as the grills themselves as each compete for the title of, well, maybe we can call it Kenmore Avenue BBQ Master.
“Blood in the streets,” was uber-barbecuer Richert's reaction, a wry and friendly guy. We talked about the event, the food, and how much fun it would be- the kind of conversation I've come to expect from the very entertaining Richert.
It was a far cry, though no less satisfying, from O'Connell's response to Richert's joke. “Sure it's going to be fun, and people are really going to enjoy themselves. But my main goal is for people to understand what Kenmore Avenue has to offer when it comes to dining. Torches, my place and Sinatra's are all great restaurants. I want to see what happened on Hertel happen here. New restaurants and young chefs on the street have brought a new vibrancy to this area.” And regarding JJ's “blood in the streets” quote? “Losers have to come up with something,” Kevin, a good friend of the Richert boys, joked.
Lucky attendees will find a rollicking event with plenty of beer and a banquet table rife with classic picnic sides like coleslaw. Two stands offering plates of mouthwatering barbecue, will each feature one of the participating restaurant's entries. In order to make it an across the board win, each chef will prepare the same items- chicken, pulled pork and ribs.
Guests will vote for a winner which will be announced towards the end of the night. The winner will receive full bragging rights, while the losers will have to spend an evening up to their elbows in dirty dishes at the winning chef's restaurant.
The event will be held in the large Torches parking lot and the entertainment will be furnished by 12 Pack Jack, an area blue's band.
I'm sure that this competition will provide good food and a good time. O'Connell's recent events like his Clam Bake and Margaritaville party have quickly sold out. Torches has proven to be a busy and popular restaurant since its spring opening. The ticket price is all inclusive, so I suggest that you call and reserve your tickets at Torches or O'Connell's as soon as you can.
Buffalo's Premier BBQ Challenge
Sunday, August 12th, 12 PM – 10 PM
Tickets $32 in advance, $37 at the door
Torches
1141 Kenmore Avenue, Buffalo, 14217
716.447.7915
www.torches1141.com
O'Connell's Hourglass
981 Kenmore Avenue, Buffalo, 14217
716.877.8788
www.oconnellshourglass.com