An invitational SausageFest was held June 20 at Jsix Restaurant, on the rooftop terrace of LOUNGEsix in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.
Kasey Chapman, head chef at the Coronado Brewing Company, walked away with first place for his “Coconut Curry Pork Sausage.”
“The competition was created to celebrate the first day of summer and to establish bragging rights for ‘Best Sausage in Town,’” said Christian Graves, executive chef and general manager of Jsix.
“We threw out the contest parameters, then just stood back to see how inventive these chefs could be. It was a tremendous event and everyone enjoyed exploring the wild variety of recipes demonstrated by our guest chefs,” said Graves.
Chefs entered their most creative sausage recipe and presented the finished product to the public for judging. Entries ranged from chorizo to bratwurst, and everything in between.
Customers paid $10 each to sample the contest entrees and vote for best sausage. As a bonus, Jsix held a Lost Abbey “Road To Helles” beer release party. There were 300 people in attendance.
Competing in the cook-off was no easy task. Chapman, for example, cooked over an open flame grill, behind curtains, for two and a half hours to meet the needs of the judges. He made 130 sausages.
“It was a challenge for me,” said Chapman. “But it was a really fun event and I enjoyed the opportunity to be involved. It wasn’t about winning, or the prize, but more about the people and the bragging rights. These guys are all really well-known in the chef community and it was an honor to work alongside of them.”
For his efforts, Chapman received a luxurious Iron Chef meat cleaver and the traditional leather butcher’s apron, which he promised to wear proudly.
Chefs represented the Coronado Brewing Company, Jsix, Nine-Ten, Whisknladle, Café Chloe, Farm House Café, Tiger! Tiger!, Blind Lady Ale House, Carnitas’ Snack Shack, Urban Solace, Europa Sausage, Gabardine, Saltbox and The Linkery.
The Coronado Brewing Company is located at 170 Orange Ave. For more information call (619) 435-4452 or visit www.coronadobrewingcompany.com.
Jsix is located at 616 J Street, downtown San Diego. For more information on Jsix, call (619) 531-8744, or visit www.jsixrestaurant.com.
– Joe Ditler
