Kielbasa Idol: You Can’t Beat Our Meat!

Everything about this event is sure to conjure up every childhood joke about sausage until one of the 11 butchers competing in this 2nd annual event hits your lips. Then it’s game on in a serious re-match where, at the end of the night, the top sausage kings as determined by the public vote and jury will be crowned the best kielbasa in our region.

For a mere $5, you will have a chance to sample all 11 of the competitors’ entries, which are primarily made up from butchers around the city. This includes returning champions and the Westside people’s choice of 2011 Frank’s Market as well as the jury’s pick, Plumb’s on 4 Mile.

In addition to new entrants like Creston’s Kingma’s and Hudsonville’s Port 72, the big buzz this year is on Duthler’s Family Foods on Bridge Street who are bringing in a family recipe they have been serving for 60 years.

And why all the buzz about kielbasa?

“When you make kielbasa or Polish sausage, unlike smoked or cured meats, you are working with softer casings,” says Kielbasa Idol organizer Ed Sypniewski. “And when it is prepared correctly, it should just melt in your mouth.”

In anticipation of the huge crowds, they have expanded the event to include 1,000 guests. But, even with the expansion, it is wise to arrive early at this growing event.

The contest takes place outside of the Fifth Street Hall where a beer tent from West Side Beer will be erected to help you wash down your meat as you enjoy the music of Signal Point. Inside the hall, which will be open to the public, will be the best chance this side of Pulaski Days to enjoy any one of the many Polish dinners they will be serving up throughout the evening.

Proceeds benefit the programs at Steepletown Neighborhood Services.

Admission: $5