German barbecue masters invite Americans to compete

By USAG Schweinfurt Public Affairs press releaseMarch 14, 2014

German barbecue masters invite Americans to compete
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCHWEINFURT, Germany (March 14, 2014) -- A group of professional barbecue masters and officials from the city here invite members of the American military community to compete in an international barbecue competition Aug. 2 through 3.

Representatives of the German Barbecue Association and the city of Schweinfurt have opened up this year's International German Barbecue Cup to three American teams at the annual competition held at the Willy Sachs stadium near Ledward Barracks.

Event organizers have waived the 300 euro admission fee for American teams. The event comes at no cost, except for the cost of some food items.

"Competitors will cook seven courses, five of which will be ranked by our panel of judges," said Andreas Huberti, president of the GBA, adding that Americans do not necessarily need to compete in all seven.

Of the seven courses, the GBA will provide barbecue competitors with the main ingredients for three, said Huberti, to make the competition fair. Garnishes and side ingredients such as potatoes and vegetables will also be provided.

Courses include bratwurst with side dish, spare ribs with side dish, fish with side dish, vegetarian barbecue with side dish, prime rib with side dish, beef brisket with side and grilled desert. The GBA provides the main ingredients for the spare rib, prime rib and beef brisket courses.

With the garrison here set to close by September 2014, event organizers acknowledged that American competitors may have already shipped their grilling equipment. No worries, said Ebbo Christ, a GBA manager.

"We will provide barbecue grills, grilling equipment and access to power, water and supplies," Christ said. This possibly includes smokers, coal bowls and gas barbecues.

The GBA is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 and is a member of the World Barbecue Association. The group's philosophy is rooted in enjoying and learning about quality food and food preparation. The group holds annual competitions throughout Germany.

This year's event in Schweinfurt will be staged at Willy Sachs stadium across from Ledward Barracks Aug. 2 through 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include fun for the entire family. American Department of Defense cardholders presenting their military IDs will be given a voucher to cover the cost of a meal and beverage.

Winners of the competition receive a certificate, a cup and prize money, according to the event's regulations handbook. The prize money will be published as soon as negotiations with sponsors are finished.

Competition consists of two categories. The professional category includes chefs, caterers and cooks while the amateur category must include no more than two professionals to a team.

To register, interested competitors should contact the U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt Public Affairs Office via email at usarmy.schweinfurt.imcom-europe.mbx.pao@mail.mil with a team name and the names of the eight team members by May 15.

The competition is limited to three teams on a first-come, first-serve basis. Teams can include up to eight members. For details on rules and competition, call 07181-884-9000 or email at christ@gbaev.de.