Star City BaconFest 2019 rocked the Capital City in its fifth year on April 7, with well over 600 bacon enthusiasts enjoying gourmet treats served up by leading Lincoln-area restaurants. The event was hosted again this year by the Cornhusker Marriot Hotel.
The annual event, sponsored by the Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) and the Nebraska Restaurant Association (NRA), benefits culinary students in the state and provides over $5,000 in scholarships through the NRA’s Hospitality Education Foundation. Hormel Foods generously sponsors the bacon for the event.
The Nebraska Pork Producers Association continues to be amazed at the excitement and enthusiasm BaconFest generates each year,” NPPA President Tim Chancellor said. “Hats off to our participating chefs. Everything was delicious. Our industry loves this event because not only do we get to showcase bacon, one of our most popular pork products, but we hope it also provides a farm-to-table connection for our urban consumers.”
BaconFest-goers were asked to vote for their favorite treats again this year. Winners were:
First place, Brewsky’s, for its Sweet & Spicy Sliders (seasoned slow-smoked pork injected with apple cider topped with Granny Smith apple coleslaw, diced candied jalapeno bacon and a raspberry bullet bourbon jam); Second place, Hurts Donut, for its Mini Maple Bacon Long John; Third place, Smoking Gun Jerky, for its Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Bacon Jerky, Maple and Cracked Black Pepper Jerky, and Hawaiian Jerky.
Participating vendors included: 9 South Char Grill; Brewsky’s; HiWay Diner; The Single Barrel/Mulberry BBQ; HopCat; McKinney’s Irish Pub;The Eatery; Ashland Country Club; Rodizio Grill; Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill/Fireworks; Hurts Donut; Screamers Dining & Cabaret; Billy’s Restaurant; Smoking Gun Jerky; Hormel; Buzzard Billy’s; LeCupcake; Art & Soul; Papillion LaVista South ProStart; Cornhusker Hotel; Millertime Pub and Grill; and Green Flash.
