The rain didn’t stop the hungry attendees from the BBQ Bash yesterday, Sunday, August 21 at the New Haven Open at Yale, sponsored by Niagara Bank — with local chefs grilling outside in the rain, but serving their version of barbecue inside.Union League This event is part of the New Haven Food & Wine Festival.

Some of those tasty goodies included:

  • Oaxaca‘s hanger steak slow-cooked with avocado and maguey leaves, tortillas, pico de gallo and guajillo ancho creme fraiche
  • Union League‘s barbecued duck leg confit and corn croquettes
  • Ibiza‘s beef tenderloin with chimachurri, grilled vegetables with romesco sauce
  • Thali’s 24-hour smoked tandoori lamb, tandoori ghost pepper chicken wings, baby nan bread and beef chili
  • 116 Crown‘s BBQ pork tacos and grilled watermelon bites

The BBQ-inspired food and plentiful libations from Blue Point Brewing Company, Diageo,  E.J. Gallo and Jack Daniels kept attendees satiated. Only the music could have been better: It was good, just several decibels to loud — as the band’s volume was as if they were playing outside, not in a confined space. We all applauded when they took their break – only so that we could hear each other.

Also this week is the Grand Tasting on Wednesday August 24 at 5 – 7:30 pm, presented by Ketel One (Tickets $150, including a box seat) featuring all those who cooked at the BBQ plus more than a dozen more local restaurants offering samples. Those include  Basta Trattoria, Bespoke, L’Orchio, The Cask Republic, Barcelona and Claire’s Corner Copia.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

– bonnie