The unmistakable smell of barbecue will waft through the Chattanooga Market today in one of its rare two-day events.
The second annual Beast Feast kicked off Saturday, with five local barbecue vendors offering numerous pork and chicken dishes, slathered in a variety of sauces. The market typically is held on Sundays, but the popularity of the Beast Feast last year led organizers to opt for a second day to meet demand.
“It’s all about the barbecue, all about the meat,” said Melissa Siragusa, Chattanooga Market spokeswoman. “It was really popular last year, so we thought this year, we’ll make it a two-day event, and it’s been great.”
Visitors can sample barbecue from each of the five vendors for $1, and purchase plates at varying prices.
A 70-pound hog roasting on a spit serves as “the beast for the feast,” said Mike Proctor, co-owner of the Chickamauga, Ga., Old Mill General Store.
Mr. Proctor and co-owners Jim Hornady and Monty Daggett cooked the hog for 10 to 11 hours Saturday, showcasing what Mr. Hornady called “a lost art.” Due to Health Department regulations, the meat isn’t sold, but another hog will be on display for market visitors today.
Jade Lockhart, owner of Chattanooga-based Lockhart’s Fire and Smoke catering, said he sets up at the market every Sunday and anticipates large crowds of barbecue-hungry visitors today. The atmosphere Saturday was notably more calm than during last year’s event, he said, attributing it to the event being spread out over two days instead of one.
IF YOU GO* What: The Beast Feast* Where: Chattanooga Market at the First Tennessee Pavilion* When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.* Price: Free admission; $1 barbecue samples; plate prices vary by vendor
“The crowd’s a little light,” he said, “but it’s more pleasurable, because everyone’s not elbow-to-elbow. It’s a little more personal and people are able to ask us questions.”
Visiting from Atlanta, Frances Bannister and her family sampled barbecue from various vendors, relaxing and enjoying a Memorial Day weekend visit to the city. Mrs. Bannister’s husband, Willie, said not only did he enjoy eating the food, but he was happy to relinquish the role of cook for the holiday weekend.
“Anytime I can miss a Memorial Day and not cook, that’s good,” he said. “It’s the first time ever, I think, that I’ve not been on smoker duty myself.”
Owners and managers of Sweeney’s B-B-Q on Broad Street and King Smoke House on Main Street said the event is an opportunity to see regular customers and introduce their food to newcomers.
“It’s about good food that’s made with a lot of love,” said Doris King, a King Smoke House cook.