This weekend was the annual Belgium Comes To Cooperstown at Ommegang, and the Beer Sessions Radio team was there to record their Heritage Radio Network podcast (normally live, but these special pre-recorded BCTC broadcasts will run on 8/14 and 8/21).
Among the many beer, food and music options was the “Hop Chef” competition, which pits regional winners against the previous year’s top “Hop Chef.” The challenge? Create the best food pairings with Ommegang ales. This year’s competition saw Blind Tiger Ale House (a Good Beer Seal bar!) Chef Tommy Harder defend his 2011 title against Chef Jaime Ortiz from NY (Mazzone Hospitality), Jeff Eng of Maryland (Clyde’s), and Philly Chef George Sabation (Stateside), who ended up the 2012 winner.
Jimmy Carbone was among the judges for this year’s competition, and we look forward to hearing all about the festival on the upcoming Beer Sessions Radio™ broadcasts.