If there is one thing the South is known for, it’s Bar-b-que. When we heard the 5th Annual “Beast Feast” was being held at the Chattanooga Market, we couldn’t get down there fast enough. This year eleven local Bar-B-Que joints competed for the People’s Choice award and the Judges Favorite. For those who have never visited the Chattanooga market, it’s a virtual smorgasbord of local businesses selling everything from organic produce to organic meats, breads, and cheeses, to local art and crafts. I even saw moonshine cakes.
Here’s the sight that met our eyes when we arrived; plump, roasting pig. We quickly found a place in line and purchased our “sample” tickets. For $1 per sample, we were able to taste goodies from all the bar-b-que tents. But they didn’t stop with bar-b-que. We were treated to other southern favorites—cole slaw, potato salad, Brunswick stew and banana pudding. While some businesses served smaller samples, one of my samples was an entire Bar-b-que sandwich and another was a half sandwich served with coleslaw and a pickle. That’s a lot of bang for our buck! I wasn’t able to eat more than a bite or two of each sample and passed them on to one of the kids, none of whom seemed to mind getting an extra share of bar-b-que.
If you are planning a visit to Chattanooga in the future, I highly recommend a stop by the Chattanooga Market to check out the local culture. The next food celebrations will be the Father’s Day Brews and Bluegrass festival on June 16th, with samples available from local breweries, and the Blueberry Festival on June 23rd with all things blueberry and a pie eating contest too!
Each of us had different favorites. My daughter, who prefers the ends of her meat pieces be a little crispy, was a fan of Chatty Town Bar-B-Que and had two helping of Porkers because of their delicious variety of sauces. Her boyfriend was seen chowing down on a huge helping of their banana pudding. For best all around value, Poppy’s had an amazing “slider” (read: entire sandwich) they were selling for only a dollar and their Brunswick stew has my mouth watering for more. I am not sure how we missed the first four annual Beast Feasts, but I know we won’t be missing any in the future!
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That looks like great fun! We’ve visited the Chattanooga area several times and always have a great time. So much to do! Will have to see if we can time a visit around one of the festivals, thanks for the tips!
I would love to see Chattanooga one day. I would have to say that my son would be terrified of that bbq’d pig. Since I LOVE BBQ, I would be definitely trying the food.
Reminds me of our outdoor flea markets. I have to agree with everyone else. I’m all for a Moonshine cake 😉
I’ve been to Chattanooga a few times. It’s an awesome city and this looks like so much fun!
that looks like a FUN way to spend a day! what are moonshine cakes?
Brett, these are cakes made with “moonshine,” a homemade alcohol. Moonshine itself is very strong and has (to me) a horrible taste, but using it to make cake really improves the taste. 🙂
First of all, I want to know what a “Moonshine Cake” is! Second, this looks like a ton of fun – you were able to sample a lot of food for a low price! YUM!
Beeb, a moonshine cake is a cake made with “moonshine”, a homemade alcohol. I believe Tennessee is one of the few states where it is legal to set up your own distillery and make it. It used to be illegal and they set up hidden stills in the woods. And, it tastes pretty nasty plain. lol
Looks like a lot of fun. You just really made me want to go to a fest! Those Moonshine Cakes sounds delicious, too!!!
I’m actually flying to TN this afternoon, so I wonder if we will be able to fit a visit to Chattanooga in there. This looks like fun.
If you are in the area let me know. We can meet up and have lunch or something. 🙂
Ohh I love this… we have something similar here in Florida .. I loved the pic with the pig, that reminded me of Germany, we do this all the time and ohhh the moonshine cakes looked YUMMY or at least sounded delicious … Loved reading it and that there was something for everyone even no pork products… thanks for sharing…