Game on!
Realisation is starting to set in that the 2020 World Butchers’ Challenge is well in sight, as next week we’ll be hosting representatives from all 16 competing nations in Sacramento, California for the, first ever, Captain’s Run. So what’s in store for the delegation on September 25?
First up, we’ll spend an evening together over a glass of Californian red while our captain’s meet each other, some for the first time with others mates from way back. Whilst our first night on tour will be centered on nothing more than relaxed banter, there’s no rest for the wicked… Our captains will be put straight to work the following day with a packed schedule at the Golden 1 Center. The captains will be hosted on an official VIP tour of the arena space by the insanely talented crew at Golden 1, with full backstage access. Following the tour, our captain’s will head into a workshop with WBC Head Judge, Todd Heller; WBC Head Technical Judge, Trevor Saville and World Champion Butcher Apprentice and Young Butcher Competition Head Judge, Bob Retallick. This is their chance, on behalf of their team, to raise any questions, concerns or suggestions before the rules, judging sheets and structure is finalised. The day will be wrapped with a full WBC council meeting and dinner for everyone on tour at Taylor’s Kitchen, owned and run by Butchers’ of America Team Captain, Danny Johnson and his wife, Kathy. Definitely one to add to the itinerary when you plan your 2020 WBC trip and considering it’s connected to Danny and Kathy’s butcher and deli store, Taylor’s Market – it’s well worth a visit.
After a full day of work and no play (well, maybe a little) we’re going country with it! We’ll be driving out to Richard’s Ranch where we’ll spend the day with Carrie Richards and her family who are raising the beef for the 2020 WBC. You can learn more about the ethos of the farm, Carrie and her family here. After a long bus ride back (we’ve got an epic Spotify playlist in store though – which we’ll be sure to share) the crew are visiting local brewery, Urban Roots. We’ll then be getting our first taste of the Farm-to-Fork festivities as it’s the first evening of the Street Festival - the harvest season’s most anticipated music and food festival held on Sacramento’s Capitol Mall. Renowned American artists will headline the festival’s two-day concert series, and we’ll be treated to more than a mile of local food, regional wines, craft beer and cooking demonstrations.
We’re saving the main event for last though as the World Butchers’ Challenge takeover the Farm-to-Fork Festival stage for four hours on Saturday. During our takeover, we’ll be unveiling the Friedr.Dick Golden Knife Trophy – the first time it’s been displayed, facilitating a Q&A with captains, showcasing demonstrations and our captains will also be involved in judging a Chefs’ Pig Competition – a regular highlight on the festival’s calendar.
I’m not necessarily well known for keeping my emotions in check and am the first to admit it, so once again I’m sitting here writing this blog with an overwhelming feeling of pride. I can’t wait to welcome our captains to Sacramento, a city I’ve completely fallen in love with, and capture many moments along the way that I can share with you, our World Butchers’ Challenge tribe.
If you’re joining us and sharing the news - #WBCCaptainsRun
- Ashley Gray, World Butchers' Challenge