The only vegetarian option was the lettuce. On March 27, hundreds of hungry carnivores descended upon Sephardic Bikur Holim in Seward Park for Seattle NCSY’s 5th Annual Meat Festival and Cook-Off, commonly known as Basarfest. It’s a fundraising event that provides scholarships for NCSYers in need to attend Shabbatons, regional conventions, and other events. Unlike other years, this year’s Basarfest had two different cook-offs: Dalia Amon’s famous meatballs won the general meat category while Yoni Goldstein took the blue ribbon in the chili category. The winners were chosen by popular vote. Each winner walked away with prizes ranging from gallons of Marion Davis barbecue sauce to a Chef’s Dream BBQ utensil package.
The competition was only part of the festivities. Outside, kids played in a bounce house while their parents were inside chowing down on the delicious meal prepared by SBH’s chef extraordinaire, Eli Varon. Dozens of NCSY members and their parents helped out. Another part of the festivities was the presentation of the first annual Carnivore of the Year Award. The award was given to Robert Gladstein, who was “forced” by Ari Hoffman, director of Seattle NCSY, to eat a slab of ribs slathered in Marion Davis barbecue sauce.
This event was a huge success. Everyone who attended left full, happy, and satisfied knowing that they had helped support a great organization. What else could a person ask for? See you there next year!